For Sale: 1954 BMW R51/3 Motorcycle
VIN: 538686
Bike overview:
Very complete project bike ready for display or full restoration. Nearly all of the correct original hard to find parts. This particular bike Hibernated for the last 35 years after getting a flat tire and has sat ever since.
494cc opposed twin with four-speed transmission, exposed drive shaft, and 3.5-gallon fuel tank.
Last year of production for the line of R51/3’s equipped with the most desirable options :Weinmann rims, rare late model full hubs, better brakes, and an integrated brake light. These are all factory upgrades occurring in 1954 only make this particular bike a notable piece of BMW history!
Triple matching numbers (frame, VIN tag, and engine) along with a Clean Michigan title
General History:
In February 1951 BMW unveiled at the Amsterdam Show two motorcycle models, with new engines: the 500-cc R 51/3 and the 600-cc R 67. In contrast to the first post-war flat twin with its two chain-driven camshafts, there was now a single central camshaft driven by gearwheels from the crankshaft. The engines were handsome designs with smooth surfaces and one-piece valve covers. Placing the magneto and the generator behind the front cover made the engines more compact. The new Noris magneto ignition with automatic advance and retard enabled the engine to run particularly smoothly. The frame retained the familiar suspension designs dating from 1938, with a telescopic fork at the front and plungers at the rear. The half-width 200-mm diameter brake hubs also came from the earlier models, but were later upgraded to full hubs.
In their first test reports, the motorcycling press praised the results achieved by BMW's engineers, particularly the smoothness of the engines and the bikes' excellent handling. When entered for the Six Day Trial in 1951, the bikes came through this first sporting challenge with flying colors. In 1952 the leading and trailing shoe brake was replaced by a two leading-shoe pattern, and from 1953 on rubber gaiters were fitted to the telescopic forms in place of the previous metal protective sleeves. The most important innovations for the 1954 model year were full-width hub brakes and new light-alloy wheel rims instead of the previous steel ones with their two-colour paint finish. The fishtail silencers were also replaced by a less complex cigar-shaped pattern. Whereas the R 67 was conceived with sidecar enthusiasts in mind, the R 51/3 was aimed primarily at the sporting solo rider, though it also proved its worth on more lengthy tours and with a sidecar.
Offered at: $12,950 USD
For further information on this machine, please contact Colin@kickstartrestorations.com.
For Sale:
1954 BMW R51/3