When Adolf Hitler began re-arming Germany in the 1930s, BMW created a military-spec R 12 with its Star frame reinforced around the fuel tank, a magneto ignition, an air cleaner, a revised front fender, and no pinstripes. Military bikes constituted the majority of 36,000 R 12s built, including the 1941 R 12 seen here. “This was a complete, running motorcycle prior to its restoration, in mildly rough but original condition,” says owner Bob Henig, who took it on trade for a new S 1000 RR at his Bob’s BMW dealership in 2012.

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