It was designed by Max Fritz, forbidden by treaty from working on aircraft engines following World War I, who came up the blueprint for BMW motorcycles that the company follows to this day, 95 years after the first R32 was produced.
The R42, introduced three years later in 1926, moved the brand more firmly down the road to profitability and success. Its redesigned and more powerful 500cc engine, now with aggressively finned detachable alloy heads, made the bike a better tourer.
Despite the fact that all BMW two-wheelers built up to 1941 owe much to the R42, its production lasted just three years, making this rare BMWR42 among the brands most desirable and sought-after vintage machines.
You may purchase a print in our online gallery.
