R28 Military

1964 BMW R28 Military Technical Analysis & Specification Breakdown

Built around BMW's allround motorcycle platform, the 1964 BMW R28 Military utilizes a 247 cc (15.1 cu in) air-cooled single cylinder, four-stroke layout. In factory specification, peak output is rated at 18 HP (13.1 kW) at 7,400 rpm, transferring power to the rear wheel through a 4-speed gearbox and shaft drive (cardan) final drive. With a specific output of 72.9 HP per liter, the engine character is indicating a tractable, stress-free state of tune focused on everyday usability and broad torque delivery.

On the scales, the R28 Military measures 155 kg (342 lbs) wet (curb), translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.12 HP/kg (8.61 kg per horsepower). Rider ergonomics and chassis geometry center around a 785 mm (30.9 in) seat height — offering a neutral standover height that accommodates most average-inseam riders without sacrificing cornering clearance, combined with a 1,320 mm (52 in) wheelbase engineered for quick, flickable steering geometry. The 15-liter (4 US gal) fuel tank paired with a rated consumption of 3.9 L/100 km provides an estimated theoretical range of roughly 385 km (239 miles) between fill-ups, while factory top speed is listed at 105 km/h (65 mph).