Just reading about an interesting machine in the Classic Bike Guide magazine: a BMW R26. Didn't know BMW had done a 250cc single.
:) :) :)
I seem to recall that there was a 350 as well, but that maybe a time error.
I know we made a Go Kart with the 250 motor in the early sixties. What a beast-made out of steel tubing and driven by prayer.
Mike 8) 8) 8)
After the war BMW were restricted on engine sizes. So they built 250cc and 350cc bikes for some years until they were allowed to build bigger.
Hi,
The 250 looked like a 500 twin with one cylinder removed and the engine turned through 90ยบ.
Dave.
I've just read that too. I knew OF them but don't think I've ever seen one in the metal. Transverse kickstart is novel!
Quote from: Calum on 20 Mar, 2021, 22:27
I've just read that too. I knew OF them but don't think I've ever seen one in the metal. Transverse kickstart is novel!
The opening credits montage in 'Le Mans' shows a line-up of French police R60s, which seem to have transverse kickstarters.
Hi,
As far as I know all the BMW boxer twins and single derivatives had the transverse kickstart. I suppose it makes sense with a longitudinal crank shaft. I think they were on the left which must have made it a bit awkward with a lefthand sidecar fitted.
Dave.
Yes I suppose they did. I've never thought about it to be honest! I suppose being shaft drive it was all parallel to the frame of the bike until the bevel drive. Keeps it simple. Transverse flat twin Douglas machines have a more 'conventional' kickstart but then being chain final drive it would be easy to facilitate.
:) :) :)
Hiya all.
Point taken about sidecar but BMW primarily in continental use would have had RH sidecars. Like the WW2 machine gun carriers.
Mike 8) 8) 8) 8)