Walk Around: BMW's First Motorcycle - the R32

The R32 was manufactured between 1923 and 1926.  It was BMW's first motorcycle.  It had an 8.5 hp 486 cc engine (about 30 cubic inches), and could reach about 60mph.  I'm not sure how safe it seems, to be taking your hand off the right handlebar to reach the gearshift lever (see wood knob next to the BMW logo).  On the other hand, I spent years riding a racing bicycle with dual derailleur shifters on the downtube without incident.

Here' a link if you'd like to hear and see an R32 (not this specific one) under operation, though not nearly at 60mph.

https://youtu.be/7Ix8I17GzjM