R35

1938 BMW R35 Technical Analysis & Specification Breakdown

Positioned in BMW's allround motorcycle lineup, the 1938 BMW R35 relies on a 342 cc (20.9 cu in) air-cooled single cylinder, four-stroke powerplant. In factory specification, peak output is rated at 14 HP (10.2 kW) at 3,500 rpm, transferring power to the rear wheel through a 4-speed gearbox and shaft drive (cardan) final drive. With a specific output of 40.9 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 R35 measures 152 kg (335 lbs) wet (curb), translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.09 HP/kg (10.86 kg per horsepower). Rider ergonomics and chassis geometry center around a 1,400 mm (55.1 in) wheelbase engineered for quick, flickable steering geometry.

Within MotoLibrary's BMW archive, this model family spans 4 indexed model years from 1937 to 1940, allowing buyers to track year-over-year changes in emissions tuning, weight and equipment.