- Manufacturer: BMW
- Model: R27
- Engine: 250cc
- Year: 1961
- Decade: 1960s
- Machine Type: Road
Largely based on the R26, R27 in 1960 added to rubber mount the engine and increase power to 18 hp (13 kW). The R27's 250 cc OHV vertical single rubber-mounted engine thumper only BMW ever produced, and their final drive shaft of the cylinder motorcycle. Machine pumped out 18 hp (13 kW), the highest ever for a single shaft-drive BMW. BMW R27 model produced 15 364 (engine number 372001-387566) during the production year of 1960 to 1966. Some of the R27 model 1966 sold as 1967 models as dealers in those years often set the date for the BMW motorcycle when they sell them, and not necessarily when they are produced.
BMW to do things differently from other manufacturers. This is evident in the R27. Enclosed shaft final drive are rarely one-cylinder motorcycle. But it also has a triangulated Earles front fork (named after British designer Ernest Earles), so the bike has front suspension and rear swingarm. When you squeeze the front brake lever hard not just the front end does not dive, it actually rose slightly. Thus, braking is an activity that is very stable, although the brake is weak by today's standards. Engine crank shaft arranged fore-to-back, not side to side, also a rare feature. In this way, crank and shaft end are in line, and the power of encouragement does not have to run through a set of teeth 90 degrees. Also, starter kick swung to the side instead of parallel to the frame.
