1940 BMW R 35 Specifications

Name: 1940 BMW R 35
Brand: BMW

All-Round • Specs last verified 31 October 2026

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1940 BMW R 35 Overview

For 1940, BMW offers the R 35 as an all-round motorcycle with 342 cc on tap. The 1940 BMW R 35 is built around a Four stroke, single cylinder vertical, OHV engine, a compression ratio of 6.0:1. Out on the road, the R 35 delivers 10.4 kW @ 3500 rpm of peak power. In everyday use, the 1940 R 35 tips the scales at 155 kg and carries a 12-litre fuel tank. That's roughly 34 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 1940 BMW R 35 spec sheet below.

1940 BMW R 35 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 1940 BMW R 35 comes out as follows.

With 67 W/kg, the R 35 has the 14th lowest power-to-weight ratio of 136 bikes in the All-Round category, 58% below the category average of 161 W/kg.
Power output of 10.4 kW is lower than that of 120 of the other 145 bikes in the All-Round category.
Only 106 of the other 380 bikes in the All-Round category have a lighter wet weight than the 155 kg of the R 35.
Narrowing the field to the 14 models within five model years of it, the power-to-weight ratio of 67 W/kg is lower than that of 9 of the other 13.

1940 R 35 - Pros & Cons

Strengths

Capable power output: 10.4 kW @ 3500 rpm of peak output puts the R 35 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

Drum rear brake: A drum rear brake is simple and durable, but expect less bite and more fade under hard, repeated use than a disc setup.
Modest fuel capacity: A 12-litre tank keeps things light but means budgeting for more frequent fuel stops on any longer ride.

Wear Points & Servicing Notes

Heat management in traffic

Air cooling on the R 35 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.

Suspension condition on used examples

Suspension duties are handled by Telescopic fork 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 35 removes chain and belt maintenance entirely - the trade-off is a little extra unsprung weight and periodic gear-oil changes.

Frame & chassis check

The Pressed steel twin loop 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 35 - Buying & Maintenance Guide

What to check before buying

A pre-purchase check on the 1940 BMW R 35 with its 342 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 86 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 35 settles to a smooth idle within seconds.

Oil and filter changes

Oil changes are the cheapest insurance you can buy for the R 35's 342 cc four stroke, single cylinder vertical, ohv - keep to the manufacturer's interval rather than stretching it. With a 6.0:1 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 35 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.

1940 BMW R 35 - Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 1940 BMW R 35 have?

The 1940 BMW R 35 uses a Four stroke, single cylinder vertical, OHV engine with 342 cc of displacement. It is air cooled.

How much does the 1940 BMW R 35 weigh?

The 1940 BMW R 35 weighs 155 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.

How much power does the 1940 BMW R 35 make?

The 1940 BMW R 35 produces 10.4 kW @ 3500 rpm of power.

What is the fuel tank capacity of the 1940 BMW R 35?

The 1940 BMW R 35 has a 12-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 200-240 km between stops.

What brakes does the 1940 BMW R 35 have?

The 1940 BMW R 35 uses ∅180mm Drum at the front and ∅180mm Drum at the rear.

What tyre sizes does the 1940 BMW R 35 use?

The 1940 BMW R 35 runs 3 x 19" front and 3.5 x 19" rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.

What gearbox does the 1940 BMW R 35 have?

The 1940 BMW R 35 is fitted with a 4 Speed transmission.

Key Specifications

Engine

Four stroke, single cylinder vertical, OHV

Power

10.4 kW / 14 hp @ 3500 rpm

Torque

Not recorded

Top Speed

Not recorded

Weight

155 kg / 351 lbs

Fuel Capacity

12 liters / 3.1 US gal

Full 1940 BMW R 35 Specifications

Year 1937 - 40

Make BMW

Model R 35

Make Model BMW R 35

Fuel Capacity 12 liters / 3.1 US gal

Oil Capacity 1.75 litres

Wet Weight 155 kg / 351 lbs

Maximum RPM 3500 RPM

Max Power 10.4 kW / 14 hp @ 3500 rpm

Stroke 84.0 mm

Displacement 342 cc / 20.9 cu in.

Engine Detail Four stroke, single cylinder vertical, OHV

Bore x Stroke 72 x 84 mm

Compression Ratio 6.0:1

Cooling System Air cooled

Fuel Induction 1 x SUM type C K 9/22

Ignition Bosch magneto ignition

Starter Kick

Clutch Single plate, dry

Final Drive Shaft

Gear Ratios 1st 3.4 / 2nd 2.18 / 3rd 1.35 / 4th 1.00:1

Transmission / Drive 4 Speed

Frame Type Pressed steel twin loop frame

Suspension - Front Telescopic fork

Suspension - Rear Rigid, spring loaded saddle

Tachometer None

Brakes - Front Diameter (in.) 7.1 in

Brakes - Front Diameter (mm) 180 mm

Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.) 7.1 in

Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm) 180 mm

Brakes - Front ∅180mm Drum

Brakes - Rear ∅180mm Drum

Tyres - Front 3.0 x 19"

Tyres - Rear 3.5 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.

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