BMW R26 | LESS is MORE

[@zebulon9307]

0:46: This lR26 was of course assembled in Munich as were all BMW motorcycles until 1968. Motorcycle production went to Berlin on the occasion of the /5 line as the Munich works needed space for car production. It made me smile when I saw the proverbial rubber band over the ignition key. This was kind of a standard feature back in the day on almost every headlamp you came across. Only they had to be red being preservation glass rings.

[@NCC-1700]

BMW should recreate one of these bikes.

[@rustynuts82]

Yes, they could. I expect the 310gs is the new equivalent.

[@avenueb]

Does it have enough power for the American highway?

[@Pobrais]

Just went on a short spin on mine. Thought I’d look up R26 on youtube and found this review. An honest and informative review. You’ve just earned yourself a subscriber.

[@zockerplay3314]

May I ask you how tall you are? Im looking for a R26 and wonder about the size.

[@Pobrais]

@@zockerplay3314 Hi there, That depends where you’re from… 1m76 or about 5 foot 9. The R26 has been a dream bike of mine for years but I’ve got to tell you that you need to either be a good mechanic, or have a very good relationship with one. I try to ride her at least once a week (alternating with my R100/r). She’s slow but gets through traffic well enough. You do have to nurse her though and have some degree of mechanical sympathy. If you’re into classic cars and bikes you’ll obviously know this. Good luck. ps. If you look me up on youtube you’ll find me starting her up.

[@williammullenholz431]

They came two ways, a solo version and one geared for sidecar use. Mine is a solo machine but first gear is still low enough for stump pulling since both have the same gearbox ratios. If you write to BMW HQ in Münich, they can tell you the exact date your machine was produced and to where it was initially shipped. A great bike and video.

[@rustynuts82]

Thanks for that info. This one I collected from Osnabruck in 1989, so German registered from new. It belongs to my father. Glad you enjoyed the vid.

[@aleonflux1138]

Excellent review. Thanks for putting this together.

[@whalesong999]

I bought a used R-26 after starting out on a Zunapp 200 two stroke. The R-26 has to be my most favorable 250 class street machines ever. It was comfortable and especially reliable though it did manage to wear out the U joint behind the engine before 15k miles had passed. I went on to be a career motorcycle tech but the little BMW made an impressive mark that has called me to want another one, even in these times of rushing speeders.

[@rustynuts82]

Its especially good for tootling along quiet lanes, no need for speed!

[@shaneking6140]

thank you great review, i was interested in you large rubber strap holding the key in.

[@rustynuts82]

The key vibrates loose and the bike stops! I think it’s a girls hair band.

[@thomasspoerli4659]

Nice report, thanks... Hello from a BMW motorcycles enthusiast.. I' m swiss and living in Switzerland.

[@thomasspoerli4659]

The first BMW I' ve bought was a R 60/ US. 1969. Matching numbers. Bought it 1978 and still in my garage. With my first salary....

[@rustynuts82]

They have a habit of hanging around for a while😄

[@1967250s]

My dad had one for a short while, way back in the late 60's. I remember a couple of rides behind him, going up and down hills, around corners, running so smoothly for an einzylinder bike. Sadly, a couple close calls in town convinced him to get rid of it, and stick around for his 4 kids. I'd love to have one.

[@rustynuts82]

Its a lovely little machine to plonk around on. Still plentiful in Germany of course, they sold well in India too apparently.

[@Nickvento]

Great review of a lovely bike. I would love one and am currently looking...Hopefully i will find one

[@rustynuts82]

Lots available in Germany of course, Greece has a few and surprisingly popular in India! Not so many in the UK, but not impossible to find.

[@lugge1540]

Very interesting report on this beautiful motorcycle. Regards

[@georgekrpan3181]

Love the looks, modern bikes don't compare. My modern 373cc single will do 100mph, good on the freeway and the lanes.

[@elbertmarks5799]

I had 82,000 miles on my 1956 R26 when someone turned left in front of me and totaled it. I still have the BMW shop and parts manual for it. Since then I've had an R60 and a K100 but the R26 is my favorite. Wish I knew where I could get another one.

[@rustynuts82]

Germany is the obvious place to look for another, although prices will be high there. There are a lot in India apparently, bound to be cheaper but that’ll be a long ride home!

[@MerlinAndPercy]

Lovely bike 👏 👏

[@donaldasayers]

I agree with Setright, given that the engine is already offset, they should have laid the engine over sideways to reduce the height.

[@rustynuts82]

Looks much nicer vertical to my eye, it’s a very low bike anyway. The Guzzi flat single is the answer maybe.

[@SPSteve]

I'd love to have a 1964-1965 R27. Nice ones have gotten expensive here in the US.

[@rustynuts82]

The bike market seems to have stagnated a bit here, so prices on all bikes have come down a lot. It’s definitely a buyers market. Whats it like state side?

[@SPSteve]

@@rustynuts82 Premium classic bikes are expensive here. Quality mid 60's R27's sell for $9,000-$13,000. A 1965 R27 sold for $15,500 on the Bring a Trailer auction site last March.

[@zockerplay3314]

Great review. Can ask how tall you are? My Grandad had 1 or 2 of these in the 50s and 60s. Maybe one day I will have one es well 😊

[@rustynuts82]

6 foot…..its a big, small bike!

[@zockerplay3314]

@@rustynuts82 Im 6 foot 3 but it will surely work. 😎

[@ducatimale]

And the F650 came from Austria (super reliable but not quite German - oh, hang on, other things also coming from Austria was once upon a time popular in Germany).

[@rustynuts82]

You mean Bob sleigh, I think that’s Austrian 😆

[@ducatimale]

@@rustynuts82 No. Sorry. Thought of swiss chocolate. Great video you made!!

[@prl.5108]

Very good but I find this chap a little difficult to understand at times.

[@ก็มาดิคร๊าบรอไร]

love in thailand

[@alfred-vz8ti]

beause europe was poor. now absurd motos, fat and heavy, are the market, because a bike is just a preening tool.

[@rustynuts82]

Small bikes were the ticket back then, just like they still are in Africa and Asia. But more power and better everything else is aspirational. I guess the small car finally killed off the need for cheap bikes, leaving bikes for mostly leasure and pleasure.

[@okyaykargı]

super