BMW 1948 R24 247 cc 1 cyl OHV 3503

BMW 1948 R24 247 cc OHV single  frame & engine # 200953

Built to the same exemplary standards as the Bavarian company’s famous flat-twins, the single-cylinder BMW first appears in 1925 as the 247 cc R39. Throughout the twenties and thirties singles are brought out in various capacities, ranging from 198 cc to 398 cc. For a number of years after the war Allied restrictions prevent German companies to produce machines of greater capacity than 250cc, so BMW’s first postwar model is a 247 cc single, the R24, brought out in 1948. The R24 is a further development of the prewar R23 and has the same bolted tubular loop frame, but is further developed in many details. The “square” 68 x 68 mm engine dimensions of the R23 are retained, but max number of revolutions, compression ratio and power output are alle improved. The R24 engine delivers 12 hp @ 5600 rpm and can reach a top speed 95 km. The fuel tank capacity is 12 litres, 2.4 litres more than that of the R23; with a total weight of 130 kg the R24 is 5 kg lighter though than its predecessor. An interesting detail is that the type plate on the headstock is differently placed on the R24: not symmetrically as usual, but slightly placed to the left so that it can easily be read when the handlebars are slightly turned to the right. Also remarkable is that the R24 was fitted with a British Dunlop Drilastic rubber saddle, also fitted to the prewar R20 and R23 singles. Production of the R24 ends in 1950 after 12.020 machines have been built.

The machine we offer is presented in largely original and unrestored condition and comes with Lohman passenger saddle. The Swiss registration document refers to January 1949  as date of manufacture, but according to information in Hans-Lothar Stegman’s book “BMW einzylinder Motorräder 1925-1967” 1000 R24s had been built by May 1948, this is # 953. Our R24 is in running condition but will benefit from some TLC.