Start of Production

1964

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End of Production

1964

Numbers Produced

Pre Production only

The BMW R28 is a development of the production touring motorcycle model R27 for the requirements of the Defense Ministry, Frontier Guards and Cross Country sports enthusiasts. I understand that all vehicle specifications for the Military were achieved except for the weight and it appears likely that BMW was not prepared to design a totally new motorcycle without guarantees of getting the order from the authorities. Several versions of the R27 were also tested with normal Earles Forks, modified Earles Forks and with telescopic forks.

Some of the spec. required: Frame with rear wheel suspension; Telescopic fork; Cross country tyres; Suitably large fuel tank; Seating for 1 - 2 persons; Sturdy sump guard; Oil moistened air filter (oil bath?); Brackets for two panniers; Holder for dispatches; High level exhaust system (Note the photo shows a low level system fitted).

Engine

Motor Type

Modified production single cylinder engine: vertical air cooled 4 stroke. Aluminium crankcase, cast iron cylinder, aluminium cylinder head with inclined valves. Built-up steel crankshaft with self aligning ball and roller main bearings. Chain drive with tensioner for ball race mounted camshaft. Valve operation by pushrods and rockers. Anti vibration flexible engine mountings

Bore x Stroke

68 x 68 mm (2.67 x 2.67 in)

Displacement

245 cc

Max Power

18 hp at 7,400 rpm

Compression Ratio

8.2 : 1

Valves

OHV

Carburation System

Rubber mounted slide type carburettor with long inlet tract and waterproof enclosure. Oil damped air filter

Engine Lubricating System

Lubrication by gear pump in sump

Power Transmission

Gearbox

In unit with engine. Gears with robust sliding dog engagement and shock absorber

Clutch

Single plate dry clutch with diapragm spring

Number of Gears

4

Shifting

Foot lever

Gearbox Ratios

5.33 / 3.02 / 2.04 / 1.54

Rear Wheel Ratio

4.5 : 1

Rear Wheel Drive

Cardan shaft fully enclosed in oil bath swinging arm with heavy duty rubber sealing. Maintenance free spiral bevel gears with constant tooth angle

Electrical System

Battery

6 volt 12 amp hour

Alternator

90 watt alternator mounted on front of crankshaft. Vibration free voltage regulator

Ignition

Centrifugal ignition advance mechanism. Camshaft driven contact breaker

Misc.

160 mm diameter headlamp with parking lamp, lighting switch and tachometer. Combined tail / brake / number plate lamp. Horn, trafficators

Chassis

Frame

Closed, electric welded double loop frame of steel, particularly suitable for high speed use. Taper roller steering head bearings

Front wheel suspension

Telescopic forks (developed from BMW R25/3) with hydraulic damping and travel of 126 mm.

Rear wheel suspension

Rear swinging arm with two maintenance free taper roller bearings and hydraulic dampers. Travel of 105 mm. Short wheelbase and high ground clearance

Misc.

High level cross country type handlebars with clutch and brake controls. Sports handgrips. Friction steering damper. Foam dual seat for 1 - 2 persons

Wheels

Full width aluminium hubs with steel brake linings

Wheel rims

2.15B x 18 rims

Tyres, Front

3.25 / 3.50 x 18 Cross Country

Tyres, Rear

3.25 / 3.50 x 18 Cross Country

Brakes, Front

Drum brake 160 mm x 35 mm/ 6.29 in diameter, full width. Swept area of 194 cm sq

Brakes, Rear

Drum brake 160 mm x 35 mm/ 6.29 in diameter, full width. Swept area of 194 cm sq

Dimensions/Weights

Length x Width x Height

2080 x 790 x 1010 mm

Seat Height (Ballasted 75 Kg)

785 mm

Ground Clearance (Ballasted)

170 mm

Wheel Base

1320 mm

Weight - Ready for Road (Full Military Equipment)

155 Kg

Max Gross Weight

375 Kg

Weight Disribution (F/R) at Max Gross Weight

150 / 225 Kg

Fuel Consumption

3.5 litres per 100 Km at 80 Kph

Top Speed

105 Kph