BMW R2 (1931-1936) Specs, Performance & Photos

In 1931, the German motorcycle manufacturer launched the BMW R2 model, the smallest single-cylinder motorcycle built by BMW that entered production with a 198cc overhead valve engine.

Although it was small in design and engine, the BMW R2 borrowed many features from the larger boxer motorcycles in the range, such as the shaft drive and pressed steel duplex frame. During the 1930s, the smaller R2 motorcycle had bigger brothers, such as the BMW R3, powered by a 305cc engine, and the BMW R4, driven by a 400cc engine.

The 198cc single-cylinder engine fitted on the R2 delivered six hp with maximum strength at 3,500 rpm, but thanks to its 130 kg (352 lbs) low weight, the 1931 BMW R2 had a top speed of 95 kph (59 mph).

BMW wanted to expand its range by making a motorcycle available to riders without licenses. At that time, the permit was not required for motorcycles with engines under 200cc. This led to the introduction of the R2 in the form of series 1, which had a one-year production run in which 4,161 units were sold.

The 1931 BMW R2 featured the newly designed double-loop pressed steel frame that packed a fork with leaf springs as a front suspension and a rigid suspension on the rear with the wheel mounted directly to the frame.