1952 BMW R68

The BMW R68 is a sport version of the pre-1955 BMW motorcycle. A total of 1452 R68s were manufactured from 1952 through 1954. making the R68 one of BMW's rarest production motorcycles. With a top speed of 106 mph. the R68 was the first production BMW motorcycle to be able to exceed 100 mph. The R68's sporting character and it's low production numbers make it one of the most desirable and sought after postwar BMW motorcycles. This matching numbers R68 was acquired by my Father in sometime in the early '70s. My Father did a cosmetic "freshening" of the bike only to discover that it had a light engine knock. Rather than ride the bike. he placed it in his home office while he decided what to do. There the R68 languished there until I acquired it in 1987. I got the bike running rode it for a couple of miles and confirmed that it had a light engine knock. I brought the R68 out to my home in California and parked it in my garage intending to lavish attention on it when I had the time and the money to do it justice. There the R68 sat for the next 20 or so years. About 4 years ago I met a motorcycle restorer who became very interested when he learned that I had a vintage BMW. Did I want to sell it? Did I want to restore it? What did I want to do with it. I said. "let's get it running and then decide. " He got the R68 running and we confirmed that it did. indeed. have a "light" knock - probably coming from the rear con-rod or the rear main bearing. My restorer guy had done a number of restorations on vintage Harleys. but had never been inside of a BMW engine. He was in favour of pulling the engine and sending it out to have the crank reconditioned. At this point. other priorities prevailed. and the R68 ended up back in storage. So. potential buyers are forewarned that the crank needs to be reconditioned. The R68s engine was last run about 4 years ago. but has been turned over regularly and the pistons move freely. There are a few items on the R68 that I know are not correct. It needs the correct taillight. I believe the handlebar risers are incorrect. the brake and clutch levers appear to be from a '60s era BMW. and I think the grips are wrong. The odometer shows approximately 40. 00 miles. I do not. however. know whether this is correct or if the odometer is even original to the motorcycle. The R68 is located in Sonoma. California and is being sold as is. where is. The motorcycle is also for sale locally so the auction may end at any time.

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