🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

R12

Model Variant:

R17

Year:

1937

Manual Product Code:

R12-R17-1937-HANDBUCH

👋 Introduction

Purpose:

Aids in restoring and maintaining BMW R12 and R17 motorcycles to 100% condition, saving costs through DIY servicing.

Value Proposition:

Provides essential technical data and procedures for a historically significant and collectible motorcycle model.

Illustrations:

Includes illustrations and diagrams for clarity.

Explanations:

Features step-by-step explanations, making complex tasks understandable.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Service, Maintenance, and Repair

Total Pages:

71

Type:

Workshop Manual / Service Manual

Language:

German

Format:

Physical Book

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Detailed repair and adjustment procedures for the boxer twin engine.

Transmission:

Information on gearbox maintenance and repair.

Frame And Suspension:

Comprehensive coverage of frame structure, wheel assembly, and associated components.

Brakes:

Maintenance and adjustment of braking systems.

Electrical System:

While not explicitly listed, general serviceability implies coverage of basic electrical maintenance.

Routine Maintenance:

Coverage of 'Pflege' (Care) implies lubrication, fluid checks, and general upkeep.

Troubleshooting:

Assistance for 'Instansetzungen' (Repairs/Adjustments) suggests diagnostic guidance.

Component Disassembly Reassembly:

Step-by-step explanations for repair tasks.

Frame Repair:

Guidance on frame straightening or repair if necessary, particularly concerning 'Rahmenaufbau' (Frame Construction).

Wheel Alignment And Truing:

Information related to wheel maintenance and alignment within the 'Räder' (Wheels) section.

Depth:

Detailed technical information, depth illustrations, and step-by-step explanations suitable for users with basic mechanical knowledge.

Diagnostic Capability:

Provides the necessary technical specifications and procedural steps for identifying and rectifying common mechanical faults. The 'Instansetzungen' section implies diagnostic support.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

Physical printed document.

Quality:

Assumed to be of good quality for its era, designed for workshop use.

Binding:

Likely a stapled or saddle-stitched booklet, common for manuals of this page count and era.

Paper:

Likely standard paper, but designed for durability in a workshop environment.

Original Language:

German

Translation Availability:

Not specified, but essential for non-German speakers.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Type:

Air-cooled, horizontally opposed twin-cylinder (Boxer)

Displacement:

745 cc (approx.)

Bore X Stroke:

78 mm x 78 mm (approx.)

Compression Ratio:

Approx. 5.5:1

Horsepower:

20 hp at 3,400 rpm (approx.)

Torque:

Not readily available, but optimized for low-end torque.

Carburetion:

Single Solex or BMW 26/50 carburetor (typical for the era).

System:

Battery and coil ignition with mechanical advance.

Method:

Air-cooled

🔧 Transmission

Type:

4-speed manual transmission

Options:

None typically offered.

Drive:

Shaft drive to rear wheel.

Oil Type:

SAE 30 or SAE 50 straight mineral oil (typical for the period, consult manual for precise specification).

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 2,100 mm (7 ft)

Width:

Approx. 750 mm (2.5 ft) at handlebars

Dry Weight:

Approx. 170 kg (375 lbs)

Wheel Size:

18-inch spoke wheels

Tire Size Front:

3.50-18 (typical)

Tire Size Rear:

3.50-18 (typical)

Bolt Pattern:

N/A (spoked wheels with central hub)

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Safety:

No modern safety ratings exist for this era of vehicle. Emphasis is on rider awareness and basic mechanical integrity.

Braking System:

Drum brakes front and rear.

Frame Construction:

Robust steel frame designed for stability.

💡 Technology Features

System:

N/A - Pre-infotainment era. Focus is on basic mechanical operation.

Features:

N/A - No electronic driver assistance systems.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Engine:

Recommended annually or every 5,000 km (3,000 miles), but often performed more frequently based on usage and conditions for vintage vehicles.

Valve Adjustment:

Check and adjust every 5,000 km (3,000 miles) or as needed, particularly important for performance.

Engine Oil:

SAE 30 or SAE 50 straight mineral oil (refer to manual for exact viscosity based on operating temperature). Avoid modern multi-grade or synthetic oils unless specifically formulated for vintage engines.

Gearbox Oil:

SAE 30 or SAE 50 straight mineral oil (as above).

Final Drive Oil:

SAE 90 hypoid gear oil (refer to manual for exact specification).

Brake Fluid:

N/A (Mechanical drum brakes, no hydraulic fluid required).

Carburetor Wear:

Wear in the carburetor throttle bore and jet wear can lead to poor idling and fuel mixture control.

Shaft Drive Universal Joint:

Wear on the universal joint and splines in the shaft drive can cause vibration and noise.

Valve Seats And Guides:

Wear in valve seats and guides can lead to oil consumption and compression loss.

Electrical Connections:

Corrosion and looseness in wiring connections, especially common in older vehicles.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Motorcycles:

BMW's motorcycle division, established in 1923, has a long history of engineering excellence, particularly with boxer engines and shaft drive.

R12 R17 Development:

The R12 and R17 were introduced in 1935 as advancements over the R11. The R17 was a sportier variant with a higher compression engine and often featured dual carburetors. Both models featured the robust boxer twin and shaft drive, setting a precedent for BMW motorcycles.

Production Period:

1935-1937

Manufacturing Location:

Munich, Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Historical Significance:

The R12 and R17 are significant for their robust engineering, establishing BMW's reputation for reliability and advanced design in the pre-WWII era, and are highly sought after by collectors.

Owner Satisfaction:

As a vintage collectible, owner satisfaction is tied to its historical value and the effort required to maintain it in running condition.