1954 BMW R68

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Unveiled at the German International Motorcycle Show in Frankfurt in October 1951, the R68 was introduced as “BMW's first 100mph motorcycle.” Produced between 1952 and 1954, only 1,452 units were made, making the R68 the rarest post-war BMW.

This example, produced in June 1953, remained at the factory due to sluggish R68 sales in the US. As a result, it received the 1954 model updates and was delivered to New York importer Butler & Smith as a 1954 model in March of that year.

With the end of World War I and the Treaty of Versailles limiting aircraft engine production, BMW shifted focus to motorcycle production. In 1923, the company simplified its logo by removing the checkered pattern and emphasizing a blue and white circle. The blue and white colors were derived from the Bavarian flag, reflecting the company’s Bavarian roots.