BMW 1951 R51/3

BMW Motorcycle 1951 R51/3

Matching frame and engine #525932

Rare. beautiful condition and accurately restored. A museum example to collect or ride. Rarely does a bike like this come up for sale.

A brief history:

The R51/3 was introduced in 1951 for a production run of four years.

According to BMW Group Archiv. this first-year bike rolled off the production line October 5th. 1951 and was delivered the same day to BMW dealer Petersohn in Limburg. Germany.

I bought the bike in 2000. It was mechanically sound. but it had a hodgepodge of later model BMW parts.

I began the historically correct restoration in 2002.

As was often the case with these bikes. BMW built the R51/3 with many part variations as they incorporated changes. i. e. . the R51/3 had at least three different air filters. Early R51/3s like mine had a smallish rare black steel filter with wire mesh while later models had a larger filter that carried over into subsequent model years. To that extent. I knew an accurate restoration would take some time to research and source the correct parts.

I sourced official new production parts from BMW Mobile Traditions. and sourced original and NOS parts throughout the world. Even the screws. washers and bolts are correct with the exception that some of the plated parts have been replaced with stainless steel parts. All bead blasting. plating and painting was performed locally at a very high level. I sent the engine and transmission to Bob Bancroft Restoration in Ohio. The ground-up restoration took 3-1/2 years.

A few of the many accurate restoration details: The metal fork tubes. half hub brakes. properly painted two-tone steel rims. tires. painted small air cleaner. petcock. carburetors. saddle. removable pinion saddle. new steel fenders - no putty anywhere. official hand-painted pinstripes. complete tool kit. swallowtail exhaust. handlebar. deep oil pan. new correct wiring harness. headlight assembly. Veigel speedo. and taillight. Also included are the very rare owners manual. service manual and parts manual.

Since 2005. I?ˆ™ve logged 8. 00 kilometers (4. 70 miles) in dry weather only riding.

I restored and added a BMW LS200 sidecar in 2006. I did not enjoy the sidecar rig so I sold the sidecar after only 100 miles. The sidecar hardware and lighting harness is still intact on the bike. The sidecar is not included in the sale.

A few years ago. I made a couple non-original changes for safety. I replaced the 6v electrical system with a 12v system from Bench Mark Works. Visually this is an undetectable change except for the battery. Now the lights are nice and bright and the bulbs are easily sourced. I also rewired the correct taillight to accept a brake switch and light. It is also wired with a plug-in adapter to accept a battery tender. There is also a sidestand. which is barely visible in the photos.

It should be noted that the bike was restored to be used for show and/or as a rider. hence there are some minor signs of use ?ˆ“ just like a German museum piece. A rare. stunningly beautiful and desirable BMW motorcycle that presents very well.

Located in Bainbridge Island. WA. Glad to answer any questions.

Buy it now for $23. 50. 00 USD

When sold:

A $500. 00 NON-REFUNDABLE deposit is due within 24 hours of end of auction. The remainder is due within 3 days of auction end.

I accept: CASH IN PERSON. Bank Certified/Cashier's check or Bank-to-Bank transfer for full payment. Official bank check acceptable upon review. All funds MUST clear before vehicle is shipped or released!!!

PayPal is not accepted for full payment (only for the $500. 00 non-refundable deposit).

Winning bidder must contact me within 24 hours of auction end and make arrangements for payment at that time.

If no contact is made within 24 hours I reserve the right to re-list the vehicle. sell it to the next high bidder. or sell it otherwise.

Please arrange financing prior to bidding.

If financing please make sure that your financial institution accepts the year and miles of this vehicle before bidding.

I will not accept bids from bidders with zero feedback unless they contact me first. I apologize for the inconvenience to all legitimate bidders.

Do not assume anything not listed is included. Please look at all the photographs. You are bidding on the bike as documented as best I can in the photographs. If you are not sure about something. please ask!

I reserve the right to end the listing if the vehicle is no longer available for sale.

Please note that the mileage can vary slightly as bike is subject to test rides.

There is NO WARRANTY expressed or implied and you are buying AS IS!

Taxes and registration are the responsibility of the purchaser.

Shipping is the responsibility of the buyer. but I will arrange shipping for a fee. Please contact me if you want me to provide shipping.

This motorcycle is available to international bidders.

All import duties. fees. registration. etc. are the responsibility of the buyer.

Also published at eBay.com