Touring the past upon a 1928 BMW R52

By Kent

Sitting in a shady garage in Northern Virginia is one of about 15 remaining BMW R52 motorcycles. A little over four thousand of these were manufactured between 1928 and 1929 in Munich, Germany. In fact there are less than 100 remaining BMWs manufactured prior to 1930. During World War II, many succumbed to the need for raw materials and were sold as scrap metal, or they were confiscated for use by the German army. Fortunately for Larry Marling, the 1928 model he purchased in 1999 from Vintage Imports in New Jersey was spared this fate and has a rather unique history.

Knowing that he would probably loose his fine machine to the army, the original owner dismantled the motorcycle in the early 1940's. When the army arrived to claim the bike, he was ready for them and replied that yes, he did have a motorcycle, but it was inoperable and the parts to it were spread throughout his garage. As they left, they suggested that he should sell the parts for scrap, but the motorcycle remained safely in his hands until years later when his son reassembled it.

The R52 was designed for touring and gave the owner the ability to ride in relative comfort from village to village and even over the steep Alpine Mountains. The 2 cylinder, 500 cc, 12 horse power engine easily carried it's rider at speeds up to 52 miles per hour although it cruised best at around 45. Even though it is a hardtail with a leaf spring front suspension, Larry reports the springed saddle is quite comfortable and a ride of a couple of hundred miles in a day is quite feasible.

Riding this vintage machine isn't quite the same as today's electric start fuel injected motorcycles. The R52 is, of course, a kick start machine, and engine controls include small levers on the handlebars that allow the rider to adjust timing and the fuel mixture (air chamber control) for optimum performance. Handlebar controls include a kill switch, headlight dimmer, horn button, a lever throttle, and more or less modern style clutch and front break levers. A suicide style hand shifter on the right of the bike operates the 3-speed transmission, and the rider's right foot operates the rear brake foot pedal (there are no right foot controls).

Additional features include a spacious tool compartment in the left side of the transmission in which Larry stores a generous set of Craftsman tools, spare spark plugs since he can expect to foul a plug every fifty miles or so, and a couple of rags to wipe up the inevitable oil leaks inherent on old machines such as these. For night repairs, loosening a small wing nut allows removal of a cigar sized detachable tail light so it can double as a trouble light where needed. The R52 came with Bosch electronics, Ferodo brakes, DEKA tires, and optional speedometer, twist grip sport throttle, and passenger seat.

Larry's R52 is in remarkably good condition. Aside from a paint job, he's had to do very little to it. In fact, the rubber tires show very little signs of weather checking. The engine cylinders have a bit of wear, and it smokes a bit when taken out for its regular rides. These little inconvenienes pale incomparison to the value of this machine who has withstood the test of time, not to mention the German army.

Larry is a member of the Potomac Vintage Riders.

http://www.vintage-imports.com/index.html

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