Learner Approved 
Factory Warranty 
Dealer Warranty 
Extended Warranty Available
Known for its luxury and design innovation, BMW Motorrad is a historic motorcycle marque. Formed in 1916, BMW (Bavarian Motor Works) 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 exhibits 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 BMW’s trademark powerplant.
Premiering at the Berlin Automobile Show, the R32 enjoyed success, selling more than 3000 units in the three-year production run. The Boxer-powered R series continued to develop, growing in displacement and performance. Significant events in the R model include rider Ernst Henne capturing the motorcycle speed record twice for BMW, first in 1929 going 216km/h (134 mph) on a R37 and 279.5km/h (173.6 mph) in 1937 aboard a R5.
BMW R75 WW2 Sidecar
The Second World War saw BMW produce motorbikes for the battlefield with the Boxer-powered R75 and sidecar. After the war, production ceased until 1948, upon which the marque recovered to its current position as a luxury motorcycle brand.
Design innovation
BMW styling is distinctive (like the Boxer motor), with often sharp angular lines. But the German firm distinguishes itself with design innovation, too. BMW safety development includes the early adoption of ABS, standard on many models and optional an almost all. The proprietary duolever and paralever suspension systems are more examples of BMW’s unique take on the motorcycle. Another interesting recent BMW design is the C1, a two-wheeled vehicle with enclosed cockpit and rollbar surrounding a seatbelted, helmetless rider.
