BMW R23 Specs (Top Speed | Horsepower | Weight)

The BMW R23 motorcycle specifications include a 247 cc (15.07 cu in) engine, power of 10.1 hp (7.3 kW) @ 5,400 rpm, a 3-speed gearbox, and a listed weight of 135 kg (297.6 lb).

Key specifications

1938-1940Model years
247 ccDisplacement
10.1 hpPower
135 kgWet weight
9.6 LFuel tank
1,330 mmWheelbase
Model years covered
193819391940

Year-specific specification changes

No material specification changes from the 1938 baseline were found in the available data.

How the BMW R23 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 power10.1 hp
Low 12 hpAverage 81.6 hpHigh 193 hp

About 88% lower than the BMW database average. Around the 2nd percentile across BMW models.

Displacement247 cc
Low 247 ccAverage 909 ccHigh 1,649 cc

About 73% lower than the BMW database average. Around the 4th percentile across BMW models.

Wet weight135 kg
Low 130 kgAverage 226.7 kgHigh 364 kg

About 40% lighter than the BMW database average. Around the 3rd percentile across BMW models.

Fuel capacity9.6 L
Low 9.8 LAverage 19.2 LHigh 30 L

About 50% smaller than the BMW database average. Around the 2nd 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 power2nd

10.1 hp — more powerful than about 2% of BMW models with power data.

Displacement4th

247 cc — larger displacement than about 4% of BMW models.

Wet weight3rd

135 kg — heavier than about 3% of BMW models, or lighter than about 97%.

Fuel capacity2nd

9.6 L — larger than about 2% of BMW fuel tanks in this database.

Dimensions compared with BMW average

Each measurement is compared with the average value across BMW models where that dimension is available.

Overall length2,000 mm
This bike

2,000

BMW avg

2,193

9% below average.

Overall width800 mm
This bike

800

BMW avg

877

9% below average.

Overall height900 mm
This bike

900

BMW avg

1,199

25% below average.

Wheelbase1,330 mm
This bike

1,330

BMW avg

1,497

11% below average.

Mechanical overview

Engine layout snapshot

Single cylinder, four-stroke • 247 cc • Air cooled • 10.1 hp
Chassis snapshot

Wheelbase 1,330 mm
3-speed • Shaft drive (cardan) (final drive) • 2.99-19 front / 2.99-19 rear

Additional useful specifications

Front tire size 2.99-19
Rear tire size 2.99-19
Power-to-weight ratio 0.075 hp/kg
Power-to-weight 74.8 hp/tonne
Specific power 40.9 hp/L
Bore/stroke ratio 1.00:1 (Square)

Engine specifications

Engine type Single cylinder, four-stroke
Displacement 247 cc (15.07 cu in)
Power 10.1 hp (7.3 kW) @ 5,400 rpm
Bore × stroke 68.0 x 68 mm (2.7 x 2.7 inches)
Compression ratio 6.1:1
Cooling system Air
Fuel system Carburettor. Amal
Fuel control Overhead Valves (OHV)
Ignition Battery
Starter Kick
Lubrication Wet sump

Transmission and drivetrain

Gearbox 3-speed
Final drive Shaft drive (cardan) (final drive)
Clutch Single plate dry

Chassis and suspension

Frame Steel-single cradlel
Front suspension Telescopic fork
Rear suspension Rigid

Brakes, wheels and tires

Front brakes Expanding brake (drum brake)
Rear brakes Expanding brake (drum brake)
Front tire 2.99-19
Rear tire 2.99-19

Dimensions and weight

Wet weight 135 kg (297.6 lb)
Overall length 2,000 mm (78.7 inches)
Overall width 800 mm (31.5 inches)
Overall height 900 mm (35.4 inches)
Wheelbase 1,330 mm (52.4 inches)
Carrying capacity 200kg

Fuel and emissions

Fuel capacity 9.60 L (2.54 US gal)

Performance

Top speed 95.0 km/h (59.0 mph)

Electrical and instruments

Battery Lubrication system

Other specifications

Seat Solo seat with springs

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.