BMW R26

1960 BMW R-26

Built to the same exemplary standards as the Bavarian company's famous flat-twins, the single-cylinder BMW first appeared in pre-war days. Indeed, BMW's first new post-war model was a single-cylinder design - the 250cc BMW R24 - which arrived in 1948. In 1956 BMW introduced a completely revamped thumper replacing the BMW R25, the R26 (engine numbers 340 001 – 370 236), with improvements paralleling those introduced at the same time in the boxer twins. The R26 came with an enclosed drive shaft, rear swingarm, and front Earles forks. A new headlight nacelle came with a sliding black plastic over the ignition key, and the “bell-bottom” front fender was dropped along with the mechanics' hand shifter. The engine of the R26 was bolted directly to the frame, and produced 15 hp (11 kW). These machines like other single cylinder BMW's were famous for their reliability, economy, and quiet operation, a very desirable feature when used for law enforcement in metropolitan areas.

BMW R26

Manufacturer	BMW
Also called	R 26
Production	1956 - 1960
Class	Classic
Engine	single cylinder, four-stroke
Bore / Stroke	68.0mm x 68.0mm
Compression ratio	7.5:1
Top speed	80 mph (128 km/h)
Horse Power	14.62 HP (10.9 KW) @ 6400RPM
Ignition type	battery
Battery	7.5:1
Transmission	Gear box: 4-speed Final Drive: shaft drive (cardan) Clutch: single plate dry-cable operated
Suspension	Front: cartridge Rear: twin shock-swingarm
Brakes	Front: expanding brake (drum brake) Rear: expanding brake (drum brake)
Front Tire	3.27-18
Rear Tire	3.27-18
Wheelbase	38.39 inches (975 mm)
Dimensions	L 82.28 inches (2090 mm) W 25.98 inches (660 mm) H 38.39 inches (975 mm)
Seat height	28.74 inches (730 mm)
Weight	(dry), 158.0 kg (wet)
Fuel capacity	3.96 Gallon (15.00 Liters)
Fuel consumption	3.30 litres/100 km (30.3 km/l or 71.28 mpg)
Manuals	Service Manual
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The BMW R26 was a single cylinder, four-stroke Classic motorcycle produced by BMW between 1956 and 1960. It could reach a top speed of 80 mph (128 km/h). Claimed horsepower was 14.62 HP (10.9 KW) @ 6400 RPM.

Engine

The engine was a air cooled single cylinder, four-stroke. A 68.0mm bore x 68.0mm stroke result in a displacement of just 247.0 cubic centimeters. Fuel was supplied via a overhead valves (ohv).

Drive

The bike has a 4-speed transmission. Power was moderated via the single plate dry-cable operated.

Chassis

It came with a 3.27-18 front tire and a 3.27-18 rear tire. Stopping was achieved via expanding brake (drum brake) in the front and a expanding brake (drum brake) in the rear. The front suspension was a cartridge while the rear was equipped with a twin shock-swingarm. The R26 was fitted with a 3.96 Gallon (15.00 Liters) fuel tank. The wheelbase was 38.39 inches (975 mm) long.

1956 - 1960 BMW R 26

The 1956 BMW R 26 has, at its heart, an air-cooled, four-stroke, 247cc, single cylinder powerhouse mated to a four-speed manual transmission, and can reach a maximum power output of 15 horsepower at 6400 rpm. It also boasts laced features such as laced wheels, full fenders, a single, sprung seat, a telescopic fork, a rear suspension composed of a long swing arm with oil pressure dampers, a drum braking system and an exhaust system with a large-diameter muffler.

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