BMW R24 (1948-1950) Specs, Performance & Photos

After the war ended, BMW restarted motorcycle production in 1948 with the introduction of the BMW R24. Unfortunately for the maker, there were no drawings available for the model, so they had to dismantle an R23 model, which was the base for the R24, and precisely measure all its components.

In the summer of 1947, the drawings were ready, and in 1948 at the Geneva Motor Show, BMW launched the R24. The model seemed to be a successful model right from the start, which received in response to its presentation over 2,500 pre-orders.

In 1949 there were more than 9,000 units sold, which played a significant role in the reborn of the BMW brand.

Like its predecessor, the 1948 BMW R24 had a bolted tubular steel frame, a revised engine that delivered two horsepower more than the R23, and for the first time, a single-cylinder BMW motorcycle had a four-speed transmission.

The single-cylinder 247cc air-cooled four-stroke engine that powered the R24 had an output power of 12 hp at 5,600 rpm. Weighing 130 kg (286 lbs) the bike reached a top speed of 95 kph (58 mph).

Also, the bike featured a double steel bolted tub frame with a telescopic front fork suspension and a rigid rear and wire-spoked wheels that featured a 160 mm drum brake unit on both front and back.

This agile machine also came with a sprung single-seat, full fenders, wide handlebars, a round headlamp, a small tail lamp, and a center stand.