The BMW R11 features a 750cc opposed twin cylinder side valve engine which produces 18 horsepower at 3400 rpm and has a top speed of 60 mph. It's unique frame and trailing link front fork are made from welded steel pressings. Like all BMW motorcycles, it transfers power from the engine to the road via shaft drive.

Many of the early BMW Motorcycles were attached to sidecars for commercial and military use. Note the sidecar mounting ball on the rear drive housing. The R11's gears are changes with a handlebar mounted clutch, and stick shift lever, requiring removal of one hand from the throttle during gear change. This dangerous maneuver requires practice and finness. The R11 and BMWs like it were part of the backbone of the German military during World War II. They were fitted with a sidecar and MG34 machine gun

Today BMW is still producing some of the highest quality, most innovative motorcycles in the world. Many of these modern motorcycles share design and engineering features with their vintage counterparts, drawing on the heritage that is BMW.