This 1934 BMW R7 prototype is one of the most talked about
and best-loved motorcycles of the 1930s, yet it never left the factory, and was
known only through a single, mysterious photo for over 70 years.
When completed in 1934, the R7 wasn’t exhibited of press-released
and appears to have been shelved immediately. Complicated forces worked against
the R7. While the prototype is a hand fabricated one-off, actual production
would require huge investment in tooling for the metal pressings, new casting
for the engine, gearbox, and cylinders, plus set-up for the unique internal
parts. Internal factory politics certainly played a hand as well. The BMW team saw the R7 as impractical in
the owners would need specialist mechanics.
Clamor arose in the 1980s to revive the R7; it wasn’t until
2005 the task was handed to two legendary restorers: Armin Frey undertook to
mechanicals, while Hans Keckeisen massaged the sheet metal.
The 1934 R7 prototype is an unquestioned design success – a graceful
and beautiful study of flowing line, curves, and feminine masses.
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