The BMW R35 series military motorcycles of Nazi Germany succeeded the R4 models - particularly in the training role.
Authored By: Staff Writer | Last Edited:
11/7/2016
1/1
Credit: Image from the Public Domain.
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.
Specifications
Year: 1937
Crew 1
Manufacturing BMW - Nazi Germany
Production 20,000 Units
Nazi Germany
- Reconnaissance (RECCE)
- Utility
Length:
6.89 ft (2.1 m)
Width/Span:
2.95 ft (0.9 m)
Height:
3.12 ft (0.95 m)
Weight:
0 tons (150 kg; 331 lb)
(Showcased structural values pertain to the BMW R35 production model)
1 x 1-cylinder, 4-stroke, 340cc developing 14 horsepower at 4,500rpm.
(Showcased powerplant information pertains to the BMW R35 production model)
Maximum Speed:
62 mph (100 kph)
Maximum Range:
155 miles (250 km)
(Showcased performance values pertain to the BMW R35 production model; Compare this entry against any other in our database)
None.
Ammunition: Not Applicable.
(Showcased armament details pertain to the BMW R35 production model)
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Nazi Germany
