1953 BMW R25 2

Specifications
- Category
- Allround
- Displacement
- 247.0 ccm (15.07 cubic inches)
- Displacement (cc)
- 247.00
- Engine details
- Single cylinder, four-stroke
- Power
- 12.0 HP (8.7 kW) @ 5600 RPM
- Top speed
- 80.0 km/h (49.7 mph)
- Compression
- 6.5:1
- Bore × stroke
- 68.0 x 68.0 mm (2.7 x 2.7 inches)
- Fuel system
- Carburettor. Bing
- Fuel control
- Overhead Valves (OHV)
- Ignition
- Battery
- Lubrication
- Wet sump
- Cooling
- Air
- Gearbox
- 4-speed
- Transmission
- Shaft drive (cardan) (final drive)
- Clutch
- Single plate dry-cable operated
- Frame
- Steel-single cradlel
- Front suspension
- Cartridge
- Rear suspension
- Twin shock-Plunger
- Front tyre
- 2.99-19
- Rear tyre
- 2.99-19
- Front brakes
- Expanding brake (drum brake)
- Front brake Ø
- 160 mm (6.3 inches)
- Rear brakes
- Expanding brake (drum brake)
- Rear brake Ø
- 160 mm (6.3 inches)
- Wet weight
- 140.0 kg (308.6 pounds)
- Height
- 730 mm (28.7 inches)
- Length
- 2020 mm (79.5 inches)
- Width
- 790 mm (31.1 inches)
- Wheelbase
- 1335 mm (52.6 inches)
- Fuel capacity
- 12.00 litres (3.17 US gallons)
- Starter
- Kick
The 1953 BMW R25 2
1953 BMW R25 2 sits in BMW's postwar single-cylinder lineup as the workhorse commuter and touring machine that helped rebuild the company's reputation after the war. This is a simple, single-cylinder four-stroke built for steady, unhurried riding rather than speed or drama. The shaft final drive means none of the chain maintenance riders of the era dealt with on cheaper bikes, which made the R25 2 an appealing choice for someone who wanted low fuss and dependable transport rather than thrills. It's the kind of bike that rewards patience on the road and rewards an owner willing to keep up with basic maintenance rather than chase performance.
The 1953 model carried over without significant mechanical changes from the prior year — buyers comparing it to a 1952 example should focus on mileage, service history, and condition rather than spec differences.
Today's buyer is typically a collector or restorer drawn to early postwar BMW singles rather than someone seeking a rider for daily use. Interest sits at a moderate level, appealing to enthusiasts who value historical context over outright performance, often stepping down from larger vintage twins to something simpler to maintain and store.
Auction history
| Date | Listing | Price | Mileage | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 15, 2024 | 50-Years-Family-Owned 1953 BMW R25/3 w/Steib LS200 Sidecar | $19,000 | — | Bring a Trailer |
| Feb 1, 2024 | 50-Years-Family-Owned 1953 BMW R25/3 w/Steib LS200 Sidecar | $14,500 | — | Bring a Trailer |
| Sep 23, 2020 | 1953 BMW R25/2 w/Steib Sidecar | $19,750 | — | Bring a Trailer |
