BMW R12 Single Carb vs BMW R11 Series 1 (1942)

Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the BMW R12 Single Carbstacks up against the BMW R11 Series 1. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.

Spec comparison

SpecBMW R12 Single CarbBMW R11 Series 1
Model year19421930
Price
Engine745 cc745 cc
Horsepower18 hp18 hp
Fuel capacity3.7 L3.7 L
Fuel typepetrolpetrol
Transmission3-speed
Front brakesExpanding brake (drum brake)Expanding brake (drum brake)
Rear brakesExpanding brake (drum brake)
Tires3.5-19 / 3.5-19 3.25-26.00 / 3.25-26.00

BMW R12 Single Carb vs BMW R11 Series 1 — which should you buy?

Picking between the BMW R12 Single Carb and the BMW R11 Series 1 usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the BMW R12 Single Carb brings 18 hp, while the BMW R11 Series 1 counters with 18 hp.

Our spec tables above highlight the winning number on each line. For the full rider-focused reviews including real-world fuel economy, service costs and available colors, click into either bike: