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BMW R68 Specifications

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Start of Production

1952

BMW R68

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End of Production

1954

Numbers Produced

1,452

Price

3,950 DM

Engine

 

Internal Designation

268/1

Motor Type

Four-stroke two cylinder flat twin

Bore x Stroke

72 x 73 mm (2.83 x 2.87 in)

Displacement

594 cc

Max Power

35 hp at 7,000 rpm

Compression Ratio

8.0 : 1

Valves

OHV

Carburation System

2 x carburettor, Type Bing 1/26/9 - 1/26/10

Engine Lubricating System

Forced feed lubrication

Oil Pump

Gear pump

Power Transmission

 

Clutch

Single plate, dry

Number of Gears

4

Shifting

Foot shifting (auxiliary manual lever on the gear block)

Gearbox Ratios

4.00 / 2.28 / 1.7 / 1.3

Rear Wheel Ratio

1: 3.89 (1 : 4.75 with sidecar)

Bevel/Crownwheel

9 / 35 teeth (7 / 32 with sidecar)

Electrical System

 

Ignition System

Magneto ignition

Generator

Noris 6V L 45/60 L

Spark Plugs

Bosch W 240 T1

Chassis

 

Designation

251/4

Frame

Double loop steel tubular frame

Front wheel suspension

Telescopic fork

Rear wheel suspension

Telescopic suspension

Wheel rims

Deep bed 3 x 19

Tyres, Front

3.5 x 19

Tyres, Rear

3.5 x 19

Brakes, Front

Drum brake 200 mm / 7.87 in diameter duplex, from 1954: full hub

Brakes, Rear

Drum brake 200 mm / 7.87 in diameter simplex, from 1954: full hub

Dimensions/Weights

 

Length x Width x Height

2130 x 725 x 985 mm (83.85 x 38.77 x 38.77 in)

Wheel Base

1400 mm / 5.51 in

Fuel Tank Capacity

17 litres / 3.73 gal / 4.49 gal US

Unladen Weight with Full Tank

190 Kg / 422 lb with original sidecar, 320 Kg / 704 lb)

Idle/Riding Noise

85 / 96 phon, from 7/7/1953: 80 / 87 phon.

Load Rating

355 Kg ( / 781 lb with original sidecar, 600 Kg / 1321 lb)

Fuel Consumption

4.6 litres 100Km approx / 61 mpg / 51 mpg US

Oil Consumption

0.7 litres per 1,000 Km approx.

Top Speed

160 Kph / 99 mph (with original sidecar, 116 Kph / 72 mph)