BMW Motorcycle
At the Berlin Motor Show in September 1923, BMW unveiled its first motorcycle, the R 32, designed by Max Friz. This moment marked the beginning of BMW Motorrad. The R 32 featured the now-iconic boxer engine, which became a defining characteristic of BMW motorcycles.
The 1920s: A Decade of Innovation
The inception of BMW motorcycles can be traced back to January 2, 1917, when Max Friz, a talented 33-year-old engineer, joined BMW. With the Treaty of Versailles banning aircraft and aircraft engines in 1919, Friz shifted his focus to motorcycle design. By December 1922, he had already conceptualized BMW’s first motorcycle, featuring the innovative flat-twin “boxer” engine.
R 37: Racing Prowess
The BMW boxer engine’s robustness and performance quickly made it a favourite in professional racing. The R 37, introduced in 1925, doubled the power of its predecessor with a 500 ccm engine producing 16 bhp. From 1924 to 1929, BMW dominated the German Championships in the 500 ccm category.
Speed Records
In 1929, Ernst Henne set a new world speed record on a modified BMW motorcycle, reaching 216 kph. This record was achieved with a supercharged engine and marked the beginning of a series of speed records for BMW.
The 1930s: Technological Advancements
Rudolf Schleicher designed the BMW R 5 in 1936. This groundbreaking motorcycle featured a tunnel-housing engine, two camshafts, and a telescopic front fork with adjustable damping. This design set new standards for sportiness and performance.
Hydraulic Telescopic Fork
In 1935, BMW introduced the world’s first hydraulically damped telescopic front fork with the R 12 and R 17 models. This innovation significantly improved ride comfort and handling, setting a precedent in motorcycle design.
Racing Triumphs
Georg “Schorsch” Meier’s victories on the BMW compressor machine in the late 1930s, including winning the prestigious “Senior Tourist Trophy” on the Isle of Man, solidified BMW’s reputation in the racing world.
R 24: A New Beginning
After World War II, BMW’s production facilities were largely inaccessible. However, in 1948, BMW resumed motorcycle production with the R24, a single-cylinder motorcycle based on pre-war designs. This model marked BMW’s successful post-war comeback.
The 1950s: Sporting Success
The BMW R 68, introduced in 1952, was a high-performance motorcycle capable of reaching 160 kph. It symbolized BMW’s return to top-tier motorcycle manufacturing and racing.
World Championships
In the mid-1950s, BMW dominated motorcycle racing, with riders like Wilhelm Noll and Fritz Cron winning world championship titles on BMW machines.
The 1960s: Expansion and Innovation
The R 69 S, launched in 1960, became BMW’s top-of-the-range model, boasting 42 hp and a top speed of 175 kph. It featured innovations like a hydraulic steering damper, enhancing rideability.
Global Presence
By the 1960s, BMW motorcycles had established a strong presence worldwide, particularly in the US, with models like the R 50 S and R 69 S gaining popularity.
The 1970s: Aerodynamics and Touring
The R 90 S, introduced in 1973, was BMW’s first motorcycle with a cylinder capacity of over 750 cc. Its top speed of 200 kph and distinctive two-tone paintwork made it a design icon of the era.
R 100 RS
In 1976, BMW launched the R 100 RS, the first motorcycle to be produced with standard full fairing developed in a wind tunnel. This model combined speed with rider comfort, establishing the sporty tourer class.
The 1980s: Technological Breakthroughs
BMW entered the travel enduro market with the R 80 G/S in 1980. This model featured the world’s first single-sided swing arm, setting a new standard for adventure bikes.
K Series: A New Dimension
The K series, introduced in 1983, featured a longitudinally mounted in-line engine. The K 1200 S, launched in 2004, took this concept further with a transversely mounted engine, electronic suspension, and the revolutionary Duolever front wheel control.
The 1990s: New Boxer Generations
The R 1100 RS, introduced in 1993, marked the beginning of BMW’s new four-valve boxer generation. It featured electronic engine management and a revolutionary telelever front suspension system.
F Series: The Single-Cylinder Comeback
The F 650, launched in 1993, was BMW’s first single-cylinder motorcycle since 1966. It was developed with Aprilia and Rotax, combining BMW’s design expertise with robust performance.
The 2000s: Entering the Superbike Era
In 2009, BMW launched the S 1000 RR, its first superbike. This model, developed for the World Superbike Championship, featured cutting-edge technology, including electronic rider assist systems, and became a favourite among racing enthusiasts.
The Present and Future
BMW continues to innovate with new models across various segments, including sport, touring, adventure, and urban mobility. The latest models, such as the S 1000 XR, R 1250 GS, and the electric CE 04, reflect BMW’s commitment to combining performance, comfort, and cutting-edge technology.
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