In Mississippi I'm parting with the remains of my R27/R50 hybrid.

[agingbiker]

In 1965, while stationed in Germany, I bought a 1961 R27. Astride that wonderful little machine I roamed some wonderfully beautiful countyside, pretending to be Mike Hailwood or Phil Read or Giacomo Augostini, folks I watched on the Hockenheim TT track.

A German friend, a professional sidecar racer from Kaiserslautern, had been helping me lto ocate a BMW twin but when we decided we couldn't match a bike with my wallet he suggested putting a R50 engine in the R27 frame. He almost finished the installation at his shop, barely making my deadline for shipment to the states. Almost finished --- but he didn't have time to tinker with the final drive gearing. Consequently, the R-Whatever I came home with in 1967 was pretty quick. But cruising speed was very limited. It was the only BMW I could easily get wheelie on. Nevertheless, the old gal got me almost through college before I began to hear unpleasant engine sounds. I shipped the engine to a place on the east coast for diagnosis but couoldn't afford the repair. I never got the engine back.

I'm aware there's not much value in the scrap metal of my memory, but I can't bear to sell her for scrap - even though I loaded it to haul away once. I've tried to condense my story to say that for almost 50 years I've kept the R27 frame, the R51 (I think) telescope front forks with 19" wheel and the transmission (I think it may be from a R60). I also have the two original 18" wheels, the seat and tank. These remains have been in an old farm shed here since 1970. I had plans to put her together again. I think too many sundowns have faded.

Anybody interested in the remains?

[Donovan]

I could give new life to those 18" wheels if they are original to the R27. Are they alloy or steel?

My alloy rims have seen more than a couple curbs or giant holes and I have been keeping my eye open for a pair of original alloy 18" wheels in good condition.

I also have a friend who owns an R27 and we ride the old singles quite regularly. I'm sure he would be interested in any R27 specific parts like the tank.

Thanks,
Donovan

[agingbiker]

wheels are alloy. I'll see about knocking the collected dust & grime off and post pics. Give me a few days, I'm away from home for a few days. It's very likely the bearings will need to be replaced.

[DFoote]

Where is thus old bike located?

[agingbiker]

of the remains. NE Mississippi, 20 miles or so North of Tupelo. I'm still away, but will be back there over the weekend 3/22-23.

[bmwsog]

Fascinating story.

I am interested-live in Central Alabama.
Particularly interested in how the bike was put together-and what parts
are where. Will contact you when you get back.

Marriott

[agingbiker]

Fellas, I apologize for not responding earlier but thing's got jammed up on me. I think I can link some pic's (maybe today/tomorrow). It will look like it has been collecting dust for 40 plus years, because it has!


billyghancock@gmail.com

[Rodolfo850]

Let me know if still have available parts for the R27..

Regards

Rodolfo

[agingbiker]

Well folks, I've parted with the remains of the old gal. We made a lot of miles and memories together and when she's able to do her thing again, I've been promised SI can caress her with my eyes once more. Thanks to all who expressed interest.

billyghancock@gmail.com