BMW Motorcycles

About bmw

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.

BMW merged with Bayerische Flugzeugwerke in 1922, inheriting from them the Helios motorcycle and a small two-stroke motorized bicycle called the Flink. In 1923, BMW's first "across the frame" version of the boxer engine was designed by Friz. The R32 had a 486 cc (29.7 cubic inches) engine with 8.5 hp (6.3 kW) and a top speed of 95 to 100 km/h (59 to 62 mph). The engine and gearbox formed a bolt-up single unit. At a time when many motorcycle manufacturers used total-loss oiling systems, the new BMW engine featured a recirculating wet sump oiling system with a drip feed to roller bearings. This system was used by BMW until 1969, when they adopted the "high-pressure oil" system based on shell bearings and tight clearances, still in use today.

The R32 became the foundation for all future boxer-powered BMW motorcycles. BMW oriented the boxer engine with the cylinder heads projecting out on each side for cooling as did the earlier British ABC. Other motorcycle manufacturers, including Douglas and Harley-Davidson, aligned the cylinders with the frame, one cylinder facing towards the front wheel and the other towards the back wheel. The R32 also incorporated shaft drive. BMW has continued to use shaft drive on its motorcycles and did not produce a chain driven model until the introduction of the F650 in 1994.

In 1931, BMW introduced the single-cylinder shaft-driven R2, which, as a 200 cc motorcycle, could be operated in Germany without a motorcycle licence at that time. The R2 headed a series of single-cylinder BMW motorcycles, including the 400 cc R4 in 1932 and the 300 cc R3 in 1936.

The BMW R12 and R17, both introduced in 1935, were the first production motorcycles with hydraulically damped telescopic forks.

In 1937, Ernst Henne rode a supercharged 500 cc (31 cubic inches) overhead camshaft BMW 173.88 mph (279.83 km/h), setting a world record that stood for 14 years.

Construction was so good that during World War II Harley-Davidson copied the BMW engine and transmission—simply converting metric measurements to inches—and produced the shaft-drive 750 cc (46 cubic inches) 1942 Harley-Davidson XA.

The terms of Germany's surrender forbade BMW from manufacturing motorcycles. In 1946, when BMW received permission to restart motorcycle production from US authorities in Bavaria, BMW had to start from scratch.

In 1955, BMW began introducing a new range of motorcycles with Earles forks and enclosed drive shafts. These were the 26 hp (19 kW) 500 cc R50, the 30 hp (22 kW) 600 cc R60, and the 35 hp (26 kW) sporting 600 cc R69.

On June 8, 1959, John Penton rode a BMW R69 from New York to Los Angeles in 53 hours and 11 minutes, slashing over 24 hours from the previous record of 77 hours and 53 minutes set by Earl Robinson on a 45 cubic inch (740 cc) Harley-Davidson.

For the 1968 and 1969 model years only, BMW exported into the United States three "US" models. These were the R50US, the R60US, and the R69US. On these motorcycles, there were no sidecar lugs attached to the frame and the front forks were telescopic forks, which were later used worldwide on the slash-5 series of 1970 through 1973. Earles-fork models were sold simultaneously in the United States as buyers had their choice of front suspensions.

In 1970, BMW introduced an entirely revamped product line of 500 cc, 600 cc and 750 cc displacement models, the R50/5, R60/5 and R75/5 respectively and came with the "US" telescopic forks noted above. The engines were a complete redesign. The roller and ball-bearings in the bottom end had been replaced by shell-type journal bearings similar to those used in modern car engines. The camshaft, which had been at the top of the engine, was placed under the crankshaft, giving better ground clearance under the cylinders while retaining the low centre of gravity of the flat-twin layout. The new engine had an electric starter, although the traditional gearbox-mounted kick starter was retained. The styling of the first models included chrome-plated side panels and a restyled tank. The /5 series was given a longer rear swingarm, resulting in a longer wheelbase. This improved the handling and allowed a larger battery to be installed.

The /5 models were short-lived, however, being replaced by another new product line in 1974. In that year the 500 cc model was deleted from the lineup and an even bigger 900 cc model was introduced, along with improvements to the electrical system and frame geometry. These models were the R60/6, R75/6 and the R90/6. In 1973 a supersport model, the BMW R90S, was introduced. In 1975, the kick starter was finally eliminated.

In 1995, BMW ceased production of airhead 2-valve engines and moved its boxer-engined line completely over to the 4-valve oilhead system first introduced in 1993.

Moto blog

2025 Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello Range

Euro5+ compliance, radar tech and new special edition model The V100 Mandello was a groundbreaking model when Moto Guzzi introduced it in the 2022 model year. With a new liquid-cooled 1,042cc “compact block” 90° V-Twin engine, six-axis IMU, and industry-first active aerodynamics, the V100 immediately brought a jolt of modernity to a brand that was deeply steeped in its century-old history. For 2025, the Mandello receives its first update since its debut, achieving Euro5+ compliance, a more refined transmission, and, for the S variant, front- and rear-facing radar systems.

