1928 BMW R62: A Milestone in Pre-War BMW Collections

The 1928 BMW R62 holds a special place as the marque's first 750cc touring model. Produced only from 1928 to 1929 with approximately 4,355 units built, this "flat-tanker" exemplifies BMW's rapid innovation in the late 1920s, bridging the early R32 era with more modern designs. Its rarity, combined with robust engineering that allows restored examples to participate in endurance events like the Motorcycle Cannonball, makes it highly coveted among collectors, 

Launched in 1928 alongside the smaller 500cc R52, the R62 marked BMW's entry into the large-displacement touring segment, just five years after the company's motorcycle debut with the 1923 R32. It shared the modular "Baukastensystem" approach with the R52, using identical frame, engine castings, and components, but upsized for greater torque and suitability for long-distance travel or sidecar use. 

The R62 is powered by a 745cc (or 746cc) air-cooled, four-stroke, side-valve flat-twin boxer engine (type M56), with an 83mm bore x 68mm stroke, producing 18 horsepower at 3,400 rpm. Fuel delivery comes via a single carburetor, paired with a 3-speed manual gearbox (now oil-lubricated, an upgrade from earlier grease-filled units) and shaft final drive. This setup enables a top speed of approximately 115 km/h (71 mph). The bike weighs around 155 kg (342 lbs), with a 12.5-liter fuel tank. Braking is via drum systems front and rear, and tires are 3.50-26 on spoked wheels. The chassis features a lightweight bent-tube welded tubular steel frame with a leading-link front fork suspended by leaf springs and a rigid rear end, complemented by a sprung saddle for comfort.

Distinctive elements include the iconic wedge-shaped "flat tank" design—a visual hallmark linking it directly to BMW's earliest models—and Bauhaus-influenced minimalist aesthetics with functional elegance. Upgrades like a reinforced gearbox, improved kickstarter, and standard electric lighting enhanced practicality. Though lacking rear suspension, its low weight and balanced boxer engine provided excellent handling and reliability for the era, with enough power to manage modern traffic in restored form. The R62's legacy lies in establishing BMW's reputation for capable large-tourers, paving the way for post-war icons while remaining one of the last "flat-tankers." In pre-war collections, it represents a pivotal evolutionary step, prized for its historical significance, rideability in vintage rallies, and enduring shaft-drive boxer heritage that defines the brand to this day.

This excellent example comes from a terrific collection and is now available at our shop