This beautifully rebuilt 1951 BMW R51/3 underwent a full restoration in 2013 and is one seriously beautiful collectors machine. The pistons, crank, valves, transmission, rear-end and “much more” have been completely redone according to the seller who I’m more than inclined to believe. Only 400 miles have been put on the bike since the rebuild four years ago.
This particular motorcycle, its restoration and why the seller painted it the color he did have a cool story that I’ll let him tell in his own words: “During the restoration process it was discovered that the original paint on the chassis was green. Further research confirmed that it was a former “Polizeimotorrad” — German police motorcycle from the city of Mannheim.” I love seeing a nearly 70-year-old bike like this getting restored to its original former glory.
The exposed driveshaft on the 500cc opposed twin engine is a noteworthy feature that definitely adds to the character of this bike post WW2-era, German two-wheeler. The 1951 R51/3 model was pre-1954 (crazy right?) so it still came equipped with half-width brakes. The R51/3’d boxer engine makes 24hp and has a top speed of 87mph (140kph).
After WWII BMW first released the R51/2 before unveiling the R51/3, however this required much more than simply starting production back up. A ban by the Allies was placed on Germany from producing motorcycles, when it was eventually lifted the engineers at BMW no longer had the engineering plans and blueprint to build models. Because of this they had to find existing examples and essentially reverse-engineer them, though their familiarity with the machines surely made this easier than if you or I were to attempt this same task today. The R51/3 would stay in production for a total of four years.
This pristine mid-century motorcycle is in “excellent running condition”, (again, I don’t doubt it for a second), and is currently available for sale here on Craigslist in Los Angeles (Oceanside), California for $29,800.