BMW Motorcycles Bmw R71 1938
An important development in the history of BMW’s long running flat twin models occurred in 1936 with the introduction of a welded, tubular steel frame on the R5 model, replacing the pressed steel chassis.
The R5’s 500cc OHV engine likewise was new and the following year a 600cc sidevalve derivative was introduced on the R6, a touring model intended for sidecar duty.
In 1938 the R5 and R6 were updated gaining telescopic front forks and a plunger rear end to become the R51 and R61, while the range was further extended by the introduction of a bored out to 750cc version of the latter – the R71 .
The R71 engine only produces a modest 22 bhp but its biggest virtue is its exceptional flexibility which is just what its intended market required. Approximately 1,800 R71s had been made by the time production ceased in 1941. Post war the design was revived in the USSR as an Ural.
This 750cc side valve R71 was purchased from a Bonhams German auction of The Willy Neutkens Collection of BMW motorcycles in 2009.