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Why The History Of BMW Motorcycles Means Adventure For You

If you love the BMW brand like I do, your enjoyment of the company isn’t complete without a brief history of their motorcycles. Over the years I have found that only a handful of people are even aware that BMW made motorcycles. Being so totally captivated by the current BMW car models, motorcycles by BMW have sort of become the “redheaded stepchild” of the business.

But, I plan to change that image right now.

Between 1920 and 1922 the Bavarian Motor Work made their first two-stroke three port motorcycle engine. At only 148 cc, this engine was affectionately called the Flink. With the engine mounted just in front of the foot pedals, this first model looked more like just a bicycle.

BMW had to start somewhere with its design and this was as good a place as any.

In the beginning, the Chief Design Engineer for BMW was Max Friz. Known for being demanding and not being satisfied with things as they are, Max introduced the new model BMW R32 at the Paris Motor Show in 1932. This model became famous for their blue and white paint.

Such developments as the pressed steel frame, telescopic fork, tubular frame and telescopic rear suspension all were important advances from 1935 to 1939. Can you imagine how different the ride must have felt back in the “old days” without modern tires and suspensions? Ouch.

1955 was really the next milestone for the BMW Motorcycle. Production models for the RS racing bike with the all pivot frame was introduced.

Do you know what the “slash five” was in BMW history?

Probably one of the most important upgrades to BMW motorcycles took place in 1970 with the development of the “slash five” series. The R50/5, R60/5 and R75/5 all have the same stroke engines only with different displacements. In addition, all these models had point ignitions. In 1979 these models were laid to rest and discontinued.

A new age begins for the BMW Motorcycle in 1980.

If you listen closely to the sounds of history, you might hear cheering fans as they applauded the latest improvements such as, updated suspensions, strengthened frames and electronic ignition replaced the points. High performance Brembo brakes and elimination of the heavy flywheel in favor of a stamped steel clutch carrier, were major advances at this time

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Why were these changes made to BMW motorcycles?

It all comes down to money. If BMW wanted to continue in the motorcycle business it was mandatory that they make changes in order to be more competitive with the Japanese and European bikes. In fact, the 1981 model was so much better than previous versions that the market for used BMW motorcycle was totally destroyed.

The fact is, everything BMW is about excitement and adventure.

You can prove this for yourself just by this little study of BMW history. The GS series motorcycle was introduced in 1981 and instantly labeled the “Adventure Touring Bike” . The whole concept of the “Adventure Tour Market” started with the BMW R80G/S. And what an adventure it has been ever since.

From 1985 to the present, much advancement has been made. Unfortunately, that story will have to wait and be the subject of one of my future articles.

So for now my friend, are you up for the adventure of a BMW motorcycle?

Chet Waters is the BMW Specialist. Learn How To Find Your BMW And At The Price You Can Afford. Go To:

http://www.bmwsauctions.com

A decade ago motorcycles had speed, looks, and style. They have certainly improved with each passing year. Year after year motorcycle manufacturers get more innovative, produce faster, lighter and more comfortable motorcycles, and learn what works and what doesn’t. What are the favorites from 2007?

- Yamaha V Star 1300 Tourer.

These motorcycles have a V2 engine with an electric starter and a liquid cooling system. The seat was 28.1 inches and the dry weight was 668 pounds. It was made with a double cradle frame and a telescopic fork front suspension with a swingarm rear suspension. These motorcycles had single disc rear brakes and double disc front brakes. They have a fuel capacity of 4.88 gallons.

- BMW R1200GS

These motorcycles have a two cylinder boxer engine. They also have an electronic fuel injection with an electric starter. These motorcycles had oil and air cooled engines and a 6-speed gearbox. At 438 pounds, they were meant for speed. These off road motorcycles came in desert yellow metallic, rock red metallic, ocean blue metallic, or granite gray metallic. Though the fuel capacity is a whopping 5.28 gallons, the consumption is 1.45 gallons for every 6.2 miles.

