BMW R68 SDT Special (1952-55)

The BMW R68 SDT Special is a motorcycle that was produced from 1952 to 1955. It features a four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer engine with a capacity of 594cc and a compression ratio of 8.0:1. The bike is air-cooled with 2 Bing carburetors and a magneto ignition. It has a maximum power output of 35 horsepower at 7000 rpm and a 4-speed transmission with a shaft final drive. The frame is a double-loop steel tubular frame, and the suspension is a telescopic front fork with hydraulic damping and a spring with coil compression in the rear. The front and rear brakes are both drum full hub with the front having a duplex design while the back is simplex. The wheels are equipped with 3.50 – 19″ tires, and the bike weighs 190 kg with a fuel capacity of 17 liters. The BMW R68 SDT Special is an iconic motorcycle due to its powerful engine and durable design.

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Technical specifications:

Make Model: BMW R 68 SDT Special

Year: 1952 – 55

Engine: Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, pushrod operated 2 valves per cylinder.

Capacity: 594 cc / 36.2 cu in

Bore x Stroke: 72 x 73 mm

Compression Ratio: 8.0:1

Cooling System: Air cooled

Induction: 2 x Bing 1/26/9 – 1/26/10 carburetors

Ignition: Magneto ignition

Starting: Kick

Clutch: Single plate, dry

Max Power: 26.1 kW / 35 hp @ 7000 rpm

Transmission: 4 Speed

Final Drive: Shaft

Gear Ratio: 1st 4.00 / 2nd 2.28 / 3rd 1.7 / 4th 1.3

Frame: Double loop steel tubular frame

Front Suspension: Telescopic front fork with hydraulic damping; plunger type

Rear Suspension: Spring with coil compression springs and rubber deflection stops

Front Brakes: 200mm Drum duplex full hub

Rear Brakes: 200mm Drum simplex full hub

Front Tyre: 3.50 – 19″

Rear Tyre: 3.50 – 19″

Wet-Weight: 190 kg / 422 lb

Fuel Capacity: 17 liters / 4.4 US gal