1937 BMW R 5 Specifications

Name: 1937 BMW R 5
Brand: BMW

All-Round • Specs last verified 13 July 2026

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1937 BMW R 5 Overview

For 1937, BMW offers the R 5 as an all-round motorcycle with 494 cc on tap. The 1937 BMW R 5 is built around a Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, pushrod operated 2 valves per cylinder engine, a compression ratio of 6.7:1. Out on the road, the R 5 delivers 17.9 kW @ 5500 rpm of peak power. In everyday use, the 1937 R 5 tips the scales at 175 kg and carries a 15 L fuel tank. That's roughly 32.5 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 1937 BMW R 5 spec sheet below.

1937 R 5 - Pros & Cons

Strengths

Capable power output: 17.9 kW @ 5500 rpm of peak output puts the R 5 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 5 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 5 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 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 5 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 5 - Buying & Maintenance Guide

What to check before buying

A pre-purchase check on the 1937 BMW R 5 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 5 settles to a smooth idle within seconds.

Oil and filter changes

Oil changes are the cheapest insurance you can buy for a R 5'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 5 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.

1937 BMW R 5 - Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 1937 BMW R 5 have?

The 1937 BMW R 5 uses a Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, pushrod operated 2 valves per cylinder. engine with 494 cc of displacement. It is air cooled.

How much does the 1937 BMW R 5 weigh?

The 1937 BMW R 5 weighs 175 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.

How much power does the 1937 BMW R 5 make?

The 1937 BMW R 5 produces 17.9 kW @ 5500 rpm of power.

What is the fuel tank capacity of the 1937 BMW R 5?

The 1937 BMW R 5 has a 15 L fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 250-300 km between stops.

What brakes does the 1937 BMW R 5 have?

The 1937 BMW R 5 uses ∅200mm Drum at the front and ∅200mm drum at the rear.

What tyre sizes does the 1937 BMW R 5 use?

The 1937 BMW R 5 runs 3 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 1937 BMW R 5 have?

The 1937 BMW R 5 is fitted with a 4 Speed transmission.

Key Specifications

Engine

Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, pushrod operated 2 valves per cylinder.

Power

17.9 kW / 24 hp @ 5500 rpm

Torque

Not published by manufacturer

Top Speed

Not published by manufacturer

Weight

175 kg / 386 lbs

Fuel Capacity

15 L / 4.0 US gal

Full 1937 BMW R 5 Specifications

Year 1936 - 37

Make Model BMW R 5

Fuel Capacity 15 L / 4.0 US gal

Wet Weight 175 kg / 386 lbs

Max Power 17.9 kW / 24 hp @ 5500 rpm

Displacement 494 cc / 30.1 cu in.

Engine Detail Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, pushrod operated 2 valves per cylinder.

Bore x Stroke 68 x 68 mm

Compression Ratio 6.7:1

Cooling System Air cooled

Fuel Induction 2 x Carburetor type Amal 5/423

Ignition Battery ignition

Starter Kick

Clutch Single plate, dry

Final Drive Shaft

Gear Ratios 1st 3.6 / 2nd 2.28 / 3rd 1.70 / 4th 1.30:1

Transmission / Drive 4 Speed

Frame Type Twin loop pressed steel frame

Suspension - Front Telescopic fork

Suspension - Rear Rigid, spring loaded saddle

Charging System Bosch RD 45/6 2800 RS 15

Brakes - Front ∅200mm Drum

Brakes - Rear ∅200mm drum

Tyres - Front 3.00 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.

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