Beschreibung
Arguably the most legendary motorcycle of the pre-war era
One of only 7 examples worldwide
BMW Werks GP racing motorcycle
At the end of the 1930s, motorcycle racing was at a technological turning point. At the heart of this development was a German motorcycle that set new standards: the supercharged BMW RS M255. It was lightweight, extremely powerful, and superior to its competitors in many areas. With it, BMW definitively established itself as a major player in international racing.
BMW originally had its roots in aircraft engine manufacturing. After the First World War, the company shifted its focus to motorcycles and embraced technical experimentation early on. The use of a supercharger proved particularly groundbreaking. As early as 1937, the RS M255 demonstrated its potential when Ernst Henne set a world speed record of 280 km/ h, a record that stood for over a decade.
The motorcycle achieved international fame two years later at the Tourist Trophy on the Isle of Man. There, rider Georg Meier achieved a historic victory in the race's top class – a success that until then had been reserved for British riders.
From a technical standpoint, the RS M255 was an exceptional motorcycle. The supercharged boxer engine delivered enormous power for its time, while the extensive use of lightweight materials significantly reduced its weight. Modern valve timing and an advanced chassis ensured precise handling.
No more than 10 examples of this model were ever built, of which only 7 survive today. The remaining machines are highly sought-after collector's items and almost never available on the market. One example is on display at the BMW Museum, and another was auctioned in the US in 2013 for $480, 000.
