ENGINE 494CC M56 BOXER TWIN
OUTPUT 18 HP @ 4,000 RPM
CURB WEIGHT 330 LBS.
TOP SPEED 71 MPH
PRICE WHEN NEW RM 1,850 ($440)
YEARS PRODUCED 1928-’30
NUMBER BUILT 1,005
COLOR BLACK
OWNER PETER NETTESHEIM (SINCE APPROX. 2007)
LOCATION HUNTINGTON, NEW YORK
#22142
1928 R 57
As the third and final iteration of BMW’s original race-ready sport bikes, the R 57 got an all-new engine with an aluminum crankcase, BMW’s first transverse kickstarter, a three-speed transmission lubricated with oil rather than grease, and a 200mm front drum brake. In 1929, Hans Soenius raced an R 57 to his third straight German 500cc title. Purchased by Peter Nettesheim from its longtime owner in Germany, the bike seen here is all-original and unrestored.