BMW

 

 

R1200 GS

R1200 GS

S1000 R

S1000 R

 K1600 GT/GTL

K1600 GT/GTL

K1300 S

K1300 S

R9T

R9T

 

 

 *Images and logos used are for indicative purposes only and belong to their respective owners.  

 

BMW's motorcycle history began in 1921 when the company commenced manufacturing engines for other companies. Motorcycle manufacturing now operates under the BMW Motorrad brand. BMW (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG) introduced the first motorcycle under its name, the R32, in 1923 to 1925.

 

Formed in 1916, BMW began producing truck and aircraft engines for Germany during WWI. After the war, the Treaty of Versailles banned aircraft engine manufacture, so BMW set its sights on the motorcycle. BMW Motorrad, as the two-wheeled division of BMW came to be known (motorrad is German for motorcycle), traces its origins to the R32 motorcycle produced in 1923.

 

Designed by engineer Max Friz, the R32 exhibited two traits shared by many Beemers to this day a shaftdrive and the iconic Boxer powerplant. Although producing other engine configurations, the horizontally-opposed Flat Twin, referred to as the Boxer, continues to be BMWs trademark powerplant.