In 1928, BMW launched the revised version of the BMW R 42 500 cc model: the BMW R 52. Power output values, top speed and frame were largely the same as in the previous model. The only striking innovation on the frame was the brake on the front wheel, which had been enlarged from 150 to 200 mm. Conversely, the engine was a completely new development. This was the first time that BMW abandoned the traditional quadratic relationship between stroke and bore, thereby creating the long-stroke BMW R 52. BMW reinforced its reputation as a manufacturer of robust and reliable endurance motorcycles with the BMW R 52.