BMW R6 (1937-1938) Specs, Performance & Photos

In 1937, one year after the R5 launch, BMW included in their range the R6 model, the first motorcycle with a 600cc engine. The R6 model kept the tubular frame, the gearbox with the newly operated gear shift, the tank-integrated toolbox, and the two-color painted wheel rims from the BMW R5.

The new engine of the R6 was designed as a torquey long-stroke engine and was a perfect fit for the popular sidecar combination at the time. The R6 engine came from the manufacturing plant fitted with a central air filter mounted on the gearbox housing.

Even though the rear wheel lacked suspension, the revolutionary telescopic fork combined with the light frame, guaranteed excellent riding characteristics in solo use.

The newly developed 600cc air-cooled engine had a power output of 18 hp, peak at 4,500 rpm, and was jointed with a four-speed foot-operated manual gearbox. The BMW R6 had a curb weight of 175 kg (385 lbs) and a top speed of 125 kph (77 mph).

A great feature of the bike was the foot brake which no longer had to be operated with the heel but with the tip of the foot.

The deceleration power of the R6 was handled by two 200 mm drum units mounted on both front and rear wire-spoked wheels.

Due to the rear suspension introduced in 1938, the R6 had just one year of production and was replaced by the R61 model.