BMW R 62 (1928-1929) Specs, Performance & Photos

In 1928, the German motorcycle manufacturer BMW released the R62, the first touring motorcycle in the 750cc class, together with the new identical R52 for the 500cc class.

Between 1928 and 1929, the construction period of the R62, BMW manufactured 4355 units and ended the production of the R62. The BMW R11, presented at the end of 1928 took its place.

The R62 and R52 models featured the same engine, chassis, and transmission, but the only difference between them was two camshafts with 10 mm different strokes.

The R62 engine, designated as M 56, was a longitudinally installed two-cylinder boxer four-stroke engine with SV valve control and a 745cc displacement with a generated power output of 18 hp available at 3,400 rpm. The rear spoked wheel was spun by a shaft linked to a three-speed manual transmission. The gearbox was filled with oil for the first time on the R62, unlike grease on the R42.

As for suspension, the 1928 BMW R62 had fitted on the tubular steel frame a front fork with a pulled short swingarm and leaf springs mounted above the fender, and on the rear side, the only thing that provided as much suspension as it could be was the spring mounted under the seat.

Standard features that came with the bike included a rear luggage rack, a large headlight, a drum brake in the front, an external shoe brake on the cardan shaft in the rear, laced wheels, a 12-liter (3.2-gallon) fuel tank, and blacked-out frame.