1956 BMW R26 250 Motorcycle

Description

BMW's tradition of building high quality motorcycles dates back to the first R32 of 1923 and the company quickly developed a reputation for technical innovation and attractive, streamlined styling. With demand for cheap, reliable transport booming in post-war Europe, BMW's range of single-cylinder motorcycles sold in unprecedented numbers and the R24/25 series of the late 1940s and early 1950s proved hugely popular in the domestic market, thanks in no small part to a restriction limiting engine capacity to 250cc imposed by the Allied forces.  A new welded tubular steel frame with sidecar mounts was adopted for the R25 of 1950, along with plunger rear suspension and improvements to the engine.  The R25/2 of 1951 evolved into the R25/3 of 1953 with further advances, including a larger fuel tank, 18-inch alloy wheels, full hub width brakes and hydraulically damping forks.  The R25/3 was powered by the M224/4 version of the single-cylinder engine, with square bore and stroke of 68mm, raised compression ratio of 7:1, improved intake and exhaust systems and either a Bing 1/24/42 or SAWE R24F carburettor. The R26 of 1956 added a new 26mm carburettor for more power, a larger fuel tank and a revised Earles-type front fork.  Produced for five years with over 30,000 made, the R26 sold strongly, with most finding homes in Europe but high import taxes meant these quality bikes were rarely seen in the UK or Australia.  These beautifully made German motorcycles are now very popular with collectors, more than holding their own with the best British bikes of the era.