1928 BMW R52 0.5L Petrol · BF 6657
1928 BMW R52 (0.5L, petrol). First registered 31/12/1928. MOT status: Expired.
- Make & Model
- BMW R52
- Year / Origin
- 1928 · Birmingham
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 03/04/2023
- Road Tax
- Untaxed (01/06/2024)
- Recorded Mileage
- —
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 0.5L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
- Fuel Type
- Petrol
- Year
- 1928
- Engine
- 486cc
AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
BF 6657 Key Findings
- 1 MOT test recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 05/04/2022
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MOT Roadworthiness: Average
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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BF 6657 MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
1 MOT test are recorded for this 1928 BMW R52 (BF 6657) between April 2022 and April 2022.
The record contains 1 pass and 0 failures.
The record shows no MOT failures, although 0 advisory notices note items to monitor.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
This 1928 BMW R52 is a significant piece of motoring history that requires a specialist owner. Proceed with caution, as its age necessitates expert mechanical knowledge and a commitment to preservation rather than daily use.
When purchasing a vehicle of this vintage, the priority must be provenance and originality. Verify that the engine and frame numbers match the original documentation, as replacement parts for the 486cc flat-twin engine are scarce and often require bespoke fabrication.
Check for any signs of structural fatigue in the frame and ensure that the fuel system has been properly maintained to handle modern petrol, which can be corrosive to older seals and fuel lines. A full inspection by a specialist in pre-war BMW motorcycles is highly recommended before finalising any purchase.
Running a 1928 motorcycle is not comparable to modern transport; costs are dominated by specialist maintenance rather than fuel or road tax. As a vehicle over 40 years old, it is currently exempt from UK Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), though you should ensure your registration remains updated with the DVLA as a historic vehicle.
Insurance will require a specialist classic policy, which is often surprisingly affordable, though it may be limited by mileage. Budget significantly for bespoke servicing and the sourcing of rare components, as standard garages will not be equipped to handle an engine of this age.
Focus your inspection on the integrity of the cycle parts and the engine's oil-tightness. The 2022 MOT pass indicates that the machine is in roadworthy condition, but you should look for signs of corrosion on the wheels and frame, as well as the condition of the rubber components which may have perished over time.
Test the operation of the manual ignition timing and the hand-operated gear change if applicable to this specific configuration. Ensure the electrical system, specifically the magneto or early lighting circuits, has been overhauled, as these are common failure points for motorcycles of this era.
This black BMW R52 is a rare pre-war motorcycle, first registered in December 1928. It represents a unique opportunity for collectors, having successfully passed its most recent MOT in April 2022 with no recorded defects. Given its nearly century-long lifespan, it is an exceptional survivor that demands careful appraisal.
As a 1928 model, there is no aggregate reliability data available; however, the R52 is renowned among enthusiasts for its robust engineering for the period.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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