BMW R42 vs BMW R47 (1928)
Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the BMW R42stacks up against the BMW R47. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.
Spec comparison
| Spec | BMW R42 | BMW R47 |
|---|---|---|
| Model year | 1928 | 1928 |
| Price | — | — |
| Engine | 494 cc | 494 cc |
| Horsepower | 12 hp | 18 hp |
| Fuel capacity | — | 3.7 L |
| Fuel type | petrol | petrol |
| Transmission | 3-speed | 3-speed |
| Front brakes | Expanding brake (drum brake) | Expanding brake (drum brake) |
| Tires | 3.5-26 / 3.5-26 | 3.50-27 / 3.50-27 |
BMW R42 vs BMW R47 — which should you buy?
Picking between the BMW R42 and the BMW R47 usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the BMW R42 brings 12 hp, while the BMW R47 counters with 18 hp.
Our spec tables above highlight the winning number on each line. For the full rider-focused reviews including real-world fuel economy, service costs and available colors, click into either bike: