OVERVIEW
Procurement of the BMW R61 series motorcycles of the German Army of World War 2 occurred from 1938 until 1941.
Procurement of the BMW R61 series motorcycles of the German Army of World War 2 occurred from 1938 until 1941.
YEAR: 1938
MANUFACTURER(S): BMW - Nazi Germany
PRODUCTION: 4,000
OPERATORS: Nazi Germany
SPECIFICATIONS
Unless otherwise noted the presented statistics below pertain to the BMW R61 model. Common measurements, and their respective conversions, are shown when possible.
Unless otherwise noted the presented statistics below pertain to the BMW R61 model. Common measurements, and their respective conversions, are shown when possible.
CREW: 1
LENGTH: 6.89 feet (2.1 meters)
WIDTH: 3.28 feet (1 meters)
HEIGHT: 3.12 feet (0.95 meters)
WEIGHT: 0 Tons (185 kilograms; 408 pounds)
ENGINE: 1 x 2-cylinder, 4-stroke 597cc engine developing 18 horsepower at 4,800rpm.
SPEED: 71 miles-per-hour (115 kilometers-per-hour)
RANGE: 158 miles (255 kilometers)
ARMAMENT
None.
Ammunition:
None.
None.
Ammunition:
None.
NBC PROTECTION: None.
NIGHTVISION: None.
VARIANTS
Series Model Variants
• R61 - Base Series Designation
Series Model Variants
• R61 - Base Series Designation
HISTORY
Detailing the development and operational history of the BMW R61 Heavy Military Motorcycle. Entry last updated on 9/9/2016. Authored by Staff Writer. Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com.
Detailing the development and operational history of the BMW R61 Heavy Military Motorcycle. Entry last updated on 9/9/2016. Authored by Staff Writer. Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com.
To support the German war effort in World War 2 (1939-1945), the military sought out all viable motorcycle types for military service. The BMW R61 model was one example of a civilian market form being adopted for direct military service in the dispatch role. The R61 saw only limited production - procurement ran from 1938 to 1941 - as they proved quite expensive to manufacture. They were also deemed quite large for agile work. Fewer than 4,000 were built in all.
Power stemmed from a 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, 597cc 18 horsepower engine installed under the 14-liter fuel tank. This provided for roads speeds nearing 115 kmh. The R61 was the first BMW motorcycle to introduce rear suspension for a more comfortable ride.
Power stemmed from a 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, 597cc 18 horsepower engine installed under the 14-liter fuel tank. This provided for roads speeds nearing 115 kmh. The R61 was the first BMW motorcycle to introduce rear suspension for a more comfortable ride.