Segment: Clasic
Production years: 1931, 1932, 1933, 1934, 1935, 1936
In 1931, BMW released the R2 model, the smallest single-cylinder motorcycle ever built by BMW that entered production with a 198cc overhead valve engine.
Despite its smaller design and engine, the R2 borrowed many features from the larger boxer motorcycles in the range, such as the cardan shaft drive and pressed steel duplex frame. During the 1930s, the R2 was the smallest motorcycle in the range, with bigger brothers such as the R3 with a 305cc engine and the R4 with a 400cc engine.
The 198cc single-cylinder engine fitted on the R2 had a power output of six hp with a peak at 3,500 rpm. With a curb weight of 130 kg (352 lbs), the R2 had a top speed of 95 kph (59 mph).
BMW wanted to expand its range by making a motorcycle available to riders that didn’t have a license. At that time, the license was not required for motorcycles with engines under 200cc. This led to the introduction of the R2 in the form of series 1, which had a one-year production run in which were sold 4,161 units.
The 1931 BMW R2 featured the newly designed double-loop pressed steel frame that packed a fork with leaf springs as a front suspension and a rigid suspension on the rear with the wheel mounted directly to the frame.
engine specs | Type: | 1 cylinder | Displacement: | 198 cm3 | Bore X Stroke: | 2.48x2.51 in OR 63 mm | Compression Ratio: | - | Horsepower: | 6/3500 KW(hp)/RPM | Torque: | - | Fuel System: | Carburetor |
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transmission specs | Gearbox: | 3 speeds | Clutch: | Single plate dry clutch | Primary Drive: | - | Final Drive: | - |
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chassis specs | Frame: | Pressed steel duplex frame | Front Suspension: | Cantilever spring, 9 laminae | Rear Suspension: | Rigid | Front Brake: | Drum brake 180 mm/7.08 in diameter | Rear Brake: | Drum brake 180 mm/7.08 in diameter |
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dimension specs | Overall Length: | 76.77 in OR 1950 mm | Overall Width: | 33.46 in OR 850 mm | Seat Height: | 37.4 in OR 950 mm | Wheelbase: | 51.96 in OR 1320 mm | Ground Clearance: | - | Weight: | 286 lbs OR 130 kg | Fuel Capacity: | 2.41 gallons OR 9.1 L |
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tyres specs | Front: | 25x3 | Rear: | 25x3 |
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