BMW R 50-5 Specs (Top Speed | Horsepower | Weight)

The BMW R 50-5 motorcycle specifications include a 498 cc (30.39 cu in) engine, power of 32 hp (23.4 kW) @ 6,400 rpm, a 4-speed gearbox, and a listed weight of 222 kg (489.4 lb).

Key specifications

1970-1972Model years
498 ccDisplacement
32 hpPower
222 kgWet weight
24 LFuel tank
Model years covered
197019711972

Year-specific specification changes

No material specification changes from the 1970 baseline were found in the available data.

How the BMW R 50-5 compares

This compares the motorcycle with all BMW models in this specifications database. The blue marker is this model and the grey line is the BMW database average.

Engine power32 hp
Low 12 hpAverage 81.6 hpHigh 193 hp

About 61% lower than the BMW database average. Around the 17th percentile across BMW models.

Displacement498 cc
Low 247 ccAverage 909 ccHigh 1,649 cc

About 45% lower than the BMW database average. Around the 14th percentile across BMW models.

Wet weight222 kg
Low 130 kgAverage 226.7 kgHigh 364 kg

Very close to the BMW database average. Around the 48th percentile across BMW models.

Fuel capacity24 L
Low 9.8 LAverage 19.2 LHigh 30 L

About 25% larger than the BMW database average. Around the 88th percentile across BMW models.

This model BMW database average

BMW database percentile rankings

Percentiles show where this motorcycle sits across the BMW specifications database. They are descriptive database rankings, not performance ratings.

Engine power17th

32 hp — more powerful than about 17% of BMW models with power data.

Displacement14th

498 cc — larger displacement than about 14% of BMW models.

Wet weight48th

222 kg — heavier than about 48% of BMW models, or lighter than about 52%.

Fuel capacity88th

24 L — larger than about 88% of BMW fuel tanks in this database.

Mechanical overview

Engine layout snapshot

Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke • 498 cc • Air cooled • 32 hp
Chassis snapshot

4-speed • Shaft drive (cardan) (final drive) • 3.25-19 front / 4.00-18 rear

Additional useful specifications

Front tire size 3.25-19
Rear tire size 4.00-18
Power-to-weight ratio 0.144 hp/kg
Power-to-weight 144.1 hp/tonne
Specific power 64.3 hp/L
Bore/stroke ratio 0.95:1 (Undersquare)

Engine specifications

Engine type Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke
Displacement 498 cc (30.39 cu in)
Power 32 hp (23.4 kW) @ 6,400 rpm
Bore × stroke 67.0 x 70.6 mm (2.6 x 2.8 inches)
Compression ratio 8.6:1
Valves per cylinder 2
Cooling system Air
Fuel control Overhead Valves (OHV)

Transmission and drivetrain

Gearbox 4-speed
Final drive Shaft drive (cardan) (final drive)

Brakes, wheels and tires

Front brakes Expanding brake
Rear brakes Expanding brake
Front tire 3.25-19
Rear tire 4.00-18

Dimensions and weight

Wet weight 222 kg (489.4 lb)

Fuel and emissions

Fuel capacity 24.00 L (6.34 US gal)

Performance

Top speed 151.0 km/h (93.8 mph)

Disclaimer: Specifications may vary by market, trim, production date and optional equipment, and scraped or historical data can contain errors. Comparison and percentile values are calculated from BMW models in this specifications database. Always double-check important specifications against the motorcycle owner’s/service manual and official BMW information before relying on them. Visit the official BMW website.