BMW R26 1959 - Motorcycle specifications, reviews, photos, used

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presentation of the R26 1959

From 1956, the R26 succeeded the R25 3rd of the name. It was powered by a 247 cm3 single-cylinder engine. Suspension was provided by a fork with a pair of Earles-type shock absorbers at the front, and a set of two shock absorbers at the rear. Its 15-horsepower engine enabled speeds close to 130 km/h.
Costing 2,150 Deutschemarks at the time of its launch, over 30,000 R26s were produced until 1960.

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This article on the BMW R26 can be completed with more information. If you're a BMW fan and would like to share your knowledge with the web and the motorcycle world, you can contact us to complete this sheet by writing to webmaster@motoplanete.com.

Image credits: D.R

Published on 8/19/21
by Greg

Key facts BMW R26 (1959) : What you need to know before you buy

Prices

	Basic version
France	540€

Bikers' reviews

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Model sold in 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960

Replace R26 1958

R26 1958

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R26 1960

Performance

Max speed : 128 km/h (79.50 mph)
Average fuel consumption : 3.30 liters/100km (0.71 mpg)
Estimated range : 455 km (283 miles)
Calculated range until tank is empty, not verified.

Specifications BMW R26 1959

Chassis: Frame : double tubular steel cradle; Fuel capacity : 15 liters (3.96 US gallons); Seat height : 770 mm (30.31 in); Length : 2,090 mm (82.28 in); Width : 660 mm (25.98 in); Min height : 975 mm (38.39 in); Dry weight : 158 kg (348 lb); Weight when fully loaded : 167 kg (368 lb)

Front axle: Earles-type fork with twin shock absorbers; drum brakes Ø 160 mm (6.3 in); Front tire : 3 / 25 - 18 → Order this type of tire

Transmission: 4 stage gearbox , manual; Secondary cardan shaft

Rear axle: 2 lateral shock absorbers; drum brakes Ø 160 mm (6.3 in); Rear tire : 3 / 25 - 18 → Order this type of tire

Motor: single-cylinder , 4 strokes; Carburettor Ø 26 mm; Cooling system : by air; 2 valves; 247 cc; 15 ch (14.80 hp) to 6,400 rpm; Power-to-weight ratio : 10.68 kg/ch; Compression : 7.5 : 1

Practical information

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Bikers' reviews Leave a review - 2 reviews

Robert Model 1959

Hello,
First of all, thank you for the content on your website; it has helped me find many answers regarding the R26.
I just acquired a 1959 model, unrestored and in good condition. It has its Veteran registration, which allows for 18,000 km of driving over a 6-year period without a technical inspection. It’s equipped with a long seat and a telescoping luggage rack (likely an option from that era); there must have been others like it.
I can’t comment on its handling yet, as I still need to get a feel for it. The bike is rather heavy, the fork with its “swing arms” is very stiff—likely designed to be paired with a sidecar—and it has a very pleasant, torquey engine.
That’s all for now—a beautiful machine from a beautiful era.
Best regards,
Robert 04/05/2026 09:30 Rating : 4/5 Respond to Robert

Besoin de renseignements béquille R26 ?

Xa40 Model 1960

Hello, I have recovered a 1960 BMW R26. It runs, but I will need information on the stands
Is the side stand on the right?...I don't know of any side stand on the right on a BMW...was it a modification made by the previous owner?
As for the center, it doesn't go up well, and falls back at the slightest bump. I've changed the 2 big springs (new springs, for BMW R26) but it's the same thing...On closer inspection, I can't figure out how they could work, because when the stand is up, they're not very taut...;if anyone can pass me some info, or photos, that would help. Thank you very much. 04/30/2020 20:26 Rating : 4/5 Respond to Xa40

béquille latérale

debergerat

Hello,
I too have a side stand on the right on my R26, I think installed by the previous owner 11/21/2020 11:53 Rating : 5/5 Participate in the conversation

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FAQ Your frequently asked questions about the R26 1959

What is the power of the R26 1959?: The R26 1959 develops a power of 15 ch (14.80 hp)
What is the maximum speed of the R26 1959?: The R26 1959 is capable of reaching a top speed of 128 km/h (79.50 mph) on the track.
What is the weight of the R26 1959?: The R26 1959 has a a dry weight of 158 kg (348 lb), a weight when fully loaded of 167 kg (368 lb).
What is the fuel consumption of the R26 1959?: Average fuel consumption is estimated at 3.30 l/100km (0.71 mpg) according to the WMTC cycle.
QWhat is the seat height of the R26 1959?: To ensure good accessibility, the R26 1959 offers a minimum seat height of 770 mm (30.31 in).
What is the price of the R26 1959?: The price of the R26 1959 is 540€ in France

Motorcycle specifications BMWR26 1959 Following on from success

presentation of the R26 1959