BMW R25/3 (1953-1956) Specs, Performance & Photos

In 1953, BMW launched the second successor to the single-cylinder model R25 under the R25/3 name. When BMW launched the R25/2 in 1951, it got only visual changes, unlike the 1953 R25/3 which was the result of a thorough revision.

Some of the most striking innovations brought upon the bike were the modified fuel tank, the full hub brakes, and the lightweight wheel rims. The model could have been considered the right model at the right time because 1954 was the most successful year for BMW, with sales of up to 30,000 motorcycles.

The engine was also improved with new carburetors and an increased compression ratio. With a 247cc displacement, the air-cooled four-stroke single-cylinder engine had an output power of 13 hp at 5,800 rpm. The 1953 BMW R25/3 featured a four-speed manual transmission which used the power of the engine to launch the bike to a top speed of 119 kph (73 mph), and with the sidecar attached it had a top speed of 88 kph (54 mph).

The welded tubular steel frame featured a telescopic suspension on both the front and back with lightweight wire-spoked wheels that were decelerated by two 160 mm drum brake units.

Standard features that came with the bike included a sprung single seat, a rear luggage rack, wide handlebars, a large headlamp, a small taillight, full fenders, and a center stand.