BMW R 26 (1956-1960) Specs, Performance & Photos

The BMW R 25/3, with a production run of 47,000 units, was the most successful motorcycle in the BMW range. In 1956, with a new full-swing chassis like the one introduced in previous years, BMW released the R 26 model as a successor to the R 25/3 model.

The benefit of the new chassis consisted of more adjustment options for the drivers, such as the caster of the front wheel could be individually adjusted for solo and trailed operations.

Due to the growing motorcycle crisis in Germany at the time, the R 26 model, despite the sophisticated technology, could not match the success of the R 25 motorcycle.

The 1956 BMW R 26 model had its heartbeat set by a 247cc single-cylinder engine with an increased output power to 15 hp available at 6,400 rpm, which increased the top speed to 128 kph (80 mph) and made the R 26 the fastest model in the 250cc series at the time.

The model featured a welded double-loop tubular steel frame, a long swingarm with spring struts, oil pressure shock absorbers both front and rear acting as suspension, and a 160 mm full hub drum unit both front and rear which provided the stopping power needed.

As standard features, the bike came with wire-spoked wheels, full fenders, a single-sprung seat, and an exhaust system with a large-diameter muffler.