1934 BMW R 11 Specifications

Name: 1934 BMW R 11
Brand: BMW

All-Round • Specs last verified 13 July 2026

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1934 BMW R 11 Overview

For 1934, BMW offers the R 11 as an all-round motorcycle with 745 cc on tap. The 1934 BMW R 11 is built around a Four stroke, two cylinder flat twin, Side valve engine, a compression ratio of 5.5:1. Out on the road, the R 11 delivers 13.4 kW @ 4400 rpm) of peak power. In everyday use, the 1934 R 11 tips the scales at 182 kg and carries a 14 L fuel tank. That's roughly 25 kg lighter than the average all-round motorcycle in our database. Every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes, is covered in the full 1934 BMW R 11 spec sheet below.

1934 R 11 - Pros & Cons

Strengths

Capable power output: 13.4 kW @ 4400 rpm) of peak output puts the R 11 in good company among its rivals.
Low-maintenance final drive: Shaft final drive is about as close to maintenance-free as motorcycle drivetrains get.

Considerations

Carburetor fuelling: Carburetion is more hands-on than fuel injection - plan on periodic jetting and cleaning as part of routine ownership.

Wear Points & Servicing Notes

Heat management in traffic

Air cooling on the R 11 keeps the mechanical layout simple, but heat management in slow traffic needs more attention than on a liquid-cooled bike - plan routes and gear accordingly in warmer conditions.

Carburetor maintenance

Being carbureted, the R 11 is more sensitive to stale fuel and altitude changes than a fuel-injected bike - a carb clean and rejet restores crisp throttle response after any extended lay-up.

Suspension condition on used examples

Suspension duties are handled by Plate spring 9 laminae up front and Rigid, spring loaded saddle at the rear. Weeping fork seals aren't a dealbreaker on a used bike, but they're a fair basis for negotiating price.

Final drive maintenance

Shaft final drive on the R 11 removes chain and belt maintenance entirely - the trade-off is a little extra unsprung weight and periodic gear-oil changes.

Frame & chassis check

The Twin loop pressed steel frame chassis holds up well with normal use; on a used bike it's still worth checking the head-stock and swingarm pivot area for impact damage or corrosion.

R 11 - Buying & Maintenance Guide

What to check before buying

A pre-purchase check on the 1934 BMW R 11 should cover the same ground every time: service history, chain and sprocket condition, and any oil seepage around the casings. Start it from cold if you can - a well-kept R 11 settles to a smooth idle within seconds.

Oil and filter changes

Oil changes are the cheapest insurance you can buy for a R 11's engine - keep to the manufacturer's interval rather than stretching it. Use the viscosity grade the manual specifies, not whatever's on sale.

Carburetor upkeep

A R 11 that's sat unused is almost always a carb-cleaning job before it runs right again - float bowls and pilot jets first, since they clog before anything else.

1934 BMW R 11 - Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 1934 BMW R 11 have?

The 1934 BMW R 11 uses a Four stroke, two cylinder flat twin, Side valve engine with 745 cc of displacement. It is air cooled.

How much does the 1934 BMW R 11 weigh?

The 1934 BMW R 11 weighs 182 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.

How much power does the 1934 BMW R 11 make?

The 1934 BMW R 11 produces 13.4 kW @ 4400 rpm) of power.

What is the fuel tank capacity of the 1934 BMW R 11?

The 1934 BMW R 11 has a 14 L fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 233-280 km between stops.

What brakes does the 1934 BMW R 11 have?

The 1934 BMW R 11 uses ∅200mm Drum at the front and ∅37mm Cardan brake at the rear.

What gearbox does the 1934 BMW R 11 have?

The 1934 BMW R 11 is fitted with a 3 Speed transmission.

What fuel system does the 1934 BMW R 11 use?

The 1934 BMW R 11 uses Single carburetor type BMW ∅24 mm (1933: 1 x carburetor type Amal 6/406 SP and 6/407 SP), providing precise fuelling across the rev range and reliable cold-start behaviour.

Key Specifications

Engine

Four stroke, two cylinder flat twin, Side valve

Power

13.4 kW / 18hp @ 3400 rpm ( 1933: 14.9 kW / 20hp @ 4400 rpm)

Torque

Not published by manufacturer

Top Speed

Not published by manufacturer

Weight

182 kg / 401 lbs

Fuel Capacity

14 L / 3.7 US gal

Full 1934 BMW R 11 Specifications

Year 1929-34

Make Model BMW R 11

Fuel Capacity 14 L / 3.7 US gal

Wet Weight 182 kg / 401 lbs

Max Power 13.4 kW / 18hp @ 3400 rpm ( 1933: 14.9 kW / 20hp @ 4400 rpm)

Displacement 745 cc / 45.5 cu in.

Engine Detail Four stroke, two cylinder flat twin, Side valve

Bore x Stroke 78 x 78 mm

Compression Ratio 5.5:1

Cooling System Air cooled

Fuel Induction Single carburetor type BMW ∅24 mm (1933: 1 x carburetor type Amal 6/406 SP and 6/407 SP)

Ignition Magneto

Starter Kick

Clutch Single plate dry clutch

Final Drive Shaft

Gear Ratios 1st 2.83 / 2nd 1.55 / 3rd 1.08:1

Transmission / Drive 3 Speed

Frame Type Twin loop pressed steel frame

Suspension - Front Plate spring 9 laminae

Suspension - Rear Rigid, spring loaded saddle

Charging System Bosch Magneto generator D2L or Magneto Ignition FF2

Brakes - Front ∅200mm Drum

Brakes - Rear ∅37mm Cardan brake

Specifications are compiled from manufacturer documentation and cross-referenced technical sources, and corrected on an ongoing basis. Spot an error? Let us know.

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