BMW R47 1928 - Motorcycle specifications, price, reviews

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presentation of the R47 1928

The BMW R47 is the successor model to the R37. It is powered by a 494 cm3 flat-twin engine. Produced in 1927 and 1928, it is technically very similar to the R42. The chassis and transmission are largely identical; the main differences are in the cylinder heads and cylinders.
With a weight of 130 kilos, 3 gears and 18 hp at 4,000 rpm, this BMW could reach 110 km/h.

on release, the R47 cost 1,850 Reichsmarks, 1,050 less than the R37. Headlights, horn, speedometer and rear seat were not included.
It was lighter than the R37 and produced 2 more horsepower. The very successful technique of the R32 was in turn used for the R47, i.e. a longitudinally mounted Boxer engine with the crankshaft in the transmission axis, a universal joint, and a frame in direct connection with the steering and rear axle. Incidentally, the chassis is the same as on the R32: a tubular steel frame with no rear suspension, and a leaf-sprung fork.

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production ceased after 1720 units. It was replaced by the R57.

Image credits: D.R.
Info credits: Content under CC-BY-SA license.
Source: German Wikipedia article BMW_R47 (authors)

Published on 7/12/25
by Greg

Greg is the founder of Motoplanete—a website created in 2001 to share his passion with his friends and showcase as many motorcycle models as possible to his readers. Self-taught and a jack-of-all-trades, his discovery of the world of motorcycles led him to work as a photographer, rider, team manager, web developer, graphic designer, editorial assistant, and editor-in-chief.

Key facts BMW R47 (1928) : What you need to know before you buy

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Model sold in 1928

Performance

Max speed : 120 km/h (74.60 mph)
Average fuel consumption : 5 liters/100km (0.47 mpg)
Estimated range : 250 km (155 miles)
Calculated range until tank is empty, not verified.

Specifications BMW R47 1928

Chassis: Two-seater saddle; Frame : tubular steel structure; Fuel capacity : 12.50 liters (3.30 US gallons); Length : 2,100 mm (82.68 in); Width : 800 mm (31.50 in); Min height : 950 mm (37.40 in); Wheelbase : 1,400 mm (55.12 in); Weight when fully loaded : 152 kg (335 lb)

Front axle: Fork + leaf spring; drum brakes Ø 200 mm (7.87 in); Front tire (Inner tube) : 3.5 - 26 → Order this type of tire

Transmission: 3 stage gearbox; Secondary cardan shaft

Rear axle: rigide; unspecified brakes; Rear tire (Inner tube) : 3.5 - 26 → Order this type of tire

Motor: two-cylinder flat , 4 strokes; Carburettor Ø 22 mm; Cooling system : by air; 2 valves per cylinder; 735 cc; 24 ch (23.70 hp) to 4,000 rpm; Power-to-Weight Ratio : approx. 5.93 kg/ch; Compression : 5.8 : 1

Practical information: Made in 794 copies; Country of manufacture : Germany

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1928

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FAQ Your frequently asked questions about the R47 1928

What is the power of the R47?: The R47 1928 develops a power of 24 ch (23.70 hp)
What is the maximum speed of the R47?: The R47 1928 is capable of reaching a top speed of 120 km/h (74.60 mph) on the track.
What is the weight of the R47?: The R47 1928 has a a weight when fully loaded of 152 kg (335 lb).
What is the fuel consumption of the R47?: Average fuel consumption is estimated at 5 l/100km (0.47 mpg) according to the WMTC cycle.
Is the R47 approved for transporting a passenger?: Yes, this vehicle is equipped as standard for 2 people.