BMW R17 (1935-1937) Specs, Performance & Photos

In 1935, for the first time at German Automobile Exhibition in Berlin, BMW Motorrad presented the R17 motorcycle with a flat-twin engine and a direct successor to the R11. At the same time was introduced the R12 model which in 1937 ended the production. The R17 was the sportier version of the R12, and both models were manufactured with riveted pressed steel frames.

The BMW R17 and R12 were the first motorcycles manufactured by BMW that featured hydraulically damped telescopic forks.

The BMW R17 featured a pressed steel frame on which a telescopic fork was mounted with a hydraulic damper acting as a front suspension, improving the ride comfort while the rear remained rigid with springs mounted under the seat.

The 1935 BMW R17 was powered by the 736cc two-cylinder boxer engine with a power output of 33 hp and a peak at 5,000 rpm. The model had equipped a four-speed manual transmission linked to a shaft that spun the rear wheel.

With a curb weight of 165 kg (363 lbs), the R17 model reached a top speed of 140 kph (86 mph) and was the sportiest motorcycle on the market at the time, but also with a spicy price tag was the most expensive machine on the market. There were built only 434 units.