Exploring Ontario's Fall Foliage on Two Wheels

This article was written by Martin Lortz Each year, from late September into October, Ontario's northern landscape transforms into a tapestry of vivid reds, oranges, and yellows as autumn takes over. There's no better way to experience this splendor than from the seat of a motorcycle or, better yet, an adventure motorcycle. You didn't have to do much convincing to get us to pack our bags and fire up the engines for a four-day tour from Toronto to Northern Ontario.

2025 Moto Guzzi Stelvio Duecento Tributo First Look Gallery

2025 Moto Guzzi Stelvio Duecento Tributo First Look Gallery | Motorcycle.com Join Now My History Account Settings Log out Specs Classifieds Bike Reviews Product Reviews Best Motorcycle Cameras Best Motorcycle Earplugs Best Motorcycle Oil Best Leather Jackets Best Winter Gloves Best Sportbike Tires GPS Buyers Guide Gear Deals Types Adventure Touring Cruiser Electric Off-Road On-Off-Road Other Scooter Sport-Touring Sportbikes Standard Touring Touring Scooter Track Youth Brands Aprilia BMW CFMoto Ducati Energica Gas-Gas Harley-Davidson Honda Husqvarna Indian Kawasaki KTM Kymco Moto Guzzi MV Agusta Piaggio Royal Enfield Suzuki Triumph Vespa Yamaha Zero Resources New Rider's Hub Dealers Safety Forums Videos Insurance Specs Classifieds Bike Reviews Product Reviews Best Motorcycle Cameras Best Motorcycle Earplugs Best Motorcycle Oil Best Leather Jackets Best Winter Gloves Best Sportbike Tires GPS Buyers Guide Gear Deals Types Adventure Touring Cruiser Electric Off-Road On-Off-Road Other Scooter Sport-Touring Sportbikes Standard Touring Touring Scooter Track Youth Brands Aprilia BMW CFMoto Ducati Energica Gas-Gas Harley-Davidson Honda Husqvarna Indian Kawasaki KTM Kymco Moto Guzzi MV Agusta Piaggio Royal Enfield Suzuki Triumph Vespa Yamaha Zero Resources New Rider's Hub Dealers Safety Forums Videos Insurance Join Now My History Account Settings Log out Edit & Post 2025 Moto Guzzi Stelvio Duecento Tributo First Look Gallery Let's get the jokes out of the way first: Yes, the special edition Moto Guzzi Stelvio Duecento Tributo looks like it shares its paint with the not-so-special edition Aprilia Tuareg 660. But can you really go wrong with a red, white and blue color scheme? Read the full story here.

Brembo Announces New Distincta Master Cylinders For Adventure-Touring

Brembo reinforces its product offer in the Touring Adventure segment. Begin press release: Brembo Announces New Distincta Master Cylinders For Adventure-Touring On the occasion of EICMA 2024, Brembo, leading company in the development and production of high-performance braking systems, introduces the latest evolution in the Touring Adventure segment: the new Distincta brake and clutch master cylinder and the M4.32 brake caliper. The Distincta brake master cylinder and clutch’s design blends seamlessly with any motorcycle aesthetic, while its customizable features speaks to any riders’ preferences.

Brembo Presents The New Pro and Pro+ Packages At EICMA 2024

Two new braking solutions for supersport motorbikes Brembo is bringing its MotoGP tech to the masses. Begin press release: Brembo Presents The New Pro and Pro+ Packages At EICMA 2024 As a leader in high-performance brake systems, Brembo is pleased to introduce the PRO Package and PRO+ Package for supersport motorcycles during EICMA 2024. These two new front brake packages represent Brembo's dedication to excellence, which shines through in every product, offering unrivalled quality, innovative solutions and superior performance.

2025 Aprilia Tuono 660 Factory – First Look

Öhlins suspension, 105 hp engine, and updated electronics highlight the middle Tuono’s Factory treatment Following in the footsteps of the RS660 Factory, Aprilia is launching a Tuono 660 Factory as well. The main talking point for the Tuono 660 Factory is an upgrade to Öhlins suspension, with the NIX30 fork and STX 46 shock replacing the pieces on the standard model. The Tuono 660, as you likely know by now, is the naked variant of the RS660, and as such, shares much of the same framework as its fully-faired sibling.

