BMW R27 247cc factory Steib sidecar 1960 introduction campaign motorcycle photo

Description

A superb and rare photo of the exiting new ohv
247cc BMW R27 / Steib
of
1960
with the BMW standard accessory sidecar, which was a
Steib
midi model , photographed during a studio shoot in
1960
for the introduction campaign of the new model. The 247cc overhead valve BMW R 27 was in production between 1960 and 1966 and it could deliver a top speed of
81 mph
(
130 km/h
). The ohv single cylinder engine developed a power output of 18 bhp at 7,400 r.p.m.
The
247 cc BMW R27
, introduced in 1960, was the last shaft-driven, single-cylinder motorcycle manufactured by BMW. Its predecessor, the 247 cc BMW R26, introduced in 1956, was a shaft-driven, single-cylinder motorcycle manufactured by BMW. After World War II, the Potsdam Agreement of the
USSR
,
USA
, and the
UK
, prohibited BMW Aktiengesellschaft (AG) from building motorcycles. Later, this ban was lifted and in 1948 BMW produced its first postwar motorcycle, the 250 cc R24, which was based largely on the prewar R23. It was the only postwar BMW motorcycle produced without a rear suspension. BMW introduced the R25 model, with plunger rear suspension, in 1950. The last of the plunger models, the R25/3, was introduced in
1953. In
1956 BMW introduced a completely revamped thumper, the BMW R26 (engine numbers 340 001 – 370 236), with improvements paralleling those introduced at the same time in the boxer twins. The R26 came with an enclosed drive shaft, rear swingarm, and front Earles forks. A new headlight nacelle came with a sliding black plastic over the ignition key, and the “bell-bottom” front fender was dropped along with the mechanics' hand shifter. The engine of the R26 was bolted directly to the frame, and produced 15 hp (11 kW). Based largely on the R26, in 1960 the
BMW R27
added rubber mounts for the engine and boosted power to 18 hp (13 kW). The R27's 250 cc OHV vertical single was the only rubber-mounted thumper engine BMW ever produced, and was their last shaft drive single-cylinder motorcycle. The engine pumped out 18 hp (13 kW), the highest ever for a shaft-drive BMW single. BMW manufactured 15,364 R27 models (engine numbers 372 001 – 387 566 ) over the production years of 1960 to 1966. Some of the 1966 R27 models were sold as 1967 models because dealers in those years often would assign dates to BMW motorcycles when they sold them, and not necessarily when they were manufactured. BMW did things differently from other manufacturers. This is evident in the R27. Its enclosed shaft final drive is rare for a single cylinder motorcycle. But it also had a triangulated Earles front fork (named after English designer Ernest Earles); so the motorcycle had a front swingarm as well as a rear swingarm. When you squeezed the front brake lever hard not only did the front end not dive, it actually rose slightly. Thus, braking was a very steady activity, though the brakes were weak by today's standards. The engines crankshaft was laid out fore-to-aft, not side- to-side; also a rare feature. This way, the crank and the final shaft were in line, and drive forces did not have to be run through a set of 90-degree gears. Also, the kick starter swung out sideways instead of parallel to the frame.
We have more photos of BMW (racing) models , and of other motorcycle brands. Please check out our Ebay auctions and take advantage of our shipping discount!
This is a very nice and very rare non period photo that reflects a wonderful era of BMW and motorcycle history in a wonderful way. This is your rare chance to own this photo, therefore it is printed in a nice large format of ca. 8" x 12" (ca. 20 x
30 cm
). It makes it perfectly suitable for framing!
Shipping costs will only be $ 7.00 regardless of how many photos you buy.   For 5 or more photos, shipping is free!
(Note: A. Herl, Inc. does not appear on photo, for ebay purposes only)
No copyright expressed or implied. Sold as collectable item only. We are clearing out our archives that we have gathered from various sources.
All items always sent well protected in PVC clear files
and board backed envelopes.
We have photographs that came from professional collections and/or were bought from the original photographer or press studio! They are all of professional and excellent quality.
After many decades of professionally collecting photographs and posters we are clearing out our archives. They make the perfect gift and are perfectly suited for framing. They will look gorgeous unframed and will be a true asset nicely framed with a border. They are a gorgeous and great asset in every home, workshop, workplace, restaurant, bar or club!
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