BMW 1928 R52 487 cc 2 cyl sv 3412

BMW 1928 R52 487 cc side valve transverse twin frame # 12030 engine # 48538

For model year 1928 BMW presents two new 500s, the side valve R 52 and the overhead valve R 57 as successors of the R42 and R47. For the first time the company also provides models in the 750 cc class with the same cycle parts: the 745 cc side valve model R 62 and the 734 cc ohv R 63. BMW announces no less than nine important improvements for the new 1928 models, among which are a larger diameter front brake, wider mudguards, redesigned gearbox with oil lubrication instead of grease and a new type of kick-starter that can be adjusted to the preference of the individual rider. Furthermore the crankshaft bearing surfaces are enlarged to improve durability, more cooling fins are employed and the engine gets a higher degree of mechanical silence.
BMW motorcycles evolve quickly throughout the 1920s and the range in this form lasts until the end of 1929 when a switch to pressed-steel frames is made. As a result, the R52 is produced for barely two years and less than 4000 are produced. Power output of the R52 is 12 hp @3400 rpm, the petrol tank holds 12.5 litres, the machine weighs 152 kg and has a top speed of about 100 km/h.
The machine we present is an older restoration in good condition; she has a current Belgian registration and is in running order.