Not applicable to modern safety rating standards. Focus on mechanical integrity and rider control.
Active Features
Braking System:
Drum brakes front and rear.
Passive Features
Lighting:
Headlight, taillight, often with a brake light function activated by rear brake pedal.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Features:
N/A (no infotainment systems in the modern sense). Focus is on functional instrumentation.
Driver Assistance
Features:
N/A. Rider awareness and mechanical skill are the primary 'assistance'.
Connectivity
Features:
N/A. Mechanical connectivity only.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Historically every 2,000-3,000 km (refer to specific model documentation for exact intervals).
Valve Adjustment Interval:
Recommended periodically, especially before long tours or after significant mileage. Exact interval depends on usage. Typically checked every 5,000-10,000 km.
Gearbox Oil Change:
Recommended annually or every 5,000-10,000 km.
Shaft Drive Maintenance:
Regularly check and replenish lubricant in the final drive. Typically every oil change.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 40 or SAE 50 monograde oil (historically). Modern equivalents would be high-quality motorcycle-specific oil.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 1.5 - 1.75 liters (varies by model, refer to manual).
Gearbox Oil Type:
EP (Extreme Pressure) gear oil, SAE 80W/90.
Final Drive Oil Type:
EP (Extreme Pressure) gear oil, SAE 80W/90.
Known Issues
Crankshaft Bearings:
Potential wear on crankshaft main bearings over time, especially with high mileage or infrequent maintenance.
Carburetor Wear:
Wear in the throttle slides and barrels of older Bing carburetors can lead to poor idling and fuel mixture control.
Shaft Drive U Joint:
Wear or damage to the universal joint in the shaft drive system.
Magneto Coil Failure:
Aging ignition coils within the magneto can fail, leading to no spark.
Oil Leaks:
Common with older motorcycles due to aging seals and gaskets.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Founding:
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW) founded in 1916, initially focused on aircraft engines.
Motorcycle Start:
Began motorcycle production in 1923 with the R32, establishing the boxer engine and shaft drive configuration.
Model Evolution
R51 Introduction:
Introduced in 1938, a sportier iteration than its predecessors.
R51 2 Introduction:
An updated version of the R51, produced post-war until 1950.
R61 Introduction:
A touring model with a larger engine, introduced in 1938.
R66 Introduction:
BMW's first 600cc production motorcycle, launched in 1938, positioned as a high-performance sport model.
R71 Introduction:
A more robust and utilitarian model, introduced in 1938. Notably, it was the basis for the Soviet IMZ M-72 motorcycle.
Production
Wartime Impact:
Production of civilian models was significantly curtailed during WWII, with many motorcycles requisitioned for military use. Some models like the R71 were adapted for military purposes.
Post War Production:
Resumed after WWII, with models like the R51/2 continuing production.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Historical Accolades:
While specific awards are unlikely for parts catalogs, these models were recognized for their engineering, durability, and performance in their time, contributing to BMW's strong reputation.