Two years after BMW built its first-ever motorcycle, the R 32, Rudolf Schleicher’s R 37 established BMW as a dominant force in racing. In 1927, the R 47 improved Schleicher’s sport bike with a more robust frame and a rear brake that operated against the cardan shaft. Factory-entered R 47s won the 1926 500cc German championship for Ernst Henne, the 1927 500cc German title for Hans Soenius, and countless racers for private entrants. An R 47 also served as the basis for Henne’s first speed record bikes, which set world records in 1929 and 1930.

For more pictures and information on this or any other vehicle in the Motorcycles exhibit, check out the exhibition book in our store!