2025 Aprilia Tuono 660 Factory Gallery

2025 Aprilia Tuono 660 Factory Gallery | Motorcycle.com Join Now My History Account Settings Log out Specs Classifieds Bike Reviews Product Reviews Best Motorcycle Cameras Best Motorcycle Earplugs Best Motorcycle Oil Best Leather Jackets Best Winter Gloves Best Sportbike Tires GPS Buyers Guide Gear Deals Types Adventure Touring Cruiser Electric Off-Road On-Off-Road Other Scooter Sport-Touring Sportbikes Standard Touring Touring Scooter Track Youth Brands Aprilia BMW CFMoto Ducati Energica Gas-Gas Harley-Davidson Honda Husqvarna Indian Kawasaki KTM Kymco Moto Guzzi MV Agusta Piaggio Royal Enfield Suzuki Triumph Vespa Yamaha Zero Resources New Rider's Hub Dealers Safety Forums Videos Insurance Specs Classifieds Bike Reviews Product Reviews Best Motorcycle Cameras Best Motorcycle Earplugs Best Motorcycle Oil Best Leather Jackets Best Winter Gloves Best Sportbike Tires GPS Buyers Guide Gear Deals Types Adventure Touring Cruiser Electric Off-Road On-Off-Road Other Scooter Sport-Touring Sportbikes Standard Touring Touring Scooter Track Youth Brands Aprilia BMW CFMoto Ducati Energica Gas-Gas Harley-Davidson Honda Husqvarna Indian Kawasaki KTM Kymco Moto Guzzi MV Agusta Piaggio Royal Enfield Suzuki Triumph Vespa Yamaha Zero Resources New Rider's Hub Dealers Safety Forums Videos Insurance Join Now My History Account Settings Log out Edit & Post 2025 Aprilia Tuono 660 Factory Gallery Following in the footsteps of the RS660 Factory, Aprilia is launching a Tuono 660 Factory as well. The main talking point for the Tuono 660 Factory is an upgrade to Öhlins suspension, with the NIX30 fork and STX 46 shock replacing the pieces on the standard model. Read the full story here.

2025 Ducati Panigale V2 and Panigale V2 S – First Look

Ducati changes course and creates a more streetable sportbike With the announcement today at EICMA 2024 of the Panigale V2 and V2 S, Ducati have turned a page within its middleweight sportbike book, taking small steps away from outright sportiness and veering towards a little bit of streetability. Taking advantage of the new V2 engine it recently introduced, Ducati claims this latest edition of the Panigale V2 is not only comfortable and streetable – while still being track worthy – but is also the lightest Panigale the company has ever made, at 395 lbs without fuel (388 lbs for the S, 37 lbs lighter than before). Ducati’s sportbike history has been rooted in racing.

BMW Concept F 450 GS Gallery

BMW Concept F 450 GS Gallery | Motorcycle.com Join Now My History Account Settings Log out Specs Classifieds Bike Reviews Product Reviews Best Motorcycle Cameras Best Motorcycle Earplugs Best Motorcycle Oil Best Leather Jackets Best Winter Gloves Best Sportbike Tires GPS Buyers Guide Gear Deals Types Adventure Touring Cruiser Electric Off-Road On-Off-Road Other Scooter Sport-Touring Sportbikes Standard Touring Touring Scooter Track Youth Brands Aprilia BMW CFMoto Ducati Energica Gas-Gas Harley-Davidson Honda Husqvarna Indian Kawasaki KTM Kymco Moto Guzzi MV Agusta Piaggio Royal Enfield Suzuki Triumph Vespa Yamaha Zero Resources New Rider's Hub Dealers Safety Forums Videos Insurance Specs Classifieds Bike Reviews Product Reviews Best Motorcycle Cameras Best Motorcycle Earplugs Best Motorcycle Oil Best Leather Jackets Best Winter Gloves Best Sportbike Tires GPS Buyers Guide Gear Deals Types Adventure Touring Cruiser Electric Off-Road On-Off-Road Other Scooter Sport-Touring Sportbikes Standard Touring Touring Scooter Track Youth Brands Aprilia BMW CFMoto Ducati Energica Gas-Gas Harley-Davidson Honda Husqvarna Indian Kawasaki KTM Kymco Moto Guzzi MV Agusta Piaggio Royal Enfield Suzuki Triumph Vespa Yamaha Zero Resources New Rider's Hub Dealers Safety Forums Videos Insurance Join Now My History Account Settings Log out Edit & Post BMW Concept F 450 GS Gallery At this moment, the F 450 GS is still a concept, but BMW seems adamant about putting the mini-GS into production. Read the full story here. Photos by BMW.

2025 Suzuki DR-Z4S and DR-Z4SM – First Look

DR-Z400 gets modern successors Suzuki announced all-new successors to its popular DR-Z400S dual-sport and DR-Z400SM supermoto. Featuring a new twin-spar frame, a new 398cc engine, a ride-by-wire throttle, and RM-Z-inspired styling, the DR-Z4S and DR-Z4SM modernize two long-time favorites, while also returning them to the European market thanks to Euro5+ compliance. Both DR-Z models share the same liquid-cooled DOHC Single.