✦ Published
BMW 11 Series 1
1930
1930
The 1930 BMW R11 Series 1 represents a significant chapter in early motorcycle development, building upon BMW's burgeoning reputation for quality engineering. Introduced as an evolution from earlier R-series models, the R11 Series 1 was a robust tourer designed for reliability and practicality in an era of expanding road networks. It faced direct competition from established brands like the Harley-Davidson Model D and the Indian Scout, both vying for market share with their own takes on the mid-capacity touring motorcycle.
At its heart, the R11 Series 1 featured a distinctive 745.0 ccm (45.46 cubic inches) two-cylinder boxer, four-stroke engine. This horizontally opposed configuration, a BMW hallmark, was known for its smooth power delivery and low center of gravity. While not a speed demon by modern standards, its 95.0 km/h (59.0 mph) top speed was respectable for the period, allowing for comfortable touring. The motorcycle carried a substantial 14.00 litres (3.70 US gallons) of fuel, providing a decent range for longer journeys, a crucial factor for riders exploring less developed road infrastructures.
Riding characteristics of the R11 Series 1 leaned towards stability and comfort rather than outright agility. Its shaft drive system, another BMW signature, offered a clean and low-maintenance alternative to chain drive. The frame, a pressed steel design, contributed to the motorcycle’s sturdy feel. While lacking the suspension sophistication of later models, the R11 provided a relatively comfortable ride for its time, with an upright riding posture that minimized rider fatigue on extended trips. Its predictable handling made it an accessible machine for the experienced rider of the era.
The BMW R11 Series 1 was primarily aimed at the discerning touring rider and those who valued durability and German engineering. It appealed to individuals seeking a dependable motorcycle for long-distance travel and daily utility, rather than a specialized sporting machine. The R11’s legacy lies in its contribution to BMW's reputation for building reliable, shaft-driven boxer twins, setting the stage for decades of successful touring motorcycles.
✅ Why buy this bike?
• Pioneering shaft drive offered superior reliability and cleanliness compared to chain drive systems of the era. • Robust flat-twin boxer engine design provided excellent balance and a low center of gravity for stability. • Advanced pressed-steel frame was remarkably strong and rigid, improving handling and durability for the time. • BMW's engineering and build quality ensured a long lifespan and relative reliability for a pre-war machine. • Distinctive and elegant styling, a hallmark of early BMW motorcycles, made it visually appealing. • The 745cc engine offered respectable power and torque for touring and sidecar operation in its class.⚠️ Things to consider
• Lack of rear suspension (rigid frame) made for a very harsh and uncomfortable ride on poor roads. • Drum brakes, while common, offered limited stopping power, especially in wet conditions or at higher speeds. • Relatively heavy for its time, impacting agility and making it challenging to maneuver at low speeds. • Limited dealer network and parts availability outside of Germany could be problematic for owners. • Early ignition and carburetion systems required frequent tuning and maintenance for optimal performance.Rule of thumb: under 125cc / 15HP → A1, under 47HP → A2, above → A.
Manufacturer-quoted consumption: 4.50 litres/100 km (22.2 km/l or 52.27 mpg).
⛽ Tank: 14.00 litres (3.70 US gallons)
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