1943 BMW R75 | The National Military History Center | RM Sotheby's

Lot 145

The National Military History Center

1943 BMW R75

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$38,000 USD | Sold

United States | Auburn, Indiana

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Identification No.
75447C
Addendum: All military vehicles and artifacts offered in this sale are sold "As Is" and "For collector purposes only". These military vehicles and artifacts should never be loaded and/or fired with any ammunition. We make no warranty and/or representations as to the suitability or fitness of these items for use. By purchasing military vehicles and artifacts you hereby and irrevocably waive any and all claims against Auctions America by RM, Inc. and agree to indemnify and hold harmless Auctions America by RM, Inc. from any injuries or death associated with these military vehicles and artifacts. Please note, there may be an associated licensing fee based on the location of licensing, and bidder must satisfy himself as to all licensing and import requirements in his home state or country.

Please Note: Information regarding these museum display vehicles was provided by the National Military History Center and has not been independently verified by Auctions America by RM ("AA"). As such, AA does not verify, warrant or guarantee any of this information. Prior inspection and research by the buyer is highly encouraged and recommended.

ATTENTION: Buyers are responsible for securing transportation and moving/loading of lots. Lot may be left on display indefinitely in the museum free of charge with a signed loan agreement form. Lots are sold as is, where is.

Please note this is being sold on "Bill of Sale" only.

Manufacturer: Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, Munich, Germany

Production Year: 1943

Engine: BMW HO over-head-valve, 746-cc, 26-hp, two-cylinder, air-cooled, gasoline

Transmission: Three forward, one reverse (normal ratio) three forward, one reverse (low ratio)

Brakes: Hydraulic on rear wheels, mechanical on front wheel

Length: 96-inches

Width: 69-inches

Height: 40-inches

Wheelbase: 58-inches

Weight: 941-pounds (including sidecar)

Armor: None

Armament: NONE on this example - Typically would be fitted with a 7.92-mm MG34 machine gun

Maximum speed: Approximately 57-mph

Markings: German sand paint, Motorized Reconnaissance Unit

The BMW R75 with sidecar is arguably the most recognized military motorcycle of World War II. Its flat-twin engine and shaft-drive along with telescoping front forks - that are still present on civilian BMW motorcycles to this day. These design features were first introduced on the predecessor to the R75, the R12. The R75 was introduced to address the limited 18 horsepower output of the R12 by adding a second carburetor. The R75 also introduced a driveshaft to the sidecar, a feature copied from the Belgian FN motorcycle and sidecar. A dual-range gearbox and the sidecar drive significantly improved the cross-country capability of the R75 when compared to the R12. Early models of the R75 encountered problems with mud clogging the air filter. This was rectified by moving the filter to the top of the fuel tank and adding a domed cover. The sidecar was strictly a military design that was typically deployed with an MG34 machine gun mounted in front of the passenger. A rear compartment, referred to as a "schnapps holder" by German soldiers, was intended for the storage of supplies and ammunition. Some R75s mounted mortars in place of the machine gun. A total of 16,510 BMW R75 motorcycle / sidecar combos were produced from 1940 to 1944. This example is not fitted with armament.

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