R32

1924 BMW R32 Technical Analysis & Specification Breakdown

Engineered by BMW for the naked motorcycle segment, the 1924 BMW R32 relies on a 494 cc (30.1 cu in) air-cooled two cylinder boxer, four-stroke powerplant. In factory specification, peak output is rated at 8.6 HP (6.3 kW) at 3,200 rpm, transferring power to the rear wheel through a 3-speed gearbox and shaft drive (cardan) final drive. With a specific output of 17.4 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 R32 measures 122 kg (269 lbs) wet (curb), translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.07 HP/kg (14.19 kg per horsepower). Rider ergonomics and chassis geometry center around a 1,380 mm (54.3 in) wheelbase engineered for quick, flickable steering geometry. The 14-liter (3.7 US gal) fuel tank paired with a rated consumption of 3 L/100 km provides an estimated theoretical range of roughly 467 km (290 miles) between fill-ups, while factory top speed is listed at 95 km/h (59 mph).

Within MotoLibrary's BMW archive, this model family spans 4 indexed model years from 1923 to 1926, allowing buyers to track year-over-year changes in emissions tuning, weight and equipment.