LUXURY BIKES

One of the most mythical competition bikes of the 50s, the fabulous BMW 500 Rennsport.
The here presented bike is exceptional in several points: This is not only likely to be one of the very rare works type 256 with only 8 examples ever produced, but on top of it this one is in an exceptional running condition. It is frequently ridden by its owner during classic bike events.
In the 50s, the BMW factory produced 25 RS 54 type 253 and 8 type 256.
The works type 256 shows the following differences to the privateer RS 54 type 253:
* Oversquare engine (70 x 64.5),
* Dell’Orto 37 mm carburettors with separate float chambers,
* Double ignition (4 spark plugs),
* Earles forks with a straight rear section (instead of bended),
* 5 speed transmission,
* transmission shaft parallel to the swing arm,
* hydraulic rear brakes,
* front mud-guard fixed on the frame.

The exact history and palmarès of this bike are unknown. The famous rider Walter Zeller, official BMW racer from 1951 to 1956, rode the type 256 with success:
German Champion 500 in 1951, 54 and 55.
Vice World Champion 500 in 1956 behind John Surtess and the MV.
Walter Zeller stopped competition beginning 1957. He participated in historic races in Europe from 1979 to 1988 with his loyal mechanic Gustl Lachermeier, who accompanied him throughout his career at the BMW race department.
Gustl restored and prepared two marvellous bikes: a 1946 RS Kompressor and a Rennsport type 256 a with an oversquare engine from 1968.
Following the owner of this Rennsport, it was also Gustl Lachermeier, who restored this bike in the 80s and it was used by Walter Zeller in historic races.

This extremely rare bike is available in Germany.