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BMW R51/3 (1951-1955) Specs, Performance & Photos

Segment: Clasic
Production years: 1951, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1955

BMW R51/3 1951-1955 4 Photos
BMW R51/3 (1951-1955)BMW R51/3 (1951-1955)BMW R51/3 (1951-1955)BMW R51/3 (1951-1955)

In 1951, at the Amsterdam Motor Show, BMW released two motorcycles that featured a newly developed engine, the 500cc R51/3, and the 600cc R67 models. The chassis featured by the R51/3 model was taken over from its predecessor, and the newly developed engine had the valves controlled by a camshaft.

In the 500cc class, the R51/3 model once enabled BMW to set benchmarks for handling, smooth running, and sportiness. At the Six Day Race in 1951, the model passed the sporting test and proved its endurance qualities.

The 494cc air-cooled four-stroke twin-cylinder boxer engine with an output power of 24 hp at 5,800 rpm, impressed visually with its smooth surfaces and the one-piece valve cover. The 1951 BMW R51/3 tipped the scale at 190 kg (396 lbs) without a sidecar and 320 kg (705 lbs) with an original BMW sidecar. The maximum speed of the model was 135 kph (83 mph).

The model retained the proven design used in 1938 with a telescopic fork on the front and a straight suspension on the rear. The brakes mounted on its wire-spoked wheels consisted of a 200 mm half-hub drum unit front and rear in a reinforced form.

The model found its customer primarily among solo sporty drivers but also proved its long-distance qualities on extended tours on two or three wheels.

As standard features, the bike came with full fenders, a round headlight, a single seat, a rear luggage rack, a dual exhaust system, a blacked-out steel frame, a small taillight, and a center stand.

BMW R51/3 1951-1955

BMW R51/3 494

engine specs
Type:air-cooled, four-stroke, boxer twin cylinder, 2 valves per cylinder
Displacement:494 cm3
Bore X Stroke:2.7x2.7 in OR 69 mm
Compression Ratio:6.4:1
Horsepower:24/5800 KW(hp)/RPM
Torque:0/- lb-ft/RPM OR 0 Nm/RPM
Fuel System:2xBing carburetors
transmission specs
Gearbox:4-speed, manual
Clutch:dry, single plate
Primary Drive:-
Final Drive:shaft
chassis specs
Frame:steel
Front Suspension:telescopic fork
Rear Suspension:coil compression springs and rubber deflection stops
Front Brake:200mm drum
Rear Brake:200mm drum
dimension specs
Overall Length:83.85 in OR 2130 mm
Overall Width:32 in OR 813 mm
Seat Height:-
Wheelbase:55 in OR 1397 mm
Ground Clearance:-
Weight:418 lbs OR 190 kg
Fuel Capacity:4.5 gallons OR 17.0 L
tyres specs
Front:3.5x19
Rear:3.5x19
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