BMW R51 vs BMW R57 (1940)
Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the BMW R51stacks up against the BMW R57. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.
Spec comparison
| Spec | BMW R51 | BMW R57 |
|---|---|---|
| Model year | 1940 | 1930 |
| Price | — | — |
| Engine | 494 cc | 494 cc |
| Horsepower | 24 hp | 18 hp |
| Fuel capacity | 3.7 L | 3.2 L |
| Fuel type | petrol | petrol |
| Transmission | 4-speed | — |
| Front brakes | Expanding brake (drum brake) | Expanding brake (drum brake) |
| Rear brakes | Expanding brake (drum brake) | Expanding brake (drum brake) |
| Tires | 3.50-19.00 / 3.50-19.00 | 3.50-26.00 / 3.50-26.00 |
BMW R51 vs BMW R57 — which should you buy?
Picking between the BMW R51 and the BMW R57 usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the BMW R51 brings 24 hp, while the BMW R57 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: