1952 BMW R-Series

528528

1952 BMW R51/3 This is a very nice very original unmolested 1952 BMW R51/3 motorcycle. It is unrestored and in overall nice condition for it’s age. Frame, engine and original headstock tag numbers all match and the headstock tag is in beautiful condition. The motor is mechanically new but the outside was left with its original patina. It has new pistons and rings, slingers were cleaned and heads/valves done. The carburetors ( new floats, jets, etc. - see pics - 1/22/61 and 1/22/62 Bings), clutch, transmission and rear end were also gone through and mechanically restored as required. The bike starts first or second kick, the engine is super quiet and the bike runs and rides nicely. It only has about 100 miles on it since the engine was done, so it is still in the break-in period. No leaks, drips or other nasties to date. Heads were retorqued and valves readjusted after the first 50 miles. The paint and body work are generally in good condition for their age, and all sheet metal is solid. The front of the front fender paint isn’t great (see pics). There are a couple of small dings in the gas tank (see pics) and a touch up here and there (see pics). The original red liner on the inside of the gas tank is in excellent condition (the tank was washed out to remove any old residue and petcock fuel filter cleaned before the engine was started after rebuild). The gas cap is an original Blau locking cap (I do not have a key for it). The original pin stripper’s initials are still on the bottom of the gas tank. There are some scratches on the sides of the rear fender in spots – looks like it had a rear fender rack at one time and the scratches may have been from bungee cords or other tie down hooks. It also looks like the top of the rear fender may have been touched up at one point, but the pin stripping looks original. The rear fender hinge looks to be in good condition. The majority of the hardware on the bike is original and in good condition. It still has the original cable guides on the front end (originals are unobtainium!) and most of the tie straps that hold the original wire harness are still in place (see pics). The wire harness is generally in good condition, and all of the lights work fine. It has the early wide headlight dimmer switch (unobtainium), early headlight with script “Bosch” lens, correct Bosch horn (works), etc. The ignition switch is just a bit loose internally and could use a little tightening up (common issue and easy fix). The speedometer works, but stops at 20 mph when it returns. The odometer also works, but I have no idea if the mileage is correct. Wheels are original with original rims and spokes (they have the clover leaf design on their heads), and the bearing retainers are in excellent shape and not all chewed up. It looks like the black areas on both wheels have been touched up at some point, but hard to tell for sure. Tires are old but serviceable but I would put in new tubes if I was to ride it any distance. I do not have a battery for it, but it runs fine on the magneto. I put a small 6V battery in it to test the charging system and the rest of the electrics and everything was working fine. If you are looking for a nice original bike to enjoy, this one is pretty nice and a blast to ride. It is not a new bike or a bike that has been restored from top to bottom, so please, if you really want a fully restored trailer queen, buy one (not this one). It would be a shame to restore this bike given its original paint and patina What you see is what you get. This is a very nice motorcycle, but that said, it is a USED motorcycle. It is sold as is where is with NO warranty, NO guaranty or any other kind of ”–ty”. The motorcycle has an Arizona title in my name with no liens so no issues there. If you have questions you can email me at wallaman@cox.net. I will facilitate shipping, but Buyer must make arrangements for pick up. The bike must be picked up within three weeks of sale. Terms: $1,000 non-refundable deposit (Paypal) within 48 hours of sale. Balance due within 7 days. Balance must be paid with certified funds (bank check), wire transfer or cash (NO Paypal ON BALANCE). Bike will be released on confirmation of funds and must be picked up within three weeks of sale. Any questions, please ask BEFORE the close of the auction! See my other listings for your BMW R50, R60, R69S, R60/5, R75/5, R90S, R100RS Airhead needs.