The BMW R 17 was the sports version of the BMW R 12. Both models were manufactured with riveted pressed steel frames and featured a revolutionary innovation. The hydraulically damped telescopic fork significantly improved ride comfort, and since then almost all motorcycle manufacturers have installed this. The BMW R 17 generated power output of 33 hp and had a top speed of 140 km/h, making it one of the sportiest motorcycles on the market. However, with a price tag of more than 2,000 reichsmarks it was also one of the most expensive machines on the market. Only 434 of these motorcycles were built.