AI
Bmw
R 37
Classic · 494 cc
- Engine
- 494 cc
- Power
- 16 hp
- Weight
- 134 kg
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What should you pay for a R 37?
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Model family
R 37 at a glance
Quick reference values. Model year, generation and trim can differ.
Displacement
494 cc
Power
16 hp · 12 kW
Category
Classic
Specifications
- Displacement
- 494 cc
- Power
- 16 hp · 12 kW
- Weight
- 134 kg
- Fuel capacity
- 14 l
- Top speed
- 115 km/h
- Production
- 1925 – 1926
- Category
- Classic
Comparable models
Also worth considering
Models in the same category and price range to consider alongside the R 37.
Generations and editions
Features and handling differ by generation. Use this overview to find the right version.
1 variants
Years
1925 - 1926
R 37 (1925-1926)
GenerationThe 1925-1926 R 37 is the rare 494 cc OHV sporting boxer with 16 hp, a hand-shift three-speed gearbox and shaft drive. Its OHV head and near-double R 32 output are core points for correct identification.
494 cc16 hp2 cyl.A2 suitable
About this model
About the Bmw R 37
The 1925-1926 BMW R 37 is BMW's first sporting motorcycle for private customers. It shares the R 32's 494 cc boxer capacity, but is emphatically not an R 32 with different badges: the R 37 received an OHV engine producing 16 hp, nearly twice the output, and became BMW's blueprint for early racing machines. Its high price limited production to 152 units.
For collectors, value centres on authenticity. Confirm an R 37 from its frame number, engine identification and correct OHV valve train; a later boxer or R 32 configuration does not make it an R 37. Have the engine, hand-shift three-speed gearbox, shaft drive, brakes and frame assessed carefully. Given its rarity and age, period-correct components, restoration documentation and safe operation take priority over cosmetics.
- Category
- Classic
- Production
- 1925 – 1926
- Power
- 16 hp
- Weight
- 134 kg
Before you buy
What to check before buying
- Confirm R 37, 1925-1926 years, frame number and engine identification; 494 cc capacity alone does not distinguish it from an R 32.
- Check that the engine has the correct OHV valve train and assess cold starting, compression, oil circulation, mechanical noise and leaks.
- Test the hand-shift three-speed gearbox, clutch, shaft and final drive for clean operation, play, bearing noise and oil loss.
- Inspect frame, front suspension and mounting points for cracks, corrosion, distortion and restorations that do not fit a rare 1925-1926 example.
- Check brakes, spoked wheels, tyres and ignition for safe operation, and have the authenticity of scarce R 37 parts validated by a specialist.