BMW R51/2 1950 500cc OHV

Frame number: 519813       Engine number: 519813

Year: 1950                         Cylinder capacity: 500 cc

Documents: swedish old road registration

Original Type plate as engine and frame numbers original and matching

First postwar boxer engine motorcycle produced by BMW after World War II. Five thousand were manufactured from 1950 into 1951.

When the production of civilian motorcycles restarted after the war years, no machine emerged in its post-war guise with higher goodwill based on earlier products than the BMW R51/2. The pre-war production machines had earned praise throughout the world, and BMW had won the 1939 Senior T.T.with a speed record that still holds.
 

The machine is basically similar to the R51 of 1939, but it incorporates a few modifications, the most interesting of which is the redesigned cylinder heads. The pre-war 500cc was marketed as a sports model, but no such claim is made for the current machine; indeed, it has a general appearance which suggests a touring roadster of demure performance. Therein lies one of its attractions, because while the BMW R51/2 is well-mannered and pleasurable to ride at medium speeds, it has a top-end performance that puts it in the sports category and encourages the appellation.

The BMW R51/2 had a hand shift as well as a foot shift. It is easily recognized by the split valve covers. The power unit is of attractively neat design and is beautifully finished.

This example has a very long history, is beautifully restored and runs healthy.