1938 R 61 DEUTSCHE POST
ENGINE: 600cc M261/1 Boxer
OUTPUT: 18 hp @ 4,800 rpm
CURB WEIGHT: 405 lbs.
TOP SPEED: 71 mph, 62 mph w/sidecar
PRICE WHEN NEW: RM 1,420 ($230)
YEARS PRODUCED: 1938 – ‘41
NUMBER BUILT: 3,747
COLOR: Red & Black
OWNER: Jack Wells (Since approx. 2012)
LOCATION: Lake City, Florida
New for 1938, the R 61 touring bike used BMW’s fully suspended tube-steel frame powered by a side-valve engine. The four-speed gearbox was foot-shifted, with a hand shifter optional. The R 61 was ideally suited to sidecar duty. This motorcycle was delivered new to the German postal service and fitted with a utility sidecar built by Royal.
When Jack Well’s purchased the motorcycle in 2012, it was missing the sidecar. Jack confirmed it was used as a postal bike with BMW Archives in Germany. Blueprints had been found at the German postal archives and an exact replica was commissioned from Ideal by owner Jack Wells during the bike’s restoration. Jack’s Deutsche Post R 61 is believed to be the only one of its type, and it’s been honored with several Best in Class awards.
BMW Motorcycle: A Century of Innovation exhibition is currently on display at The Ultimate Driving Museum through January 20, 2024. From a 1926 BMW R 32 to a 2023 BMW R 18 100th Anniversary edition are part of the 56 BMW motorcycles and five BMW motorcycle powered vehicles, like the Isetta 300, 600, and Farmobil are all part of the exhibition.
To learn more about this motorcycle and others, check out the exhibition book authored by Jackie Jouret in our online giftshop.
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Museum hours are Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm | Saturday 10am – 4pm
(Last admission is an hour before closing each day)
Ticket prices are Adults 18+: $12, Youth 6-17: $6, Children 5 & under: Free
The Ultimate Driving Museum is located at 190 Manatee Court, Greer, SC 29651
www.theultimatedrivingmuseum.org | 864.329.1919
The BMW Motorcycles: A Century of Innovation exhibit is proudly sponsored by the following:
