This BMW motorcycle balances itself

The BMW R75 is a World Conflict II-era motorcycle and sidecar combo produced by the German company BMW.

Within the 1930s BMW were producing a range of popular and highly effective motorcycles. In 1938 development of the R75 started in reaction to a demand from the German Military.

Preproduction models of the R75 were powered with a 750 cc side valve engine, which was based on the R71 engine unit. However it was quickly found necessary to design an all-new OHV 750 cc engine for the R75 device. This OHV engine unit later proved to be the basis for subsequent post-war twin BMW engines like the R51/3, R67 and R68.

The third side-car wheel was influenced with an axle linked to the trunk wheel of the motorcycle. These were fitted with a locking differential and selectable highway and off-road equipment ratios through which all and reverse gears did the trick. This made the R75 highly manoeuvrable and capable of negotiating most areas. Additional motorcycle manufactures, like FN and Norton, provided an optional drive to sidecars.

The BMW R75 and its competitor the Z?ndapp KS 750 were both broadly used by the Wehrmacht in Russia and North Africa, though after a period of analysis it became clear that the Z?ndapp was the superior machine. In August 1942 Z?ndapp and BMW, on the urging of the Military, agreed after standardization of parts for both machines, with a view of eventually building a Z?ndapp-BMW hybrid (selected the BW 43), when a BMW 286/1 side-car would be grafted onto a Z?ndapp KS 750 motorcycle. In addition they agreed that the manufacture of the R75 would cease once production reached 20,200 systems, and from then on point BMW and Z?ndapp would only produce the Z?ndapp-BMW machine, making 20,000 every year.

Since the aim for of 20,200 BMW R75's was not reached, it remained in production before Eisenach manufacturing plant was so badly damaged by Allied bombing that development ceased in 1944. An additional 98 devices were assembled by the Soviets in 1946 as reparations.

Related Images with This BMW motorcycle balances itself

BMW Updates 2015 Models Including GS Motorcycle USA

2014 Bmw K1600gt Sport Announced Apps Directories

New Paper Craft: WWII BMW R75 Motorcycle and Sidecar Free Paper Models