BMW R2: history, specs, pictures

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BMW R2

Recognizing the need for a less expensive model to compliment its top-of-the-range twins, BMW introduced its first single-cylinder design – the R39 – in 1925. Powered by a 247cc overhead-valve engine, the R39 came with a three-speed gearbox, and featured shaft drive like the larger models. However, by BMW's standards the R39 was not a great success and this first single-cylinder model was discontinued at the end of 1926. However, the Depression years of the early 1930s brought with them the need for an even simpler - and cheaper - model to compete with the lightweight two-strokes mopping up the lucrative up-to-200cc market. BMW responded with another single, the R2, which appeared early in 1931 and sold well despite the difficult trading conditions. The R2's 198cc overhead-valve engine was housed in a pressed-steel frame similar in design to that of the twins, and like its larger brethren the single employed shaft final drive. Various improvements were made over the next few years as the R2 progressed through Series 1 to 5. This R2 was completed on 11th May 1931 and delivered the next day to Greiner, Leipzig. Forming part of Willy Neutkens' collection for over 30 years, this totally original and unrestored machine would make an excellent restoration project.

BMW R2
Manufacturer BMW
Also called R2 Series 1, R2 Series2a, R2 Series 233, R2 Series 2 33, R2 Series 3, R2 Series 4, R2 Series 5
Production 1931 - 1936
Class Classic
Engine single cylinder, four-stroke
Bore / Stroke 63.0mm x 64.0mm
Top speed 59 mph (95 km/h)
Horse Power 7.91 HP (5.9 KW) @ 4500RPM
Fuel system carburettor. amal 18mm
Ignition type battery
Battery 6.7:1
Transmission Gear box: 3-speed

Final Drive: shaft drive (cardan)

Clutch: dry-single plate-cable operated
Suspension Front: cartridge
Rear: rigid
Brakes Front: expanding brake (drum brake)
Rear: expanding brake (drum brake)
Front Tire 2.99-25.00
Rear Tire 2.99-25.00
Wheelbase 51.3 inches (1303 mm)
Dimensions L 76.77 inches (1950 mm)
W 33.46 inches (850 mm)
H 37.4 inches (950 mm)
Seat height 37.4 inches (950 mm)
Weight  (dry), 130.0 kg (wet)
Fuel capacity 2.91 Gallon (11.00 Liters)
Fuel consumption 2.75 litres/100 km (36.4 km/l or 85.53 mpg)
Manuals Service Manual
Tech Specs · Brochures · Reviews · Ads · Videos

The BMW R2 Series 5 was a single cylinder, four-stroke Classic motorcycle produced by BMW between 1931 and 1936. It could reach a top speed of 59 mph (95 km/h). Claimed horsepower was 7.91 HP (5.9 KW) @ 4500 RPM.

Engine

The engine was a air cooled single cylinder, four-stroke. A 63.0mm bore x 64.0mm stroke result in a displacement of just 198.0 cubic centimeters. Fuel was supplied via a overhead valves (ohv).

Drive

The bike has a 3-speed transmission. Power was moderated via the dry-single plate-cable operated.

Chassis

It came with a 2.99-25.00 front tire and a 2.99-25.00 rear tire. Stopping was achieved via expanding brake (drum brake) in the front and a expanding brake (drum brake) in the rear. The front suspension was a cartridge while the rear was equipped with a rigid. The R2 Series 5 was fitted with a 2.91 Gallon (11.00 Liters) fuel tank. The wheelbase was 51.3 inches (1303 mm) long.

1931 - 1936 BMW R2

The R2 was a small bike with a small engine of 200cc, manufactured between 1931 and 1936. The next years, BMW continued manufacturing the small engines, like R4. Similar to the R 2, it has a 398-cc single-cylinder overhead valve engine that can achieve 12bhp of power at 3500rpm. The R 4 had a great success, 15400 units being produced between 1932 and 1938.