1941 BMW 745cc R12

Registration no. WXG 382 Frame no. 36795 Engine no. 1294

• £20,000 worth of restoration work carried out
• Landmark model
• A fine example of BMW's legendary R12

Although BMW's celebrated blue-and-white roundel led to a myth based upon its origins as an aircraft manufacturer, Bayerishe Motoren Werke is best known for its cars and motorcycles, none more famous or loved than the iconic boxer twins. Starting with the 1923 R32, evolution led to the 1935 R12 that introduced motorcyclists to the hydraulically-damped front fork. First shown on the 1933 concept BMW R7 designed by Alfred Böning, with an Art Deco aesthetic that also carried over to the R12, the forks revolutionised motorcycling. So much did they improve comfort and handling almost all other motorcycles manufactures followed suit, happy to pay BMW royalties for their patented innovation. This also allowed the R12 to have interchangeable wheels, especially useful if a sidecar was attached. With a single carburettor fitted (as per this example) the 745cc motor produced 18 horsepower at a mere 3,400rpm, driving through a four-speed gearbox.

This particular R12 was purchased at our spring 2017 sale and since then the current owner has spent some £20,000 (receipts on file) to create perhaps the finest example in the UK.

Much of the original work was undertaken by Nick Cronin of award winning Robin James Engineering, who substantially overhauled the rolling chassis, including rebuilt wheels and revamped brakes, as well as a complete rewire with refurbishment of the magneto-dynamo undertaken by a specialist in Germany. The engine and gearbox also benefitted from significant work.

Subsequent fettling was commissioned or by taken on by Peter Ardron, well known and highly respected within the BMW airhead community. Working alongside fellow specialists in Germany, the current owner was determined to allow Peter free rein to produce a machine as perfect as an 80 year old motorcycle can be. This including having previous attempts to repair the frame rectified by a German restorer with the appropriate jig. The result is a fine collectors' standard motorcycle, but one which might also be called the ultimate riding machine.

This R12 was manufactured in October 1941 and was previously registered in the Netherlands. First registered in the UK on 9th November 2015, it is offered with a fully documented and priced renovation since 2017, a BMW dating letter, previous Dutch registration documents, and a current V5C Registration Certificate.
Offered with key