BMW R 68
A modest-looking boxer could reach a big milestone: the R 68 was BMW’s production “100 Mile Racer.”
R68-right.jpg · Jeff Dean · Attribution-only permission
Research pending
A matching completed auction sale has not been verified for this exact year, body, trim, engine, transmission and market.
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More than a set of wheels.
BMW showed the R 68 at Frankfurt’s 1951 IFMA exhibition, then built it from 1952 to 1954. The 35 hp sports model targeted the international performance class. Its 3,950 DM catalogue price also made it an exclusive purchase in postwar Germany.
Look a little closer.
A high exhaust shown at its debut became part of BMW’s later explanation of the Scrambler tradition.
Photos show an example of the model or generation. The pictured vehicle’s year, equipment, or modifications can differ from the specification described here.
Small exterior changes, substantial engine work
BMW’s 1950s history points to larger valves and carburettors, a different camshaft, increased compression and needle bearings for the rocker arms. The camshaft determines when the engine’s valves move; the rockers pass that movement along. These coordinated changes helped the 594 cc engine reach its listed 35 hp.
Source: BMW Motorrad · 1950s ↗Two exhaust arrangements, two appearances
BMW’s historical press account distinguishes the normal low exhaust from a raised 2-into-1 system available as an accessory. The high system appeared at the 1951 show and echoed Georg Meier’s racing machine. A surviving R 68 with high pipes can therefore reflect an authentic period option, rather than the standard delivery arrangement.
Source: BMW PressClub · R nineT Scrambler historical background ↗Where these facts come from
- BMW Group Classic · BMW R 68
- BMW Motorrad · 1950s
- BMW PressClub · R nineT Scrambler historical background
- BMW · Motorräder: Serienmodelle 1923–2004
Selected facts checked for this edition. Some source pages link to broader model families. Last reviewed 2026-10-02.