R26

1957 BMW R26 Technical Analysis & Specification Breakdown

Engineered by BMW for the allround motorcycle segment, the 1957 BMW R26 features a 247 cc (15.1 cu in) air-cooled single cylinder, four-stroke configuration. In factory specification, peak output is rated at 15 HP (10.9 kW) at 6,400 rpm, transferring power to the rear wheel through a 4-speed gearbox and shaft drive (cardan) final drive. With a specific output of 60.7 HP per liter, the engine character is indicating a tractable, stress-free state of tune focused on everyday usability and broad torque delivery.

On the scales, the R26 measures 158 kg (348 lbs) wet (curb), translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.09 HP/kg (10.53 kg per horsepower). Rider ergonomics and chassis geometry center around a 730 mm (28.7 in) seat height — giving shorter riders and urban commuters confident flat-foot reach at traffic stops, combined with a 975 mm (38.4 in) wheelbase engineered for quick, flickable steering geometry. The 15-liter (4 US gal) fuel tank paired with a rated consumption of 3.3 L/100 km provides an estimated theoretical range of roughly 455 km (283 miles) between fill-ups, while factory top speed is listed at 128 km/h (80 mph).

Within MotoLibrary's BMW archive, this model family spans 5 indexed model years from 1956 to 1960, allowing buyers to track year-over-year changes in emissions tuning, weight and equipment.