BMW R 62 1929

Make Model	BMW R 62
Year	1928 - 29
Engine	Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, pushrod operated 2 valves per cylinder.
Capacity	745 cc / 45.5 cu in.
Bore x Stroke	78 x 78 mm
Compression Ratio	5.5:1
Cooling System	Air cooled
Induction	1 x Spezial 2 valve ∅24 mm carburetor
Ignition / Starting	Bosch high voltage magneto ignition
Starting	Kick
Clutch	Single plate, dry
Max Power	13.4 kW / 18 hp @ 3400 rpm
Transmission / Drive	3 Speed
Gear Ratio	1st 2.83 / 2nd 1.55 / 3rd 1.08:1
Frame	Twin loop steel tubular frame
Front Suspension	Plate spring, 6 laminae
Rear Suspension	Rigid, spring loaded saddle
Front Brakes	∅200mm Drum
Rear Brakes	External shoe brake at the gearing on Cardan shaft
Front Tyre	26 x 3.5" or 19 x 3.0" or 27 x 2.75" or 21 x 2.5"
Rear Tyre	26 x 3.5" or 19 x 3.0" or 27 x 2.75" or 21 x 2.5"
Wet-Weight	155 kg / 351 lb
Fuel Capacity	12.5 liters / 3.3 US gal

The R62 was released by BMW in 1928 and sold it for just two years, it was the marque’s top of the line motorcycle at the time and each sold for 1,650 Reichsmarks – the equivalent of one year’s salary for the average German. As a result of the model’s impressive 70 mph top speed, a lightning pace in the late 1920s, and its exclusivity resulting from its hefty price tag, only 4,355 were made.

Many of those who ordered a showroom new R62 were doctors, businessmen, and others from the upper echelons of German society. The fact that the model would hit speeds in excess of 110 km/h made it one of the quickest production road going motorcycles in the country at the time, and BMWs famous engineering acumen meant that their bikes had already acquired a well earned reputation for reliability.

In order to minimize costs and production expenses BMW used a system they called “Baukastensystem”, which literally translates to “modular system”. Under the Baukastensystem, BMW used the same twin loop tubular steel frame, engine and gearbox castings, front suspension, fenders, and other ancillaries as the less expensive 500cc BMW R52.

The R62 different from its smaller sibling with a new crankshaft, new barrels, cylinder heads, and pistons – giving it a swept capacity of 745cc and 18 hp. The front suspension consists of a 6 leaf spring, and the rear suspension is handled by the tire sidewall, with a pair of coil springs under the saddle to compensate for those pot holes that come out of nowhere.

From an industrial design perspective the R62 is an excellent example of the German “Bauhaus” design philosophy that encompassed modernist industrial design that incorporated elements of architecture, art, and sculpture.

In some respects the R62 was overshadowed by its predecessor the BMW R11 – a motorcycle that looked quite similar to the R62 but features a pressed steel frame. Both models were fitted with the same horizontally opposed engine, 3-speed transmission, and shaft drive – the main differences being the chassis and more curvaceous fenders and fuel tank.