Ernst Henne's speed record stood for only two months. Joe Wright was ready with another vehicle powered by the fantastic JAP 1000 two-cylinder V, longitudinal, engine. In November, 1930, he drove the motorcycle at Cork, Ireland, where he raised the world record to 150.70 m.p.h. BMW got ready to retaliate by spending two years studying aerodynamics and improving its engine. On November 2, 1932, Henne raised the record again, this time to 151.86 m.p.h.
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| BMW 750 Record Racer |
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| BMW 750 Record Racer |
In 1936 the BMW technicians decided to decrease the motorcycle's displacement from 750 to 500 cc. It seems odd to cut a racing motorcycle's engine size, but there was a sound basis for this technical change. The BMW 500 single-shaft motorcycle had to offer a certain margin of reliability in circuit racing if it was to last the race, but in record racing far less endurance was demanded. Thus the BMW 500 could generate 106 h.p., which enabled Henne to become the first man in the history of motorcycle racing to set a world speed record with a 1/2-liter vehicle: 169.01 m.p
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| BMW 750 Record Racer |
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| BMW 750 Record Racer |
Engine: BMW two-cylinder, opposed at 180°. Four-stroke with overhead valve distribution, rod and rocker. Supercharger. Displacement 735.8 cc. (83 mm. x 68 mm.)
Cooling: Air
Transmission: Four-speed block Power: 100 h.p.
Maximum speed: About 160 m.p.h.
Chassis: Double cradle in tubular elements. Front, telescopic suspension; rear, wheel drive
Brakes: Front and rear, central drum
