The KR 26 series proved very successful both in competition and sales. Production ran from the Spring of 1953 until 1955, with some 50,000 delivered to domestic and export markets.
The KR 26 did very well in competition - the factory team won 84 gold medals, 38 silver medals, 20 bronze medals and 18 team prizes, including 9 gold.
KR 26 Aero
Initially designated KR 25 HML, the redesigned machine was introduced in early 1953 as the KR 26 Aero. Engine performance was increased to 12.3 h.p. at 5200 rpm, it had more substantial finning on both the head and barrel, and compression was now 6.2:1. The crankpin diameter has been reduced 25mm, and the flywheels were filled with light metal.
It had new hydraulically damped telescopic forks built by Grotz of Bissingen, and rear suspension was improved considerably resulting in improved handling. Braking too was enhanced by full-width 180mm diameter alloy brake hubs with a brake-pad width of 30mm.
Both mudguards had been re-designed, with the rear guard strengthened to allow fitment of the optional pillion saddle (similar improvements were made to the V35 Bergmeister). These changes brought the all-up weight to 151kg.
Introduced with the blue-grey colour scheme of the earlier machines, the KR 26 soon received new livery of "Capri" grey with red and gold trim, followed somewhat later by a black version with ivory and gold pinstripe.
KR 26 N
In the third quarter of 1953 Victoria replaced the KR 26 with the KR 26 N after a production run of some 4000 units. The new model had a higher compression ratio of 7.2:1, higher max rpm of 5250, and power was up to 14 PS. Top speed, solo, was 110 km/h.
C of G was lowered with the adoption of 18" wheels front and rear, with valanced alloy rims. The frame was strengthened and sidecar mounts were added, the forks were further developed, and minor changes to the engine internals took place.
KR 26 N Sport
Revealed alongside the KR26N, the KR26S Sport was offered with a 16 litre tank (up from 14l) and a dual seat. This model was available with pillion saddle on request, and the tank-mounted hand change remained an option.
Sources: victoria-ig.de, kr26.de, victoria-rad.de
