Post Listing Update: This R4 did not meet reserve despite $10,300 after 20 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 2 line, which started in 1933. Series II bikes also got a styling revision and a four-speed transmission. Over the entire run, BMW built 15,295 R4s. 5,033 of them were the Series 5 from the last year of production.
This example (VIN: 94797) is said to be started and ridden at least once a month. A previous owner repainted the bike and the current owner (Vintage German Motorcycles) has replaced several parts including the muffler, center stand spring, steering damper, carb, taillight, and more. Everything is said to work except for the speedometer. It should be also noted that there’s no title.
Find this R4 for sale in Riverside, California with bidding up to $8,600 and the reserve not yet met