BMW R68 (1952-1954) Specs, Performance & Photos

To catch up with the international leaders in motorcycle manufacturing, BMW had to deliver a sports motorcycle, a “100-mile racer” a production bike that could hit a top speed of at least 160 kph (99 mph), to keep up, especially with the English brands.

In 1952, at the Frankfurt International Bicycle and Motorcycle Exhibition, BMW released the “100-mile racer” under the R68 name. The 160 kph (99 mph) top-speed motorcycle was meant to maintain a leadership position against the English motorcycle manufacturers.

The narrow front-wheel guard and the optional two-in-one exhaust system gave character to the sports bike. Riding the bike was a hobby reserved for a few customers at a high price, but owners were guaranteed exclusivity.

The engine of the R68 model was based on the 600cc touring model but tuned by German engineers for maximum performance. Fitted with a new camshaft, larger valves, better carburetors, and an increased compression ratio, led the 594cc air-cooled four-stroke twin-cylinder boxer engine to a power output of 35 hp at 7,000 rpm.

In addition, this middle-class machine also came with features such as a dual seat, laced wheels, a dual exhaust system, passenger grab rails, a telescopic front fork, plunger shocks as a rear suspension, a large headlamp, full fenders, and a blacked-finished steel frame.