Interesting (non-BSA) bike

[Phil C]

Just reading about an interesting machine in the Classic Bike Guide magazine: a BMW R26.  Didn't know BMW had done a 250cc single.

[Mike Farmer]

 
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

[idie]

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.

[DAVE BRADY]

Hi,

The 250 looked like a 500 twin with one cylinder removed and the engine turned through 90º.

Dave.

[Calum]

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!

[Donal]

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.

[DAVE BRADY]

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.

[Calum]

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.

[Mike Farmer]

 

Hiya all.

Point taken about sidecar but BMW primarily in continental use would have had RH sidecars.  Like the WW2 machine gun carriers.

Mike