BMW R71 (1938 to 1941)

The R71 Motorrad was introduced in 1938 by BMW as a robust touring model suitable for sidecars within the pre war range. It was equipped with a 746cc air cooled, side valve, twin boxer engine, paired to a 4 speed manual transmission and shaft drive. The R71 prioritized smoothness, reliability and load capacity over sporting performance, and was used in both civilian and military configurations. Notably, the R71 is especially remembered for having served as the technical basis for the Soviet M-72, which in turn gave rise to the later Ural and Dnepr models, making it one of the BMW models with the greatest historical influence outside of Germany. The BMW R71 was produced until 1941.