1955 BMW R51/3

Here is an attitude example of the iconic Vintage BMW. Most important, this is a Triple Matching Numbers bike from the last year of the plunger frame BMWs. These plunger examples are becoming more and more collectable and prices of matching number examples have been rising considerably. No doubt, due in part to the growing popularity of the modern day BMW marque.  There is also growing recognition to the fact that in restored or rebuilt form, these are highly reliable, refined, comfortable riding, excellent handling, classic machine that are loaded with style, easy to start and a comfortable low seating height. These firmer suspension plunger BMWs, with telescopic front fork, far out-handled the cushy swing arm Earles Fork bikes that followed.

 As an early member of the Vintage BMW Owners Group, I have owned this bike for 40 years but have concluded that other projects, and father time, may keep me from getting to it’s restoration.  Although with the current trend, one might consider just rebuilding this and leaving the road-worn, roached patina… after a thorough rebuild of the running gear and assemblies.

The front Elephant Ear fender is in nice condition, rear fender needs attention. Some would call this an ideal candidate to build a “resto-rod special” around.  I will leave its fate up to the next custodian, but I would love to see it restored as an enjoyable bike you can ride to show or take on a cross-country touring adventure.

As you can see, it is rather complete with few missing parts. No taillight, or brake rod, but it comes with both the original gas tank and the excellent condition, period Hoske racing tank, seen here on the bike. Also includes both the solo seat with the correct spring, frame and mounts. An original bench seat is included along with a number of new parts: a new German built wiring harness, a new rubber parts kit with pushrod tube rubbers, front fork gaiters and more, a repro speedometer with both MPH and Kilometer face plates, 2^nd set of upper fork shrouds with headlight ears, an extra valve cover, new headstock ID plate if you wish to replace original. Exhaust system, and other parts needed for a full restoration or rebuild are readily available on line. Manuals included.

New Parts included  

- Front Fork Rubber Gatter

- Intake rubber tubes

- Footpeg Rubbers

- Pushrod tube rubbers

- Gear Change Rubber

- Kick start rubber bumper

- Speedometer repro in kilometers (with additional MPH face)

- German wiring harness

- Hardware for original tool door in tank

- Replacement Headstock ID plate( if you wish to stamp and  replace original)

- New handle bars installed (non-original)

- Original hardcover R51/2 (wrong model) but very collectable Owners book

 

And these other bits:

- Solo seat now on bike and Bench Seat : 

- Hoske Racing Gas Tank now on bike and original gas tank included

      (SELL THE SEAT AND TANK YOU DON’T USE and you’ll probably get back  $1,000)

- Tire Pressure Pump (to rebuild)

- Horn/Hi/Low Handlebar switch

- A BMW headlight shell WITH key switch and bulb holder assembly 

I CAN PROVIDE A NEW HAMPSHIRE TITLE POST SALE.