BMW’s singles had undergone continuous refinements since the R 24 launched in 1949, getting rear suspension by 1950 and a new chassis with Earles forks in 1956. In 1960, the R 27 brought a stouter frame and a rubber-mounted engine mounted to reduce vibration. Though slower and more expensive than British or Italian singles, the R 27 found favor with off-road riders like American John Penton, who rode one in the 1965 International Six Days Enduro. The bike seen here was imported by Butler & Smith with the high handlebars and dual seat preferred by US customers.