1966 BMW R 27 Specifications

Name: 1966 BMW R 27
Brand: BMW

All-Round • Specs last verified 31 October 2026

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1966 BMW R 27 Overview

For 1966, BMW offers the R 27 as an all-round motorcycle with 247247 cc on tap. The 1966 BMW R 27 is built around a Four stroke, single cylinder, pushrod operated, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder engine, a compression ratio of 8.2:1. Out on the road, the R 27 delivers 13.4 kW @ 7400 rpm of peak power. In everyday use, the 1966 R 27 tips the scales at 162 kg and carries a 15-litre fuel tank. That's roughly 27 kg lighter than the average all-round motorcycle in our database. Every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes, is covered in the full 1966 BMW R 27 spec sheet below.

1966 BMW R 27 compared with other bikes in the All-Round category

Measured against other bikes in the All-Round category in our database (up to 381 models, one entry per model), the 1966 BMW R 27 comes out as follows.

With 83 W/kg, the R 27 has the 26th lowest power-to-weight ratio of 136 bikes in the All-Round category, 49% below the category average of 161 W/kg.
Power output of 13.4 kW is lower than that of 108 of the other 145 bikes in the All-Round category.
Only 115 of the other 380 bikes in the All-Round category have a lighter wet weight than the 162 kg of the R 27.
Narrowing the field to the 11 models within five model years of it, the power-to-weight ratio of 83 W/kg is lower than that of every one of the other 10.

1966 R 27 - Pros & Cons

Strengths

Capable power output: 13.4 kW @ 7400 rpm of peak output puts the R 27 in good company among its rivals.
Low-maintenance final drive: Shaft final drive is about as close to maintenance-free as motorcycle drivetrains get.

Considerations

Carburetor fuelling: Carburetion is more hands-on than fuel injection - plan on periodic jetting and cleaning as part of routine ownership.
Drum rear brake: A drum rear brake is simple and durable, but expect less bite and more fade under hard, repeated use than a disc setup.

Wear Points & Servicing Notes

Heat management in traffic

Air cooling on the R 27 keeps the mechanical layout simple, but heat management in slow traffic needs more attention than on a liquid-cooled bike - plan routes and gear accordingly in warmer conditions.

Carburetor maintenance

Being carbureted, the R 27 is more sensitive to stale fuel and altitude changes than a fuel-injected bike - a carb clean and rejet restores crisp throttle response after any extended lay-up.

Suspension condition on used examples

Suspension duties are handled by Telescopic fork up front and Long swing arm with suspension units and oil pressure dampers at the rear. Weeping fork seals aren't a dealbreaker on a used bike, but they're a fair basis for negotiating price.

Final drive maintenance

Shaft final drive on the R 27 removes chain and belt maintenance entirely - the trade-off is a little extra unsprung weight and periodic gear-oil changes.

Frame & chassis check

The Steel twin loop frame, welded chassis holds up well with normal use; on a used bike it's still worth checking the head-stock and swingarm pivot area for impact damage or corrosion.

R 27 - Buying & Maintenance Guide

What to check before buying

A pre-purchase check on the 1966 BMW R 27 with its 247247 cc all-round should cover the same ground every time: service history, drivetrain condition, and any oil seepage around the casings. This model runs shaft final drive, so ask for proof the shaft-drive gear oil has been changed on schedule - it's easy to overlook since there's no chain to draw attention to it. Now 60 years old, this all-round is as likely to show age-related wear (perished rubber, seized fasteners, degraded seals) as mileage-related wear. Start it from cold if you can - a well-kept R 27 settles to a smooth idle within seconds.

Oil and filter changes

Oil changes are the cheapest insurance you can buy for the R 27's 247247 cc four stroke, single cylinder, pushrod operated, ohv, 2 valves per cylinder. - keep to the manufacturer's interval rather than stretching it. With an 8.2:1 compression ratio, running the octane grade specified in the manual matters more than on a lower-compression engine. Use the viscosity grade the manual specifies, not whatever's on sale.

Carburetor upkeep

An R 27 that's sat unused is almost always a carb-cleaning job before it runs right again - float bowls and pilot jets first, since they clog before anything else.

1966 BMW R 27 - Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 1966 BMW R 27 have?

The 1966 BMW R 27 uses a Four stroke, single cylinder, pushrod operated, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder. engine with 247247 cc of displacement. It is air cooled.

How much does the 1966 BMW R 27 weigh?

The 1966 BMW R 27 weighs 162 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.

How much power does the 1966 BMW R 27 make?

The 1966 BMW R 27 produces 13.4 kW @ 7400 rpm of power.

What is the fuel tank capacity of the 1966 BMW R 27?

The 1966 BMW R 27 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 1966 BMW R 27 have?

The 1966 BMW R 27 uses ∅160mm Drum at the front and ∅160mm Drum at the rear.

What tyre sizes does the 1966 BMW R 27 use?

The 1966 BMW R 27 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 1966 BMW R 27 have?

The 1966 BMW R 27 is fitted with a 4 Speed transmission.

Key Specifications

Engine

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

Power

13.4 kW / 18 hp @ 7400 rpm

Torque

Not recorded

Top Speed

Not recorded

Weight

162 kg / 356 lb

Fuel Capacity

15 liters / US 3.9 gal

Full 1966 BMW R 27 Specifications

Year 1960 - 66

Make BMW

Model R 27

Make Model BMW R 27

Fuel Capacity 15 liters / US 3.9 gal

Oil Capacity 1.45 litres

Wet Weight 162 kg / 356 lb

Maximum RPM 7400 RPM

Max Power 13.4 kW / 18 hp @ 7400 rpm

Stroke 68.0 mm

Displacement 247247 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 8.2:1

Cooling System Air cooled

Fuel Induction 1x Bing carburettor type 1/26/68

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

Tachometer None

Brakes - Front Diameter (in.) 6.3 in

Brakes - Front Diameter (mm) 160 mm

Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.) 6.3 in

Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm) 160 mm

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.