Highlights
- One of approximately 18,400 examples produced between 1951 and 1954
- The last BMW model to feature the celebrated "elephant's ear" flared front fender
- BMW's first entirely new post-war motorcycle design
- Supplied with German papers
The Appeal
The BMW R51/3 occupies a pivotal place in the marque's two-wheeled history. Replacing the stopgap R51/2, it introduced a thoroughly modernised package: a single gear-driven central camshaft, a crankshaft-mounted generator, and an all-welded double-loop tubular frame that set new handling standards for its era. Its distinctive "elephant's ear" flared front fender, the last BMW model to carry this feature, lends it particular appeal among collectors.
This 1953 example is a 500cc boxer-engined machine with air-cooled flat-twin, shaft drive, and four-speed manual gearbox. It features black paint with white pinstripes, a black seat pad, a rear luggage rack and a dual-exit exhaust. The model is well regarded for classic touring and vintage rally use.
Key Information
- Mileage: unwarranted
- Country of registration: Germany
- Technical inspection status: not stated
- Technical specs: 500cc air-cooled flat-twin (boxer), around 24hp, four-speed manual, shaft drive
- Paperwork: German papers
The Detail
- Well-presented example in pleasing period livery
- Black paintwork with white pinstripes
- Black seat pad
- Rear luggage rack
- Dual-exit exhaust
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