R5

1936 BMW R5 Technical Analysis & Specification Breakdown

Positioned in BMW's allround motorcycle lineup, the 1936 BMW R5 utilizes a 494 cc (30.1 cu in) air-cooled two cylinder boxer, four-stroke layout. In factory specification, peak output is rated at 24.1 HP (17.6 kW) at 5,500 rpm, transferring power to the rear wheel through a 4-speed gearbox and shaft drive (cardan) final drive. With a specific output of 48.8 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 R5 measures 165 kg (364 lbs) wet (curb), translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.15 HP/kg (6.85 kg per horsepower). Rider ergonomics and chassis geometry center around a 1,400 mm (55.1 in) wheelbase engineered for quick, flickable steering geometry. The 15-liter (4 US gal) fuel tank paired with a rated consumption of 4.5 L/100 km provides an estimated theoretical range of roughly 333 km (207 miles) between fill-ups, while factory top speed is listed at 140 km/h (87 mph).

Within MotoLibrary's BMW archive, this model family spans 2 indexed model years from 1936 to 1937, allowing buyers to track year-over-year changes in emissions tuning, weight and equipment.