BMW R20 (1938-1940) Specs, Performance & Photos

In 1937, BMW released the R20, a replacement for the R2 and the first motorcycle that used a bolted tubular steel frame. Like the R2, the new R20 model was designed for a series with an up to 200cc class which didn’t require a motorcycle license at the time.

Unfortunately, the BMW R20 did not have a long life in the BMW range due to 1938 licensing regulations changes which required a license for motorcycles with displacements up to 250cc.

On the front suspension, the leaf spring was replaced by a telescopic fork, while the rear remained rigid. The toolbox was placed in a container on the top of the tank, unlike the R2 which was housed in a separate box behind the battery.

The newly developed 192cc air-cooled four-stroke single-cylinder engine had the same output as the R2, with 8 hp available at 5,400 rpm, but was a little more revving due to the 60 mm bore and 68 mm stroke as a clear long-stroke engine.

Also, the 1937 BMW R20 had the same weight as the R2, with a curb weight of 130 kg (286 lbs) and a top speed of 95 kph (58 mph).

The deceleration power of the bike was due to a 160 mm front drum brake and a 180 mm rear drum brake.

The bike came with standard features such as wire-spoked wheels, a rear luggage rack, a round headlamp, a sprung seat, and full fenders.