Description
This motorcycle is Lot 79 of Bonhams Motorcycles Online – The Summer Sale; open for bidding 5-15th June 2026. This Lot is available for public view and eventual collection from Bonhams Motorcycle Department, Milton Keynes.
Please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Auction Timings:
Bidding on all Lots commences Friday 5 June, 12:00 noon.
Bidding closes Monday 15 June, 12:00 noon, starting with Lot 1
Each subsequent Lot will then close one minute apart unless bidding remains active.
Public Viewing (BY APPOINTMENT ONLY):
All Lots:
Wednesday 10 June, 9am - 5pm
Thursday 11 June, 9am - 5pm
Please email using the button below with your availability to schedule an appointment.
Lot 79
1960 BMW 245cc R26
Registration no. VLE 18M
Frame no. 369708
Engine no. 369708
Built to the same exemplary standards as the Bavarian company's famous flat-twins, the single-cylinder BMW first appeared in pre-war days. Indeed, BMW's first new post-war model was a single-cylinder design - the 250cc R24 - which arrived in 1948. By 1956, BMW's quarter-litre luxury lightweight had evolved into the R26 that boasted a more powerful (15bhp) engine, Earles-type leading-link front fork and a larger fuel tank among numerous improvements. Considerably more expensive than other 250s, the R26 was a relative rarity outside Germany, appealing to mature, discerning riders for whom quality of construction counted more than mere outright performance.
This R26's stamped frame and engine numbers correspond and match the machine's headstock plaque. An old-style V5 accompanies the machine, recording the date of first registration as May 1974. The last recorded change of keeper is noted as November 1987 and the previous recorded keeper was Peter Robinson of Fareham, who acquired the BMW in August 1986. The V5 records the machine as having been previously registered and/ or used overseas. The BMW carries a tax disc expiring July 1988 and is supplied with one key. The machine is offered for recommissioning or restoration as the successful purchaser may see fit (the engine turns over). A spare (pattern) silencer is included in the sale.
Following a period of inactivity, this motorcycle will require recommissioning and/ or restoration to a greater or lesser extent before returning to the road and thus is sold strictly as viewed. Prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's completeness, history, authenticity, originality and mechanical condition prior to bidding.
£1, 500 - 2, 000
All lots are sold ‘as is/ where is’ and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams Motorcycles website for all pertinent auction information.
