BMW R2

The BMW R2 was a 198 cc overhead valve single-cylinder motorcycle produced by BMW between 1931 and 1936, the smallest motorcycle ever to enter series production with the firm (In 1948, a 125cc 2 stroke flat twin, designated R10, was developed but did not enter production). Despite its much smaller design and engine capacity, the R2 retained many features of the larger boxer twin motorcycles in the range, such as cardan shaft drive and a pressed-steel duplex frame. The R2 was the smallest in the range of singles produced during the 1930s by BMW, with its big brothers being the 305 cc R3 and the 400 cc R4.

BMW R2
ManufacturerBMW Motorrad
Production1931–1936
SuccessorBMW R42, BMW R47
Classstandard
Engine198 cc OHV 4-stroke vertical single-cylinder
Bore / stroke63 mm × 64 mm (2.48 in × 2.52 in)
Top speed95 km/h (59 mph)
Power6 hp (4.5 kW) (later 8 hp (6.0 kW)) @ 3,500 rpm
Transmission3-speed manual
SuspensionFront: One cantilever spring
Rear: none
BrakesFront: drum
Rear: drum
Tires25 x 3 front and rear
Wheelbase1,320 mm (52 in)
DimensionsL: 1,950 mm (77 in)
W: 850 mm (33 in)
H: 950 mm (37 in)
Weight122 kg (269 lb) (wet)
Fuel capacity11 L (2.4 imp gal; 2.9 US gal)

Background

In 1925, BMW introduced the 247 cc R39,[1][2] their first single-cylinder motorcycle. The R39 did not sell well and was discontinued in 1927.[2]

Following the collapse of the Weimar Republic economy during the Wall Street Crash of 1929, BMW's premier large capacity, expensive motorcycle range was hard hit, with fewer customers able to afford their premium purchase costs. BMW therefore felt the need to introduce a smaller bike into their range, which offered both cheaper purchase costs and less expensive running costs. The firm also wished to expand their range by making a bike available to riders without a motorcycle licence, which was not required for bikes under 200 cc.[3] This led to the R2's introduction in 1931 in the form of the Series 1, of which 4,161 units were sold during its one-year production run until the introduction of the improved Series 2A the following year.[4] It was known as the "people's bike",[5][6] and was priced at 975 RM,[4] compared to 1,750 RM for the 750 cc flat-twin R11 Series 2 of the same year.

Models

In all models, the 198 cc overhead valve four-stroke engine was mounted in a pressed-steel frame.[5] It featured both sump oil and forced-feed lubrication provided by a geared oil pump, was coupled through a single-plate dry clutch to a three-speed gearbox,[4] giving a top speed of 95 km/h (59 mph).[4] It also used drum brakes, like the larger twin of the BMW range. Power output was rated at 6 hp (4.5 kW), until the introduction of the British Amal carburetor, boosting the power output to 8 hp (6.0 kW). The coil electrical ignition system and the generator were supplied by Bosch.[4] The engine was offset toward the right of the frame, to allow it to drive the rear wheel directly when in top gear.[6]

Variants

Series 1 (1931): the only model to feature exposed valve springs on the top of the finned cylinder head

Series 2A (1932): the previously exposed valve springs were covered

Series 2/33 (1933): the option of the British Amal (as opposed to the German Sum) carburetor was offered (around 80 units were sold with this specification) and (from June 1933) a friction damper was introduced for improved steering control whilst riding

Series 3 (1934): the Sum carburetor was withdrawn as an option, replaced by the British Amal, which increased the power output from 6 to 8 hp

Series 4 (1935): smaller tank and modified headlight

Series 5 (1936): changed ratio of the shaft drive and wider rear fender with license plate holder

See also

References
  1. "BMW R39 data". BMW Motorrad. Archived from the original on January 18, 2013. Retrieved 23 July 2012.
  2. Gantriis, Peter; Von Wartenberg, Henry (2008). The Art of BMW: 85 Years of Motorcycling Excellence. MotorBooks International. p. 11. ISBN 9780760333150. The R39 was introduced in 1925, but was discontinued in 1927 due to slow sales.
  3. Gantriis, Peter; Von Wartenberg, Henry (2008). The Art of BMW: 85 Years of Motorcycling Excellence. MotorBooks International. p. 58. ISBN 9780760333150.
  4. "BMW R2 Series 1" (PDF). BMW Motorrad. Retrieved 3 July 2012.
  5. De Cet, Micro (2003). The Illustrated Directory of Motorcycles. MotorBooks International. pp. 61, 64. ISBN 9780760314173.
  6. Wilson, Hugo (1995). "The A-Z of Motorcycles". The Encyclopedia of the Motorcycle. Dorling Kindersley. p. 28. ISBN 0-7513-0206-6.
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