BMW R35 Medium Military Motorcycle

Specifications

Year: 1937
Manufacturer(s): BMW - Nazi Germany
Production: 20,000
Capabilities: Reconnaissance (RECCE); Utility;

Crew: 1
Length: 6.89 ft (2.1 m)
Width: 2.95 ft (0.9 m)
Height: 3.12 ft (0.95 m)
Weight: 0 tons (150 kg); 331 lb

Power: 1 x 1-cylinder, 4-stroke, 340cc developing 14 horsepower at 4,500rpm.

Speed: 62 mph (100 kph)
Range: 155 miles (250 km)

Operators: Nazi Germany

Once BMW secured its place as a motorcycle supplied to the German Wehrmacht prior to World War 2 (1939-1945), it continued to improve upon a design which began with the R4, this itself based on a civilian model. The R4 of 1932 was followed by the R12 of 1935 and, from this work, came the R35 model. The R35 retained the medium class categorization and was used to succeed the R4 models in the training role - the switch beginning in 1937.

The R35 differed physically from the earlier models in that it showcased telescoping front forks. It retained the hand-shifted nature of its 4-speed transmission. A stamped steel frame was used for ruggedness. Large fenders were seated over the wheels to protect the operator from debris and mud being thrown at his face - however, this continued the BMW issue of the fenders collecting too much mud in them, restricting the effectiveness of the front wheel.

Power was from a 1-cylinder, 4-stroke 340cc engine of 14 horsepower. This drove the vehicle to speeds of 100 kph with a range out to 250 kilometers.

As with other German military motorcycles of the war, the R35 was used operationally in the dispatch role due to its inherent speed and agility when maneuvering cross-country or weaving through traffic. no sidecar was fitted to this model.

Armament

None.

Ammunition:
Not Applicable.

Variants / Models

• R35 - Base Model Designation