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Featured Bikes: Johnny’s 1937 BMW R12 “Cowboy Custom”

I bought this motorcycle from a pal of mine who’s owned her since the early 1980s. I have a rule with the pre-war BMWs. I don’t buy motorcycles if I don’t know the ownership history prior to the 1990s. Why? There are way too many eastern-block reproduction frames, and that makes for lots of motorcycles with questionable origins out there. If I’m going to have a pre-war BMW, I’m going to be sure it’s original.
Why original? Because I’m a sucker for original unrestored motorcycles. Although this 1937 BMW R12 isn’t exactly original, at least not in the sense of how she rolled off the factory floor. This motorcycle is a “cowboy custom” that was done in the early 1950’s by the gentleman who bought her in Germany and shipped her home to Southern California.

To my knowledge, I am the 4th American owner of this particular motorcycle. While other people have urged me to restore this motorcycle just because of its vintage, I haven’t. I just love the fact that it’s a 60 year old custom job. In my mind, she’s “original” to what that guy back in the ’50s wanted her to be. I can just imagine the old girl cruising the Southern California canyons, gassing up at the Rock Store back when they still sold fuel, and riding in a pack of Indians and Harleys. I like that vision. It’s a different kind of heritage to the fully period-correct restoration that this motorcycle could easily turn into, and one that just seems to fit this machine better.
When I bought her, we had to cobble the left head together a bit. The brakes weren’t functional, for example. She also needed a new magneto, but that was it. At 77 years old, she’ll still start on the first kick. Hell, you could just about start this motorcycle by blowing on the kick pedal. I love her, and am leaving her the way she sits.

Motoworks Chicago presents the story of Johnny's 1937 BMW R12 Cowboy Custom, a vintage motorcycle with a fascinating history. Owned since the 1980s, this unique piece of machinery has an ownership history that dates back to the time it was a pre-war BMW, ensuring its originality and authenticity. An esteemed 60-year-old custom job, this vintage motorcycle may not be the standard period-correct restoration, but it carries a different kind of heritage.

The cowboy custom look was given to the 1937 BMW R12 by an American owner who bought the motorcycle in Germany in the early 1950s. Since then, the R12 has journeyed to Southern California, witnessing decades of riding through the canyons, stopping at gas stations selling fuel alongside other iconic motorcycle brands such as Indian and Harley. To this day, the 1937 BMW R12 Cowboy Custom reminds us of the vision and passion of the original owner and vintage motorcycle enthusiasts.

In its current condition, the motorcycle has a charm that has been preserved by the owner. The 77-year-old cowboy custom BMW R12 is still in great working order, starting at the first kick and cherished as a relic of the past. Dive into the story of the 1937 BMW R12 Cowboy Custom and celebrate the perfect blend of original details, custom adventures, and unforgettable memories.

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Featured Bikes: Johnny’s 1937 BMW R12 “Cowboy Custom”

The Amazing Tale of the 1937 BMW R12 Cowboy Custom

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