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.

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