Description
Please note: The seller has prepped this R27 for storage. As such, he will not be supplying a running video.
Additional photos are available here for your perusal.
After the Second World War, residual damage from bombing raids in combination with Allied occupation meant that Germany was severely limited in its manufacturing capabilities. So, even though much of the BMW factory in Munich had survived the war, motorcycle production was initially restricted to engines measuring 250cc and smaller. Accordingly, the firm introduced the R24 in 1948 as a lightweight (300lbs wet) runabout for those looking to get around town.
Ever in the pursuit of progress, however, BMW went back to the drawing board and had a successor ready in less than 18 months: the R25. In contrast to the R24, the bike boasted a welded steel twin-loop tubular frame and plunger-style rear suspension. Considering the state of the roads at the time, these additions made a marked difference in ride quality.
Following a series of improvements to the R25 — including a hydraulically-dampened fork and a manual steering damper, alloy wheels, and a larger 24mm Bing carburetor — BMW introduced the next model in the lineup in 1956. Dubbed the R26, it boasted further refinements to the engine, front fork, and rear shocks. Elsewhere, BMW fully-enclosed the driveshaft, redesigned the headlight-mounted ignition switch, and shortened the front fender.
An evolution of the R26, the BMW R27 gained rubber engine mounts and a bump in power to 18 horsepower. It was the firm’s last shaft-driven single. The 247cc engine was good for a top speed of 80 miles per hour. 15,364 were built between ’60 and ’66, For more information on the R27, and why it could be a future classic, check out this article from Motorcycle Classics.
This example is VIN: 379991, engine #: 360951. The seller acquired the bike 11 years ago from a private seller who, “purchased it from the original builder in the Bay area.” The seller states that he “was going to race in AHRMA but plans have changed and no more room in man cave.” He adds that “After a lot of thoughts about reducing my collection, I have decided to sell my unique vintage BMW R 27 racer. This bike has a unique history and provenance of which I can supply documentation, if desired. I purchased the machine about a decade ago. I am a senior rider with a love of all things BMW and Krauser. I have way too many in the stable and I have decided to thin out the collection as I frankly am so busy I am not riding them enough. I would like to see this go to a BMW aficionado that perhaps would even vintage race it.”
There is no odometer; true mileage is unknown.
Maintenance:
The seller states that he has not had cause to perform any maintenance “other than oil changes.” He notes that “this machine runs and has been ridden literally around the neighborhood by me about once per year. It was put up wet with fuel stabilizer in it in June of 2022. It would need a drain of fuel and a battery to run again.”
Modifications:
Per the seller, “the bike was built by Kari Prager, a noted California BMW guru and owner of the California BMW Triumph dealership in Mountain View, California. Mr. Prager passed away in 2010. I quote below an email message from him describing the build and his experience racing the machine:
‘…Yes, I did race it years and years ago with AFM at Sears Point. It was about as fast as an average Ducati 250. It was a big job…briefly, I used an R 69 S crankshaft split in half with one conrod and one R 69 S piston. Special oil pump shaft, R 69 S cylinder turned down to mount up like a /5 cylinder with long through-studs threaded into welded up case. Ported R 69 S head with dual plugs. /2 transmission gears with the shift selector reversed to keep a stock pattern with the lever turned around. /2/5 front brakes and /2 front wheel. Koni shocks. Solo seat with no spring. Total loss electrics (12V) and a 32 mm Dellorto…’
I am happy to answer any questions that you may have. Would be great to go vintage racing with this machine or to display in man cave if you wish. The bike has no title as it was built to be a vintage racer, but due to its age a title is relatively easy to obtain if one wishes it to be ridden on the street”
R 69 S cylinder, ported R 69 S head with dual plugs.
/2 front brakes and wheel.
32mm Dell’Orto carburetor.
Koni shocks.
“/2 transmission gears with the shift selector reversed to keep a stock pattern with the lever turned around.”
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Avon Super Venom tires that have aged out.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Blowing Rock, North Carolina, this BMW is offered on a Bill of Sale only. Have any R27 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
