New for 1938, the R 61 touring bike used BMW’s fully-suspended tube-steel frame powered by a side-valve engine. The four-speed gearbox was foot-shifted, with a hand shifter optional. The R 61 seen here was first used by the German postal service with a utility sidecar built by Royal, an exact replica of which was commissioned from Ideal by owner Jack Wells during the bike’s restoration. Jack’s Deutsche Post R 61 is believed to be the only one of its type, and it’s been honored with several Best in Class awards.

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