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BMW R50 Specifications

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Start of Production

1955

BMW R50

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End of Production

1960

Numbers Produced

13,510

Price

3,050 DM

Engine

 

Internal Designation

252/2

Motor Type

Four-stroke two cylinder flat twin

Bore x Stroke

68 x 68 mm (2.67 x 2.67 in)

Displacement

494 cc

Max Power

26 hp at 5,800 rpm

Compression Ratio

6.8 : 1

Valves

OHV

Carburation System

2 x carburettor, Bing 1/24/45 - 1/24/46

Engine Lubricating System

Forced feed lubrication

Oil Pump

Gear pump

Power Transmission

 

Clutch

Single plate saucer spring, dry

Number of Gears

4

Shifting

Foot shifting

Gearbox Ratios

5.33 / 3.02 / 2.04 / 1.54

Rear Wheel Ratio

1 : 3.18 (1 : 4.25 or 1 : 4.33 with sidecar)

Bevel/Crownwheel

11 / 35 teeth (8 / 34 or 6 / 26 with sidecar)

Electrical System

 

Ignition System

Magneto ignition

Generator

Noris L 60/6/1500 L

Spark Plugs

Bosch W 240 T1

Chassis

 

Designation

R245/1

Frame

Double loop steel tubular frame

Front wheel suspension

Long swing arm with suspension units and oil pressure shock absorbers

Rear wheel suspension

Long swing arm with suspension units and oil pressure shock absorbers

Wheel rims

Deep bed 3 x 18

Tyres, Front

3.5 x 18

Tyres, Rear

3.50 S (4 x 18 S with sidecar)

Brakes, Front

Drum brake 200 mm / 7.87 in diameter duplex full hub

Brakes, Rear

Drum brake 200 mm / 7.87 in diameter simplex full hub

Dimensions/Weights

 

Length x Width x Height

2125 x 660 x 980 mm (83.66 x 25.9838.58 in)

Wheel Base

1415 mm / 55.7 in With Sidecar: 1448mm / 57in

Fuel Tank Capacity

17 litres / 3.73 gal / 4.49 gal US

Unladen Weight with Full Tank

195 Kg / 429 lb (320 Kg / 704 lb with original sidecar)

Idle/Riding Noise

81/82 DIN phon (from Dec 1955: 82/76 phon)

Load Rating

360 Kg / 792 lb (with original sidecar, 600 Kg / 1321 lb)

Fuel Consumption

Approx. 4.1 litres per 100Km / 68 mpg / 57 mpg US

Oil Consumption

Approx. 0.5 - 1 litre per 1,000 Km

Top Speed

140 Kph / 87 mph (with original sidecar, 100 Kph / 62 mpg US)