Description
National Motorcycle Museum | Solihull, West Midlands
Viewing: Tues 21st July from 1pm
Auction: Wed 22th July from 10am
Location: National Motorcycle Museum, Coventry Road, Bickenhill, Solihull B92 0EJ
Registration No: UAS 463Frame No: P18148MOT: Exempt
Offered from long term ownership and restored to a very high standard
A rare first year model with exposed valves
Supplied with a current V5C and BMW dating letter
An outstanding example of the increasingly scarce Series 1 R2
Recognising the demand for a more affordable motorcycle to complement its premium twin-cylinder range, BMW introduced its first single-cylinder model, the R39, in 1925. Although innovative, the R39 enjoyed only limited success, prompting BMW to revisit the concept during the economic hardships of the early 1930s. The result was the BMW R2. Launched as BMW’s strategic lifeline during the depths of the Great Depression, the R2 was engineered to exploit a unique German tax and licence exemption for sub-200cc vehicles. It holds the legendary distinction of being the smallest capacity motorcycle ever to enter production in BMW’s storied history. Unlike its cheap, two-stroke competitors of the era, the R2 was built to BMW’s uncompromising premium standards. It boasts a 198cc overhead-valve single-cylinder engine, a sophisticated shaft-drive, and a rugged pressed-steel duplex frame.
Imported from Belgium in 2000, UAS 463 is understood to have spent part of its life on display in a museum before arriving in the UK. As a coveted “Series 1” model, this first-year example is easily distinguished by its exposed valve springs; a mechanical signature unique to the 1931 production run. Already in good condition on import, it was acquired by the current vendor in 2003 and subsequently treated to a comprehensive mechanical overhaul and part restoration. The work carried out included replacement valve guides, a full overhaul of the shaft-drive assembly and throttle worm-drive mechanism, the fitment of a new clutch, and servicing of the braking system. Following completion of these works, the machine was running and riding well, although in more recent years it has been displayed as an art piece in the vendor’s office. Having been on static display for an extended period, prospective purchasers should expect to undertake a degree of recommissioning before returning it to road use.
The paintwork and hand-applied pinstriping are of high quality, and the fuel tank was professionally repainted in 2014, resulting in an outstanding presentation. UAS 463 also retains its period Bosch electrical equipment, including the rarely encountered original Bosch ignition key. The frame and engine numbers are clearly visible and appear correct, with their date of manufacture confirmed by a letter from the BMW Group Mobile Tradition Archives. UAS 463 is offered with its current V5C registration document, several previous V5s, an original owner’s handbook, a collection of period photographs taken at the time of purchase, numerous invoices and supporting documentation, and the BMW Group Mobile Tradition Archives letter.
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Entry by catalogue and can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people)
