BMW R51/3: A motorcycle for Olympians

At launch, one journalist described the R51/3 as “a motorcycle which only the gods could afford”. Ironic, then, that this example has been kept in a Greek collection for some years – but even more interesting is that it’s now within the reach of mere mortals.

Depending on your knowledge of classic motorcycles, you might conclude from the captivating model name that a) it has a DIN standard as a namesake, or b) it’s little more than an upgraded R51/2 (essentially a pre-War bike sold post-War).
We know the latter isn’t true, at least. While it looked similar to the /2, it had an all-new, single-cam 494cc engine which resolved some of the mechanical issues experienced by its predecessor. Topping out at 87mph, it was considered a luxury motorcycle thanks in part to the ‘plunger’ rear suspension – duly reflected in the significant list price of around 2,750 German DM.
Representing much better value these days, this fetching burgundy example will cross the block at Coys’ June 15 sale in Athens with an estimate of EUR 8,000 – 12,000.

Related Links You can view this R51/3 auction listing in the Classic Driver Marketplace, ahead of its sale on June 15. All other lots can be found in the Classic Driver Marketplace

Text: J. Philip Rathgen (Classic Driver)
Photos: Coys