Can anyone ID this bike?

[JJ Cerilli]

I think is it a R23 or similar 250cc single - just my guess! However, that front-end looks "suspect"

[rpeckham136133]

The R25 had open cardan driveshafts... this appears to be an enclosed driveshaft, so it is likely to be an R26 or R27....

The front end is definitely not original! All of those thumpers had the Earles fork. The late-model "slash 2" bikes (twins) had what was called the US Forks, which were the predecessor to the slash 5 fork. Frankly, that doesn't look like a BMW front fork to me, but.... others may want to chime in.....

Afaik, the frame and suspension from the singles was not interchangeable with the twins, being smaller.

[marchyman]

The front end is definitely not original!

You mean that's not the original GS? :bolt

[35634]

it could be a R60 US if the engine was rotated 90 degrees and the bottom cylinder
got knocked off by a speed bump.

[James.A]

I think it is an R26. It appears to have a rigid mount for the motor there at the front. R27's have 5 rubber mount points. 4 on the bottom and 1 at the top of the motor on the backside of the cylinder head. The rear shocks encased in towers are R26 and R27 features. The front end is not consistent with either model. Should be an Earles fork. The enclosed drive shaft is consistent with the R26. That cover on the output end of the transmission sheilds the passengers foot from the hardy disc which serves the same function as a U-joint on later models..

[JJ Cerilli]

You guys are great! Thanks! So below are photos of an R26 and an R27.

What is the difference and when were these made? The early to mid-50's?

http://h.imagehost.org/0470/BMW_R26.jpg (http://h.imagehost.org/view/0470/BMW_R26)

http://h.imagehost.org/0429/BMW_R27.jpg (http://h.imagehost.org/view/0429/BMW_R27)

[DarrylRi]

Read Woodnsteel's post above, he has it all right. Rear swingarm limits it to an R26 or R27. The R27 has a rubber mounted engine but the picture doesn't show it, so it must be an R26. The telecopic forks aren't BMW and were grafted on from somewhere else.

R26: 1956-1960
R27: 1961-1967

There is not much different visually between the two models. The engine on the R26 is solidly bolted to the frame just above and behind the generator cover on the front. The R27 is rubber mounted and there's a flange that bolts to the back of the cylinder head, just in front of the carburetor. It has a bridge under the front of the engine just behind the generator cover, where there are two rubber buffers to support it.

[rpeckham136133]

This link is a great source for general information about each and every model, including years manufactured, how many were built, specs on engines, tires, etc etc. It take some searching if you are looking for something in particular, but there is a wealth of information:

http://www.bmbikes.co.uk/bmwmodels.htm

[47512]

Any one notice the two Parilla engines in the foreground of that picture?

Ken G.