Description
Additional photos are available here for your perusal.
After the Second World War, residual damage from bombing raids in combination with Allied occupation meant that Germany was severely limited in its manufacturing capabilities. So, even though much of the BMW factory in Munich had survived the war, motorcycle production was initially restricted to engines measuring 250cc and smaller. Accordingly, the firm introduced the R24 in 1948 as a lightweight (300lbs wet) runabout for those looking to get around town.
Ever in the pursuit of progress, however, BMW went back to the drawing board and had a successor ready in less than 18 months: the R25. In contrast to the R24, the bike boasted a welded steel twin-loop tubular frame and plunger-style rear suspension. Considering the state of the roads at the time, these additions made a marked difference in ride quality.
In 1951, BMW improved on the model again — this time calling it the R25/2 — with improved sheet metal, a sprung solo seat, and other subtle but impactful refinements.
Come 1953, the R25 saw further updates. Along with a hydraulically-dampened fork and a manual steering damper, BMW also gave the bike a lockable tank-mounted toolbox, alloy wheels, and a larger 24mm Bing carburetor. Thanks to an increase in compression (up to 7:1) and other engine tweaks, output improved from 12 to 13hp at 5,800 rpm. Because of the bike’s 350-pound curb weight, top speed came in around 75mph.
This example is VIN: 293017, engine #: 293017.
The odometer shows 61,967 kilometers (38,504 miles). However, it does not appear to be functional, so true mileage is unkown.
Maintenance:
Per the seller, Ulis Motorradladen performed a full cosmetic and mechanical restoration in 2012. The sale includes a large selection of invoices along with a photo of the bike taken prior to the work performed.
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us replace the key and perform a safety inspection. Our service department notes the following in their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: OK
Tire Year Front/ Rear: 4811/3311
Tire % Front/ Rear: 90/90
Tire Press Front/ Rear: 28/29
Brake % Front/ Rear : UNK/UNK
Front hydraulic fluid: N/A
Rear Hydraulic Fluid: N/A
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid: N/A
Oil: LEVEL OK/ COLOR OK
Coolant: AIR
Low Beam: N/A
High Beam: OK
Turn: N/A
Tail Light: OK
Brake Light: OK
Plate Light: OK
Kill: OK
Horn: OK
Fork: OK
Shock/s: OK
Final Drive: SHAFT
Battery Standing Voltage: 6.2
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: 7.1
Notes:
• TIRES OUT OF DATE
• POSSIBLE OIL PAN LEAK
• SPARK PLUG OLD/BROWN
• FRONT FENDER CRACKED IN BACK
• SHIFT SHAFT LEAK
Modifications:
This R25/3 appears to be stock.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Dunlop K82 tires that have aged out.
The sale includes one key, the original registration papers, and an owner’s manual.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located at our facility in Santa Monica, California (please make an appointment for an inspection), this BMW is offered on a clean Tennessee title. Have any R25/3 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
