BMW Motorcycles

Today in Motorcycle History

BMW R75 Military Sidecars of WWII

BMW-1943-R75-Sidecar-Gris-MANT-29.jpg
BMW R-75 army combination 1943


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Driven sidecar wheel and driveshaft


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R75 Final Drive

BMW R-75 1941-1944 (Type 275/2)

The 1941 R75, as used by the Wehrmacht, was by far the most sophisticated motorcycle of the day. The machine had telescopic front forks, but lacked rear suspension (as did most motorcycles of the time) and frequently appeared in solo guise. The 748cc OHV engine produced 26PS, quite sufficient to propel the 420 kg machine over terrain all but impassible to other vehicles.

Large numbers of BMW R75 motorcycle combinations entered service in the Spanish Army under Programm Bär, a trade agreement between Hitler's Germany and Franco, the intention being to increase trade between the countries and encourage Franco to join the war, which he had offered to do. Franco resisted Germany's offer due to his reliance on US imports and other factors, and stationed many troops on the French border to discourage the Germans from occupying the Iberian Peninsular as part of their plan to take Gibraltar.

Specifications

Produced: 1941-1944
Power: 26hp at 4.000 rpm
Capacity: 750cc
Engine: Boxer, overhead, Four Stroke, Twin Cylinder
Transmission: Cardan
Maximum speed: 95 Km/h
Weight: 420 Kg with sidecar


Sources: Motos Antigua HD, dropbears.com, Wikipedia.

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