1929 BMW R 16 Specifications

Name: 1929 BMW R 16
Brand: BMW

All-Round • Specs last verified 31 October 2026

No images available

Tap to enlarge

1929 BMW R 16 Overview

For 1929, BMW offers the R 16 as an all-round motorcycle with 735 cc on tap. The 1929 BMW R 16 is built around a Four stroke, two cylinder flat twin, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder engine, a compression ratio of 6.75:1. Out on the road, the R 16 delivers 18.6 kW @ 4000 rpm of peak power. In everyday use, the 1929 R 16 tips the scales at 165 kg and carries a 14 L fuel tank. That's roughly 24 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 1929 BMW R 16 spec sheet below.

1929 BMW R 16 compared with other bikes in the All-Round category

Measured against other bikes in the All-Round category in our database (up to 381 models, one entry per model), the 1929 BMW R 16 comes out as follows.

With 165 kg, the R 16 has the joint 118th lightest wet weight of 381 bikes in the All-Round category, 13% below the category average of 189 kg.
Power output of 18.6 kW is lower than that of 94 of the other 145 bikes in the All-Round category.
Narrowing the field to the 11 models within five model years of it, the wet weight of 165 kg is lighter than that of 3 of the other 10.

1929 R 16 - Pros & Cons

Strengths

Capable power output: 18.6 kW @ 4000 rpm of peak output puts the R 16 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 16 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 16 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 16 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 16 - Buying & Maintenance Guide

What to check before buying

A pre-purchase check on the 1929 BMW R 16 with its 735 cc all-round should cover the same ground every time: service history, drivetrain condition, and any oil seepage around the casings. This model runs shaft final drive, so ask for proof the shaft-drive gear oil has been changed on schedule - it's easy to overlook since there's no chain to draw attention to it. Now 97 years old, this all-round is as likely to show age-related wear (perished rubber, seized fasteners, degraded seals) as mileage-related wear. Start it from cold if you can - a well-kept R 16 settles to a smooth idle within seconds.

Oil and filter changes

Oil changes are the cheapest insurance you can buy for the R 16's 735 cc four stroke, two cylinder flat twin, ohv, 2 valves per cylinder. - keep to the manufacturer's interval rather than stretching it. With a 6.75:1 compression ratio, running the octane grade specified in the manual matters more than on a lower-compression engine. Use the viscosity grade the manual specifies, not whatever's on sale.

Carburetor upkeep

An R 16 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.

1929 BMW R 16 - Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 1929 BMW R 16 have?

The 1929 BMW R 16 uses a Four stroke, two cylinder flat twin, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder. engine with 735 cc of displacement. It is air cooled.

How much does the 1929 BMW R 16 weigh?

The 1929 BMW R 16 weighs 165 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.

How much power does the 1929 BMW R 16 make?

The 1929 BMW R 16 produces 18.6 kW @ 4000 rpm of power.

What is the fuel tank capacity of the 1929 BMW R 16?

The 1929 BMW R 16 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 1929 BMW R 16 have?

The 1929 BMW R 16 uses Ø200mm Drum at the front and Cardan brake at the rear.

What tyre sizes does the 1929 BMW R 16 use?

The 1929 BMW R 16 runs 3.50 x 19" front and 3.50 x 19" rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.

What gearbox does the 1929 BMW R 16 have?

The 1929 BMW R 16 is fitted with a 3 Speed transmission.

Key Specifications

Engine

Four stroke, two cylinder flat twin, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder.

Power

18.6 kW / 25 hp @ 4000 rpm

Torque

Not recorded

Top Speed

Not recorded

Weight

165 kg / 364 lbs

Fuel Capacity

14 L / 3.7 US gal

Full 1929 BMW R 16 Specifications

Year 1929-34

Make BMW

Model R 16

Make Model BMW R 16

Fuel Capacity 14 L / 3.7 US gal

Oil Capacity 2.0 litres

Wet Weight 165 kg / 364 lbs

Maximum RPM 4000 RPM

Max Power 18.6 kW / 25 hp @ 4000 rpm

Stroke 68.0 mm

Displacement 735 cc / 44.9 cu in.

Engine Detail Four stroke, two cylinder flat twin, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder.

Bore x Stroke 63 x 68 mm

Compression Ratio 6.75:1

Cooling System Air cooled

Fuel Induction 1 carburetor Type BMW Spezial ∅26 mm (1932: 2 x carburettor Amal type 6/011 RH & LH)

Ignition Magneto ignition

Starter Kick

Clutch Double plates, dry

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

Tachometer None

Charging System Bosch magneto generator D2L or magneto ignition FF2

Brakes - Front Diameter (in.) 7.9 in

Brakes - Front Diameter (mm) 200 mm

Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.) 0.0 in

Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm) 0 mm

Brakes - Front Ø200mm Drum

Brakes - Rear Cardan brake

Tyres - Front 3.50 x 19"

Tyres - Rear 3.50 x 19"

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

Compare BMW R 16

See how the 1929 BMW R 16 stacks up against similar motorcycles.

Build your own comparison →

Explore More

All BMW models More All-Round All 1929 motorcycles

BMW R 16 - other years

All BMW models All-Round Compare bikes