1941 BMW R 71 Specifications

Name: 1941 BMW R 71
Brand: BMW

All-Round • Specs last verified 13 July 2026

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1941 BMW R 71 Overview

The 1941 BMW R 71 is an all-round motorcycle built around 746 cc of displacement. Under the tank sits a Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, pushrod operated 2 valves per cylinder engine, a compression ratio of 5.5:1. 1941 BMW R 71 delivers 16.4 kW @ 4600 rpm of peak power. From a practical standpoint, the 1941 R 71 tips the scales at 187 kg and carries a 14-litre fuel tank. That's roughly 20.5 kg lighter than the average all-round motorcycle in our database. Scroll down for the complete 1941 BMW R 71 spec sheet covering every technical detail from suspension travel to tyre sizes.

1941 R 71 - Pros & Cons

Strengths

Capable power output: At 16.4 kW @ 4600 rpm, the R 71 holds its own against class rivals.
Low-maintenance final drive: Shaft final drive means no chain to clean, lube or adjust - meaningfully less routine maintenance than a chain-driven equivalent.

Considerations

Carburetor fuelling: Carbureted engines need occasional jetting attention and can be reluctant in cold weather or at altitude compared to modern fuel-injected alternatives.

Wear Points & Servicing Notes

Heat management in traffic

R 71's air-cooled design means engine-bay temperatures build up more in stop-start traffic than on a liquid-cooled equivalent - a function of the cooling method itself, not a defect. Mesh riding gear and avoiding prolonged idling help in hot climates.

Carburetor maintenance

The R 71 uses carburetion rather than fuel injection, which means jetting is altitude- and temperature-sensitive and benefits from a clean-and-rejet after extended storage or an exhaust change.

Suspension condition on used examples

Up front, the R 71 runs Telescopic front fork, and Telescopic suspension, plunger type at the rear. On a used example, check fork seals for weeping oil and test the rear linkage for play - seals are a relatively cheap fix but useful when negotiating price.

Final drive maintenance

Final drive is by shaft - no chain or belt maintenance at all, though the drive-shaft oil should be changed on the manufacturer's interval.

Frame & chassis check

The frame is Twin loop steel tubular frame - worth a visual check for corrosion or impact damage around the head-stock and swingarm pivot on any used example, since frame damage is far costlier to fix than any service item.

R 71 - Buying & Maintenance Guide

What to check before buying

When inspecting a used 1941 BMW R 71, start with the basics: check the service book for oil change frequency, inspect the chain and sprockets for wear, and look for oil seepage around the engine casings and rocker covers. A cold start test is invaluable - a well-maintained R 71 should fire up cleanly and settle to a smooth idle within a few seconds.

Oil and filter changes

Regular oil changes are the single most important maintenance task on any R 71. Stick to the manufacturer's interval - typically every 6,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. Always use the correct viscosity grade as specified in the owner's manual.

Carburetor upkeep

Keep the carburetors clean and free of deposits. If the R 71 has been stored, strip and clean the carb float bowls before attempting to start it. Pilot jets are the first to block and the last to be checked - always include them in any carb rebuild.

1941 BMW R 71 - Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 1941 BMW R 71 have?

The 1941 BMW R 71 uses a Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, pushrod operated 2 valves per cylinder. engine with 746 cc of displacement. It is air cooled.

How much does the 1941 BMW R 71 weigh?

The 1941 BMW R 71 weighs 187 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.

How much power does the 1941 BMW R 71 make?

The 1941 BMW R 71 produces 16.4 kW @ 4600 rpm of power.

What is the fuel tank capacity of the 1941 BMW R 71?

The 1941 BMW R 71 has a 14-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 233-280 km between stops.

What brakes does the 1941 BMW R 71 have?

The 1941 BMW R 71 uses ∅200mm Drum duplex full hub at the front and ∅200mm Drum simplex full hub at the rear.

What tyre sizes does the 1941 BMW R 71 use?

The 1941 BMW R 71 runs 3.50 -19" front and 3.50 -19" rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.

What gearbox does the 1941 BMW R 71 have?

The 1941 BMW R 71 is fitted with a 4 Speed transmission.

Key Specifications

Engine

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

Power

16.4 kW / 22 hp @ 4600 rpm

Torque

Not published by manufacturer

Top Speed

Not published by manufacturer

Weight

187 kg / 412 lbs

Fuel Capacity

14 liters / 3.6 US gal

Full 1941 BMW R 71 Specifications

Year 1938 - 41

Make Model BMW R 71

Fuel Capacity 14 liters / 3.6 US gal

Wet Weight 187 kg / 412 lbs

Max Power 16.4 kW / 22 hp @ 4600 rpm

Displacement 746 cc / 45.5 cu in.

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

Bore x Stroke 78 x 78 mm

Compression Ratio 5.5:1

Cooling System Air cooled

Fuel Induction 2 x Graetzin G 24 carburetors

Ignition Battery ignition

Starter Kick

Clutch Single plate, dry

Final Drive Shaft

Gear Ratios 1st 3.60 / 2nd 2.28 / 3rd 1.70 / 4th 1.30

Transmission / Drive 4 Speed

Frame Type Twin loop steel tubular frame

Suspension - Front Telescopic front fork,

Suspension - Rear Telescopic suspension, plunger type

Brakes - Front ∅200mm Drum duplex full hub

Brakes - Rear ∅200mm Drum simplex full hub

Tyres - Front 3.50 -19"

Tyres - Rear 3.50 -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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