The R 42 had a 500cc SV flat-twin engine delivering 12hp (9 kW). The frame and suspension remained almost entirely unchanged, but the rear brake mounted on the drive shaft was a new feature. Sales of the new model more than doubled largely due to a price reduction of 30 per cent.

Photographed at the BMW Museum, Munich, July 2010. Credit ManxNorton.com

BMW Motorcycles 1920-1969