R50

1955 BMW R50 Technical Analysis & Specification Breakdown

Positioned in BMW's allround motorcycle lineup, the 1955 BMW R50 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 26 HP (19 kW) at 5,800 rpm, transferring power to the rear wheel through a 4-speed gearbox and shaft drive (cardan) final drive. With a specific output of 52.6 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 R50 measures 195 kg (430 lbs) wet (curb), translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.13 HP/kg (7.5 kg per horsepower). Rider ergonomics and chassis geometry center around a 1,380 mm (54.3 in) wheelbase engineered for quick, flickable steering geometry.

Within MotoLibrary's BMW archive, this model family spans 6 indexed model years from 1955 to 1960, allowing buyers to track year-over-year changes in emissions tuning, weight and equipment.