Here is the backgound! The current owner Peter Nettesheim of this 1934 BMW R11 Series 4 graciously provided the following:
The bike pictured is my 1934 BMW R11 series 4. It was restored about 24 years ago in Germany and stood for the next 20 years in the owners office. A broker friend of mine found it and immediately thought of me. I purchased it in 2009 and had it shipped to the US last year. I selected it from my collection to bring to Amelia Island. I have been riding it and with a few items that needed attention it now runs wonderfully. The engine is a 750cc side valve producing 18 horsepower. It has no rear suspension and the front suspension is via a single front leaf spring. The transmission is a three speed, non synchro with a bevel rear drive. The ignition is magneto with a generator for the purpose of supplying power for a headlight,taillight and horn. The electrical system is a 6v system.
Overview
- Production Year: 1934
- Manufacturer: Bayerische Motoren Werke (BMW)
- Class: Touring motorcycle
- Engine:
- The BMW R11 Series 4 was powered by an air-cooled, four-stroke, horizontally opposed twin-cylinder engine.
- Engine displacement was approximately 745 cc, producing around 18 horsepower (13 kW).
- It featured a side-valve (flathead) configuration, typical of motorcycles of its era.
- Transmission:
- The bike was equipped with a 3-speed manual gearbox, operated via a hand-shift lever.
- Frame and Suspension:
- The frame was constructed of tubular steel, providing strength and rigidity while maintaining a lightweight design.
- Suspension consisted of a leading-link front fork and a rigid rear frame with coil springs, offering adequate comfort for touring purposes.
- Brakes:
- The BMW R11 Series 4 was equipped with drum brakes on both wheels, providing effective stopping power for its time.
- Fuel Capacity:
- The motorcycle had a fuel tank capacity of approximately 16 liters (4.2 gallons), suitable for extended touring distances.
Design and Features
- Styling:
- The BMW R11 Series 4 featured a classic, streamlined design typical of touring motorcycles from the 1930s.
- It had a comfortable upright riding position, with a sprung solo seat and wide handlebars for improved control and stability.
- Instrumentation:
- The bike was equipped with basic instrumentation, including a speedometer and various control indicators, essential for monitoring speed and engine performance.
- Technology:
- The R11 Series 4 incorporated advanced technology for its time, such as a reliable electrical system, efficient cooling mechanisms, and durable construction materials.
- Performance:
- With its robust engine and efficient transmission, the R11 Series 4 offered respectable performance and reliability, suitable for long-distance touring and everyday riding.
Legacy and Historical Significance
- The BMW R11 Series 4 represented a milestone in BMW's early motorcycle production, showcasing the company's commitment to quality, innovation, and performance.
- It contributed to BMW's reputation for producing durable and dependable motorcycles, setting the stage for future models that would define the brand's identity in the decades to come.
- Today, well-preserved examples of the BMW R11 Series 4 are highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts, reflecting the enduring appeal of classic BMW motorcycles and their historical significance in the evolution of motorcycle design and technology.
Taken at the 2011 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance.
You may purchase a print of the 1934 BMW R11 Series 4 in our dElegance 2011 online gallery.