Difference between revisions of "BMW R63"

Development of the [[BMW|BMW]] engine proceeded rapidly throughout the 1920s, with the first 750cc models, the [[BMW R62|BMW R62]] and R63, arriving in 1928. A [[side valve]] tourer, the former employed the same [[long-stroke|long-stroke]] (78mm) built-up crankshaft as the new 486cc R52, while the sporting overhead-valve R63 featured a short-stroke (68mm) crank coupled with a 83mm bore. These new engines incorporated a strengthened gearbox featuring a 'side-throw' kickstart, while the cycle parts were upgraded with a larger front brake. Electric lighting was now standard on all BMW models. A spirited performer on the road, the R63 was also raced by the works alongside its 500cc stablemates and, like the latter, pioneered the factory's use of supercharging. Although a relatively modest 75mph maximum was claimed for the stock R63, it was a modified version that provided BMW with the means of securing its first motorcycle land speed record, when Ernst Henne achieved a maximum of 133.8mph on a 'blown' example in 1929.