Lot 420 c.1965 BMW 500cc RS54 'Kneeler' Racing Combination For Sale by Auction

This motorcycle is Lot 420 to be auctioned by Bonhams at The Autumn Stafford Sale (The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show) on 12 & 13 October, please see the Bonhams website for full details.

Auction Timings:
Lots 1 - 176 are to be sold from 11:00 on Saturday 12th October 2024.
Lots 201 - 429 are to be sold from 11:00 on Sunday 13th October 2024.

Public Viewing:
Available 12th & 13th October 2024 from 09:00 until 17:00, at The Stafford County Showground (The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show).

Lot 420

c. 1965 BMW 500cc RS54 'Kneeler' Racing Motorcycle Combination
Registration no.
Frame no. 3684 (to modern headstock plaque)
Engine no. D. F. D. 3684
• An older restoration
• Not used for some time
• Requires recommissioning/ restoration

For several decades after WW2, BMW-powered sidecar outfits dominated the world of Grand Prix racing, the low centre of gravity conferred by the engine's horizontally opposed cylinders giving the German machines a distinct advantage over their rivals. Basically, it boiled down to this: if you didn't have a BMW, you didn't win. This unprecedented dominance commenced in 1954 when BMW-mounted Wilhelm Knoll and passenger Fritz Cron ended the reign of Norton's Eric Oliver. From then onwards BMW-powered sidecar outfits would win the World Championship for the next 13 years. Following in Noll's footsteps was a succession of German drivers: Faust, Hillebrand, Schneider, Fath, Deubel, Enders, Owesle, and Steinhausen, with only the occasional interruption by 'foreign' competitors, most notably the Swiss driver Fritz Scheidegger, winner in 1965 and '66.

At that time (the early 1950s) racing combinations still looked like a road-going motorcycle with a rudimentary 'sidecar' frame attached, but that would change dramatically in 1953 with arrival of the 'kneeler'. Pioneered by Oliver and the Swiss ace Hans Haldeman, the kneeler was an integrated design, more rigid and stable than the traditional 'bolted up' arrangement, which featured a lengthened frame, smaller wheels, and a shortened fork. The driver adopted a kneeling position, with his lower legs in moulded gutters, and no longer did the passenger have to clamber over the tall sidecar wheel. It was nothing less than a revolution.

An older restoration, this BMW sidecar outfit has clearly not been used for some time and will require careful recommissioning, or potentially more extensive restoration, before returning to the racetrack and thus is sold strictly as viewed. The machine looks reminiscent of outfits built by Siegfried Schauzu, the most successful continental sidecar racer in the TT's history, having amassed a total of nine victories between 1967 and 1975 on his immaculately prepared BMW outfits. However, it has not been possible to prove whether it was acquired from Schauzu by the late owner (Schauza sold various machines around 2000). The 'DFD' stamped engine could also be a reference to the sidecar racer Dave Dickinson - and further research by the next owner may yet prove rewarding. An oil service card dates the last oil change (and probable use) as 12. 9. 94; other than that there are no documents with this Lot. It should be noted that the rear brake seized and some brake lines disconnected, hence we have been unable to determine whether or not the engine turns over. Prospective bidders must satisfy themselves with regard to the condition, completeness, authenticity and compatibility of this Lot's component parts prior to bidding.


All lots are sold 'as is/ where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams Motorcycles website for all pertinent auction information.