1941 BMW R 71 Specifications

Name: 1941 BMW R 71
Brand: BMW

All-Round • Specs last verified 31 October 2026

No images available

Tap to enlarge

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. Scroll down for the complete 1941 BMW R 71 spec sheet covering every technical detail from suspension travel to tyre sizes.

1941 BMW R 71 compared with other bikes in the All-Round category

Here is how the 1941 BMW R 71 stacks up against other bikes in the All-Round category in our database. Each model counts once, using the model year closest to this one, and the comparison covers up to 497 models.

Power-to-weight ratio of 88 W/kg is lower than that of 106 of the other 135 bikes in the All-Round category.
Only 43 of the other 145 bikes in the All-Round category have a lower power output than the 16.4 kW of the R 71.
With 746 cc, the R 71 has the 162nd largest engine displacement of 497 bikes in the All-Round category, 27% above the category average of 588 cc.
Narrowing the field to the 14 models within five model years of it, the power-to-weight ratio of 88 W/kg is lower than that of 4 of the other 13.

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.
Drum rear brake: The drum rear brake is adequate but lacks the modulation and fade resistance of a disc setup found on more modern equivalents.

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 with its 746 cc all-round, start with the basics: check the service book for oil change frequency, inspect the drivetrain for wear, and look for oil seepage around the engine casings and rocker covers. 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 85 years old, this all-round is as likely to show age-related wear (perished rubber, seized fasteners, degraded seals) as mileage-related wear. 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 for the R 71's 746 cc four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed boxer, pushrod operated 2 valves per cylinder.. Stick to the manufacturer's interval - typically every 6,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. The sump holds 2 l, so budget for that volume of quality motorcycle-specific engine oil. With a 5.5:1 compression ratio, running the octane grade specified in the manual matters more than on a lower-compression engine. 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 Ø200mm 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.

How much oil does the 1941 BMW R 71 take?

The 1941 BMW R 71 takes 2 l of engine oil at a full oil and filter change. Always verify against the dipstick or sight glass after filling.

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 recorded

Top Speed

Not recorded

Weight

187 kg / 412 lbs

Fuel Capacity

14 liters / 3.6 US gal

Full 1941 BMW R 71 Specifications

Year 1938 - 41

Make BMW

Model R 71

Make Model BMW R 71

Oil Capacity (l) 2.0 l

Oil Capacity (Quarts) 2.1 Quarts

Fuel Capacity 14 liters / 3.6 US gal

Wet Weight 187 kg / 412 lbs

Max Power 16.4 kW / 22 hp @ 4600 rpm

Stroke 78.0 mm

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

Chain Size Shaft

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

Tachometer None

Brakes - Front Ø200mm Drum duplex full hub

Brakes - Front ∅200mm Drum duplex full hub

Brakes - Rear ∅200mm Drum simplex full hub

Brakes - Rear Ø200mm 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.

Compare BMW R 71

See how the 1941 BMW R 71 stacks up against similar motorcycles.

1941 BMW R 71

vs 1941 BMW R 66

1941 BMW R 71

vs 1941 BMW R 61

Build your own comparison →

Explore More

All BMW models More All-Round All 1941 motorcycles

BMW R 71 - other years

All BMW models All-Round Compare bikes