R 2 Series 1

1931 BMW R 2 Series 1 Technical Analysis & Specification Breakdown

Positioned in BMW's classic motorcycle lineup, the 1931 BMW R 2 Series 1 relies on a 198 cc (12.1 cu in) air-cooled single cylinder, four-stroke powerplant. In factory specification, peak output is rated at 6 HP (4.4 kW) at 3,500 rpm, transferring power to the rear wheel through a 3-speed gearbox and shaft drive (cardan) final drive. With a specific output of 30.3 HP per liter, the engine character is prioritizing low-RPM tractability, mechanical longevity and relaxed throttle response over peak redline numbers.

On the scales, the R 2 Series 1 measures 122 kg (269 lbs) dry, translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.05 HP/kg (20.33 kg per horsepower). Rider ergonomics and chassis geometry center around a 130 mm (5.1 in) seat height — giving shorter riders and urban commuters confident flat-foot reach at traffic stops, combined with a 1,320 mm (52 in) wheelbase engineered for quick, flickable steering geometry. The 11-liter (2.9 US gal) fuel tank paired with a rated consumption of 2.75 L/100 km provides an estimated theoretical range of roughly 400 km (249 miles) between fill-ups, while factory top speed is listed at 95 km/h (59 mph).