R52

1929 BMW R52 Technical Analysis & Specification Breakdown

Engineered by BMW for the allround motorcycle segment, the 1929 BMW R52 relies on a 486 cc (29.7 cu in) air-cooled two cylinder boxer, four-stroke powerplant. In factory specification, peak output is rated at 12 HP (8.7 kW) at 3,400 rpm, transferring power to the rear wheel through a 3-speed gearbox and shaft drive (cardan) final drive. With a specific output of 24.7 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 R52 measures 152 kg (335 lbs) wet (curb), translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.08 HP/kg (12.67 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 12.5-liter (3.3 US gal) fuel tank paired with a rated consumption of 3.5 L/100 km provides an estimated theoretical range of roughly 357 km (222 miles) between fill-ups, while factory top speed is listed at 100 km/h (62 mph).

Within MotoLibrary's BMW archive, this model family spans 2 indexed model years from 1928 to 1929, allowing buyers to track year-over-year changes in emissions tuning, weight and equipment.