BMW R-71 History

[Palmenmuster]

Forum members, I am hoping to get help to trace the history of my bike, is it possible to get info on wich unit the bike were delivered to?

The R-71 is matching numbers and with a sidecar, it is a 1940 model and was discovered in an old barn in northern Finland in the early 80s. According to my friend who bought it, the farmer said it was abandoned when the Germans retreated into Norway at the end of war.

Hopefully some of you can give me hints to were I can get more info.

Best regards, Tom

[BMWR71]

Yes you can find out. You can contact the BMW Archives. You need to speak with the guy who email link is here Andreas.Harz@partner.bmw.de

He is gonna ask for the frame and motor number. He will be able to tell you what day it was made and were it was delivered to.

[Palmenmuster]

GREAT, thank you, I will contact him.
Best regards, Tom

[BMWR71]

Let us know. I always love to hear the history of what survived. I own 3 wartime BMW's myself.

[R75Kradman]

1943 R75

I also emailed him about my old R75. Are there R75's on the East Coast? Which is considered a better machine, the R71 or R75?

[BMWR71]

There are at least 2 R75s on the east coast as far as I know. There are gonna be 2 more R12s running soon for a total of 3 on the East Coast I know of. I would have to say the R75 was a way better bike IMO. The R71 was supposed to be a cheaper, easier to operate, and a overall better alternative to the R12. The R71 never filled this role and only a few thousand were made. The R75 was supposed to replace the R12 and R71 but it never really did before the war ended.The R75 will also out preform the R12 and R71.

[R75Kradman]

What is a current market value for an R75, correctly restored?

[BMWR71]

probably 30,000-35000 US.