1936 BMW Motorcycles

This 1936 BMW R5 is powered by a 494cc opposed twin paired with a foot-shifted four-speed transmission and finished in black with white pinstripes over a matching frame. Equipment includes a sprung solo saddle, a hydraulically-dampened fork, a luggage rack, color-matched rims and hubs, and a fuel tank storage compartment. The bike was acquired by the seller in 2018, reportedly following a refurbishment under previous ownership, and has subsequently been fitted with new carburetors, transmission internals, pistons, and rings in addition to an electronic ignition module. This R5 is offered with removed stock parts and a clean Indiana title in the seller’s name. The fuel tank was refinished in traditional black with white pinstripes and features a locking upper storage compartment, rubber knee bolsters, and BMW roundels. Color-matched components include the fenders, double-cradle frame, fork covers, light housings, and luggage rack. The bike is equipped with a white front number plate, a Pagusa solo saddle, and a hinged rear fender. Wire-spoke wheels feature black rims and hubs and wear period-style Dunlop Gold Seal K70 tires. A conventional hydraulic fork and seat spring comprise the only suspension, while braking is from drums at both ends. The chrome handlebar sits behind a steering damper and is equipped with inverted brake and clutch levers. A single gauge built into the headlight bucket contains a 160-km/h speedometer and a five-digit odometer showing under 100 kilometers (~60 miles), most of which have been ridden under current ownership. Total mileage is unknown. The 494cc opposed twin produced 24 horsepower when new and is paired with a four-speed transmission operated with a foot lever and a hand clutch, the first offered on a BMW motorcycle. Power is sent to the rear wheel via an exposed driveshaft. Work carried out under current ownership is said to have included replacement of the carburetors, pistons, rings, and damaged transmission components in addition to fitting an electronic ignition module. The headstock tag shows numbers 8864 and 8636, which match the numbers stamped on the frame and engine case respectively. Removed powertrain parts can be viewed in the gallery, and a walk-around and start-up video is provided below.