1953 BMW R 68 Specifications

Name: 1953 BMW R 68
Brand: BMW

All-Round • Specs last verified 13 July 2026

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1953 BMW R 68 Overview

For 1953, BMW offers the R 68 as an all-round motorcycle with 594 cc on tap. The 1953 BMW R 68 is built around a Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, pushrod operated 2 valves per cylinder engine, a compression ratio of 8.0:1. Out on the road, the R 68 delivers 26.1 kW @ 7000 rpm of peak power. In everyday use, the 1953 R 68 tips the scales at 190 kg and carries a 17-litre fuel tank. That's roughly 17.5 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 1953 BMW R 68 spec sheet below.

1953 R 68 - Pros & Cons

Strengths

Capable power output: 26.1 kW @ 7000 rpm of peak output puts the R 68 in good company among its rivals.

Considerations

Carburetor fuelling: Carburetion is more hands-on than fuel injection - plan on periodic jetting and cleaning as part of routine ownership.

Wear Points & Servicing Notes

Heat management in traffic

Air cooling on the R 68 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 68 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 front fork with hydraulic damping; plunger type up front and Spring with coil compression springs and rubber deflection stops at the rear. Weeping fork seals aren't a dealbreaker on a used bike, but they're a fair basis for negotiating price.

Frame & chassis check

The Double loop steel tubular frame 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 68 - Buying & Maintenance Guide

What to check before buying

A pre-purchase check on the 1953 BMW R 68 should cover the same ground every time: service history, chain and sprocket condition, and any oil seepage around the casings. Start it from cold if you can - a well-kept R 68 settles to a smooth idle within seconds.

Oil and filter changes

Oil changes are the cheapest insurance you can buy for a R 68's engine - keep to the manufacturer's interval rather than stretching it. Use the viscosity grade the manual specifies, not whatever's on sale.

Carburetor upkeep

A R 68 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.

1953 BMW R 68 - Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 1953 BMW R 68 have?

The 1953 BMW R 68 uses a Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, pushrod operated 2 valves per cylinder. engine with 594 cc of displacement. It is air cooled.

How much does the 1953 BMW R 68 weigh?

The 1953 BMW R 68 weighs 190 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.

How much power does the 1953 BMW R 68 make?

The 1953 BMW R 68 produces 26.1 kW @ 7000 rpm of power.

What is the fuel tank capacity of the 1953 BMW R 68?

The 1953 BMW R 68 has a 17-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 283-340 km between stops.

What brakes does the 1953 BMW R 68 have?

The 1953 BMW R 68 uses ∅200mm Drum duplex full hub at the front and ∅200mm Drum simplex full hub at the rear.

What tyre sizes does the 1953 BMW R 68 use?

The 1953 BMW R 68 runs 3.50 - 19" front and 3.50 - 19" rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.

What gearbox does the 1953 BMW R 68 have?

The 1953 BMW R 68 is fitted with a 4 Speed transmission.

Key Specifications

Engine

Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, pushrod operated 2 valves per cylinder.

Power

26.1 kW / 35 hp @ 7000 rpm

Torque

Not published by manufacturer

Top Speed

Not published by manufacturer

Weight

190 kg / 422 lbs

Fuel Capacity

17 liters / 4.4 US gal

Full 1953 BMW R 68 Specifications

Year 1952 - 54

Make Model BMW R 68

Fuel Capacity 17 liters / 4.4 US gal

Wet Weight 190 kg / 422 lbs

Max Power 26.1 kW / 35 hp @ 7000 rpm

Displacement 594 cc / 36.2 cu in

Engine Detail Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, pushrod operated 2 valves per cylinder.

Bore x Stroke 72 x 73 mm

Compression Ratio 8.0:1

Cooling System Air cooled

Fuel Induction 2 x Bing 1/26/9 - 1/26/10 carburetors

Ignition Magneto ignition

Starter Kick

Clutch Single plate, dry

Gear Ratios 1st 4.00 2nd 2.28 3rd 1.7 4th 1.3

Transmission / Drive 4 Speed / Shaft

Frame Type Double loop steel tubular frame

Suspension - Front Telescopic front fork with hydraulic damping; plunger type

Suspension - Rear Spring with coil compression springs and rubber deflection stops

Brakes - Front ∅200mm Drum duplex full hub

Brakes - Rear ∅200mm Drum simplex full hub

Tyres - Front 3.50 - 19"

Tyres - Rear 3.50 - 19"

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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