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BMW · 1953

1953 BMW R25 2

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1953 BMW R25 2
Auction record
Average sale
$17,750
Sales
3
Low
$14,500
High
$19,750

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

DateListingPriceMileageSource
Feb 15, 202450-Years-Family-Owned 1953 BMW R25/3 w/Steib LS200 Sidecar$19,000Bring a Trailer
Feb 1, 202450-Years-Family-Owned 1953 BMW R25/3 w/Steib LS200 Sidecar$14,500Bring a Trailer
Sep 23, 20201953 BMW R25/2 w/Steib Sidecar$19,750Bring a Trailer

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