Post Sale Update: This R4 sold for $17,000 after 22 bids on eBay.
As the 30s rolled around and Depression hit, BMW saw the need for a diminutive single-cylinder bike to offer alongside its twins. The sub 200cc R2 sold quite well, but the BMW R4 was an intermediate bike between the budget single and the bigger bikes. The R4 saw some decent success with the German Army and police services.
The 398cc OHV engine produced 14 horsepower as part of the Series II line, which started in 1933. Series II bikes also got a styling revision and a four-speed transmission. Interestingly enough, the best source for information I could find on this bike was a Bonham’s auction for a 1933 model that ended up selling for $7,343 back in 2010, so head over there if you’re looking for more details.
This specific BMW R4 is a salvage title that has been with the same family for 40 years. It’s numbers matching and starts on one kick. The seller says he drives the bike every week, which is great to hear.
We’re going abroad – find this BMW R4 for sale in Albiano d’Ivrea, Italy with bidding up to $4,550 and the reserve not yet met
