BMW R 23

The BMW R 23 was a motorcycle from the German maker BMW, built from 1938 as the successor to the R 20. From 1938 even machines up to 200 cc needed tax and a licence, but a new licence class up to 250 cc was introduced, so BMW took the chance to enlarge the engine to 247 cc. Series production began in Munich in June 1938, and BMW stopped it in 1940 because of the war after 8021 had been built. The drivetrain, frame, brakes, front fork and ignition were the same as the R 20, with a 6 volt 75 watt generator. BMW also offered to convert an R 20 to 250 cc for two more horsepower. The R 23 is the original version of all later 250 cc BMW single-cylinder shaft-drive motorcycles built until 1966.