OVERVIEW



Procurement of the BMW R61 series motorcycles of the German Army of World War 2 occurred from 1938 until 1941.

ORIGIN: Nazi Germany

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.

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.

NBC PROTECTION: None.

NIGHTVISION: None.

VARIANTS



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.

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.