1959 BMW R 26 Specifications

Name: 1959 BMW R 26
Brand: BMW

All-Round • Specs last verified 13 July 2026

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1959 BMW R 26 Overview

BMW R 26 is an all-round motorcycle, displacing 247 cc. Power comes from a Four stroke, single cylinder, pushrod operated, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder engine, a compression ratio of 7.5:1. On the performance side, it delivers 11.2 kW @ 6400 rpm of peak power. On the road, the 1959 R 26 tips the scales at 158 kg and carries a 15-litre fuel tank. That's roughly 49.5 kg lighter than the average all-round motorcycle in our database. The full 1959 BMW R 26 spec sheet below covers every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes.

1959 R 26 - Pros & Cons

Strengths

Capable power output: The R 26 produces 11.2 kW @ 6400 rpm - respectable for its class and era.
Low-maintenance final drive: Running Shaft final drive cuts out the regular chain cleaning and tensioning that most bikes need.

Considerations

Carburetor fuelling: Expect to spend more time keeping the carbs in tune, especially after long storage periods or a change in altitude.

Wear Points & Servicing Notes

Heat management in traffic

Because the R 26 relies on airflow rather than a coolant jacket, expect noticeably more radiant heat at low speed and in traffic. It's inherent to air cooling, and ventilated gear largely offsets it.

Carburetor maintenance

Carburetors on the R 26 need periodic attention - pilot jets and float needles are the first parts to gum up after the bike sits, and the first thing to check if idle or throttle response degrades.

Suspension condition on used examples

The R 26's suspension runs Telescopic fork at the front. The rear uses Long swing arm with suspension units and oil pressure dampers. Fork-seal condition and rear linkage play are the two things worth checking before buying used.

Final drive maintenance

The R 26 uses shaft final drive: essentially maintenance-free day to day, with periodic gear-oil changes the only real service item.

Frame & chassis check

Built around a Steel twin loop frame, welded, the R 26's chassis is straightforward to inspect: look for corrosion, cracks or repair welds around stress points like the head-stock and swingarm mounts.

R 26 - Buying & Maintenance Guide

What to check before buying

Before handing over money for a used 1959 BMW R 26, cover the fundamentals: service book and oil change history, chain and sprocket wear, and any sign of oil weeping around the casings. Cold-starting it yourself tells you a lot - a healthy R 26 should catch quickly and settle into a smooth idle.

Oil and filter changes

Nothing protects a R 26's engine like disciplined oil changes - stay on the manufacturer's schedule (roughly every 6,000 km or annually). Match the viscosity grade to what the owner's manual specifies, not what's cheapest.

Carburetor upkeep

Deposits in the carbs are the usual culprit behind poor running on a stored R 26 - strip and clean the float bowls before the first start. Pilot jets clog first and get overlooked most, so make a point of checking them.

1959 BMW R 26 - Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 1959 BMW R 26 have?

The 1959 BMW R 26 uses a Four stroke, single cylinder, pushrod operated, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder. engine with 247 cc of displacement. It is air cooled.

How much does the 1959 BMW R 26 weigh?

The 1959 BMW R 26 weighs 158 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.

How much power does the 1959 BMW R 26 make?

The 1959 BMW R 26 produces 11.2 kW @ 6400 rpm of power.

What is the fuel tank capacity of the 1959 BMW R 26?

The 1959 BMW R 26 has a 15-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 250-300 km between stops.

What brakes does the 1959 BMW R 26 have?

The 1959 BMW R 26 uses ∅160mm Drum at the front and ∅160mm Drum at the rear.

What tyre sizes does the 1959 BMW R 26 use?

The 1959 BMW R 26 runs 3.25 x 18" front and 3.25 x 18" rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.

What gearbox does the 1959 BMW R 26 have?

The 1959 BMW R 26 is fitted with a 4 Speed transmission.

Key Specifications

Engine

Four stroke, single cylinder, pushrod operated, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder.

Power

11.2 kW / 15 hp @ 6400 rpm

Torque

Not published by manufacturer

Top Speed

Not published by manufacturer

Weight

158 kg / 348 lb

Fuel Capacity

15 liters / US 3.9 gal

Full 1959 BMW R 26 Specifications

Year 1956 - 60

Make Model BMW R 26

Fuel Capacity 15 liters / US 3.9 gal

Wet Weight 158 kg / 348 lb

Max Power 11.2 kW / 15 hp @ 6400 rpm

Displacement 247 cc / 15.1 cu in.

Engine Detail Four stroke, single cylinder, pushrod operated, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder.

Bore x Stroke 68 x 68 mm

Compression Ratio 7.5:1

Cooling System Air cooled

Fuel Induction 1x Bing carburetor type 1/26/46

Ignition Battery ignition

Starter Kick

Clutch Single plate, dry

Final Drive Shaft

Gear Ratios 1st 5.33 / 2nd 3.02 / 3rd 2.04 / 4th 1.54:1

Transmission / Drive 4 Speed

Frame Type Steel twin loop frame, welded

Suspension - Front Telescopic fork

Suspension - Rear Long swing arm with suspension units and oil pressure dampers

Brakes - Front ∅160mm Drum

Brakes - Rear ∅160mm Drum

Tyres - Front 3.25 x 18"

Tyres - Rear 3.25 x 18"

Specifications are compiled from manufacturer documentation and cross-referenced technical sources, and corrected on an ongoing basis. Spot an error? Let us know.

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