The bike currently wears what we believe to be all original paint with fantastic patina and character throughout. Give the original nature of the motorcycle, there are numerous area where the paint is chipped scratched and faded, all of which serve to add to the stunning allure of this motorcycle. The only piece that does not match the rest of the bike is the taillight nacelle, which was missing and replaced with a genuine piece, most likely original paint as well, but which lacks the patina found throughout the rest of the bike. The white pinstriping, for the most part, is still nicely visible except for the trailing edge of the rear fender where it has begun to fade. The body is in fairly good shape for being all original with minimal dings and dents to report. The rear fender does have a small crack in the side but is still structurally sound. The gas tank is clean on the inside and the correct air filter box and battery housing is present and in good shape. The battery box even has the original battery tie down located inside.

The Bosch branded headlight has crack free glass but there is a bit of dirt and corrosion behind the glass lens. The chrome headlight bucket trim is a bit scuffed and the chrome is scratched but nothing terrible and the look of it falls in line with the rest of the motorcycle. Additional rubber components such as foot pegs are in fair shape with some fading but no cracking or seperating.

The spoked wheels are in good condition, a little dirty but that about it. They appear to be structurally sound with tight spokes and straight rims but it would be suggested to have them examined further before deeming them road worthy.

The motorcycle is currently fitted with a correct style Pagusa solo seat that has a newer suspension spring underneath it. The spring mechanism is a bit shiny and obviously newer so it does not really match the overall patina of the motorcycle exactly but this is an easy problem to correct. Also fitted is a Denfeld Passenger seat with grab handle. The front of this seat is separating a bit but it is still structurally sound although care should be taken if attempting to ride two up (not recommended by us on this motorcycle!).

The headlight functions as it should, the ignition switch and corresponding indicator lights work, although it appears the connections for the ignition, located on top of the headlight bucket, are a bit loose as it does not want to stay on all the time and slight wiggle fixes this. The horn does not currently function. The speedometer in the headlight is clean and clear with colorful and bright graphics. It provides a reading but it was not verified that the indicated number is correct. Hand grip controls are of the correct original type. There is some corrosion present on some of the switchgear on the left hand but everything appears to move through its range of motion as it should.

The engine is in good original cosmetic condition. It turns over freely with the kickstarter and although we were not able to start the motorcycle utilizing the Kickstarter, it did bump start to life. Once running the R26 idled normally and sounded strong. Undoubtedly the valve clearances will need to be checked as well as the engine timing before and serious use would occur. The engine revs freely and settles back down to idle. The throttle controls are a bit sticky and need to be twisted forward to shut the throttle at times. A newer fuel line runs to the correct Bing type carburetor and it appears that the spark plug was recently replaced. Most of the wiring running under the tank and in the battery box appears to be original. Some of the wiring in the battery box has become frayed should be looked over before deeming the motorcycle road worthy. The exhaust has some surface corrosion but appears structurally sound and the cosmetic condition falls in line with the rest of the motorcycle.

The transmission shifts through gears freely as the bike is sitting. In our short time testing the motorcycle, while running it easily moved through first and second gear but the upper limits of the transmission were not road tested. The clutch engages as it should be will certainly need to be adjusted for a better riding nature. There was, however, no significant slippage and the transmission seemed to hold power fine.

The drum brakes are free and working but will more than likely need a sorting before any serious riding takes place. The brake lever actuates both braking mechanisms and brings the bike to a controlled stop but the braking force is not where it should be in order to be road worthy, even by the standards of late 1950's drum brakes. The suspension is ok, there is no major sag and it still rebounds as it should but the front end feels very floaty and the suspension should certainly be gone over before taking the motorcycle out on public roads.

The tires hold air and have tread but will more than likely need to be replaced due to age before making the motorcycle road worthy.

Although we were not able to start the motorcycle utilizing the side step style kickstarter, the bike was able to bump start into life. Once running, it idles well with a charachteristic single cylinder thump. With only 15 horsepower on tap, pulling away from a stop is a slow experience but once on its way the R26 is a relaxed and comfortable ride. For being a small displacement single, the controls don't feel cramped even to individuals tall in stature. The best part about the bike is undoubtedly the fantastic patina throughout though. Few motorcycles wear originality as well as old BMW motorcycles and this R26 is no exception. Its a gorgeously designed motorcycle made even better by a lifetime of added character and is sure to be a smash hit at any motorcycle event.