The BMW R75 is a World War II-era motorcycle and sidecar combination produced by the German company BMW. In the 1930s BMW were producing a number of popular and highly effective motorcycles. In 1938 development of the R75 started in response to a request from the German Army. Preproduction models of the R75 were powered by a 750 cc side valve engine, which was based on the R71 engine. However it was quickly found necessary to design an all-new OHV 750 cc engine for the R75 unit. This OHV engine later proved to be the basis for subsequent post-war twin BMW engines like the R51/3, R67 and R68.
source.image: classic-motorcycle.com
The third side-car wheel was driven with an axle connected to the rear wheel of the motorcycle. These were fitted with a locking differential and selectable road and off-road gear ratios through which all four and reverse gears worked. This made the R75 highly manoeuvrable and capable of negotiating most surfaces. A few other motorcycle manufactures, like FN and Norton, provided an optional drive to sidecars.
Since the target of 20,200 BMW R75’s was not reached, it remained in production until the Eisenach factory was so badly damaged by Allied bombing that production ceased in 1944. A further 98 units were assembled by the Soviets in 1946 as reparations. However the standardisation programme meant that machines that were produced by BMW and Zündapp used 70% of the same components. This simplifies the supply of spare parts for these vehicles, many of which are still in the hands of historic motorcycle enthusiasts.
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These vehicles are still highly desirable as collector’s items because of their complex and durable technology, and are correspondingly expensive. A well-restored R75 can be still used for everyday purposes, on or off-road without problems. This motorcycle is a piece of Wehrmacht history from Germany. The prices of the Wehrmacht combinations are rising sharply and offer investors and motorcycle enthusiasts a good opportunity to acquire a piece of history. The machine has papers from Germany and is ready to drive.
- Model: R75
- Year: 1941
- Capacity: 745cc
- Engine type: 4-stroke / ohv
- Cylinders: 2 – transverse
- Power: 26hp@4000rpm
- Bore/stroke: 78x78mm
- Compression Ratio: 1:5.8
- Weight: 400kg
- Top Speed: 95 km/h
- Production years: 1941 – 1944