- Yamaha WR 450 F

These are also off road motorcycles. They have a single cylinder engine, with a liquid cooling system. At just 246 pounds, it is nearly two-thirds the weight of the BMW R1200GS motorcycles. The front suspension is a telescopic fork, the rear a swingarm. The fuel capacity on these motorcycles is a mere 2.10 gallons. These motorcycles had single disc brake systems for both front and rear.

- Yamaha FZ1 Fazer

These naked motorcycles had in line four engines with an electric starter. They also had a liquid cooling system, a final drive chain transmission, and digital ignition. Like the BMW R1200GS, these Yamaha motorcycles weighed 438 pounds. The frame was aluminum die cast and the front suspension was telescopic upside down forks. The rear a swingarm suspension. These motorcycles had double disc front brakes and single disc rear brakes. Fuel capacity on these motorcycles is 4.76 gallons.

- Harley Davidson VRSCX

These custom or cruiser motorcycles have a V2 engine. They have an electronic sequential port fuel injection system and liquid cooling system. The seat is a mere 27.1 inches high and the weight 637 pounds. These motorcycles are 5-speed with a final drive belt transmission. The front and rear brakes are both single disc four piston. These motorcycles came in two tone mirage orange pearl or brilliant silver pearl. It has a 5 gallon fuel capacity.

- Victory Vegas Jackpot

Like the Harley Davidson VRSCX, these motorcycles are also custom or cruiser motorcycles. With a V2 engine, an air cooling system, and final drive belt transmission, it has many of the same features as the Harley Davidson VRSCX motorcycles. It has an electronic fuel injection system and a 6-speed gearbox. These motorcycles had an even shorter seat at 25.7 inches high. Though the seat was lower, they were a bit heavier weighing 659 pounds. The fuel capacity was 4.5 gallons and colors included black, orange crush, or sunset red.

The motorcycle is not just a machine and motorcycling is not just another form of transport. It is more of a cult activity, more of a brotherhood, a subculture.

Riding a motorcycle connects you with the Earth and wind – it reconciles your soul with nature, and this is something you can never ever experience in a car because all a car does is shut you up and make you feel boxed in. The various subcultures that motorcycling has spawned are cruising, street racing, Motocross racing, stunt driving, to name a few.

Close your eyes and let your imagination fly – imagine yourself biking up the mountains in a sleek, rugged machine, imagine yourself racing at breakneck speeds at a sports rally, imagine yourself all rugged and macho as you race to work on your supercool city bike, and imagine the wind caress your face as the splendid sights pass you by!

Yes, biking is truly a wonderful activity, and if you have not experienced its thrills and spills, then it’s time to make motorcycling a part of your life by latching on to a BMW beauty.

BMW motorcycles are an integral part of the biking scene. In case you are not aware, before World War I BMW was involved in manufacturing airplane engines. After the war, the German Air Force was banned and, consequently, there was zero demand for airplane engines. It was because of this that BMW first diversified into manufacturing agricultural machinery, toolboxes and brakes – but this did not satisfy their engineering talent and in 1923 the first BMW motorcycle – the R32 – was born. And, since then, there has been no looking back. Today, BMW is a big name in the commercial, emergency, utility and leisure motorcycle industry.

BMW’s range of bikes is designed for every motor biking pleasure you can ever think of. Their Enduro range of bikes is very aggressively engineered to blaze through extremely demanding situations – ride on any track on these lightweights!

Select a bike from their Tour range if you want to tour the states, swallowing up the roads as you go. As you would have guessed, the BMW Tour range is built for the long haul.

BMW’s Sport bikes are a bunch of lean, mean, nimble machines that roar with raw power every time you fire their cylinders up – guess it’s time to hit the dirt road with these shapely beauties.

Finally, BMW’s Urban range allows you to adopt a scorched pavement policy, burning up the city roads as you maneuver and zip down the roads on them.

Whatever your motorcycling application – be it entering a contest, zipping to work, becoming a bike enthusiast, starting a brotherhood or a mobike cult, touring off to the countryside, or whatever – remember, there is a motorcycle waiting for you.

Ever since 1932 BMW has been making motorcycles that fall in the high-end class and that are regarded as being amongst the highest quality motorcycles.

They are known for excellence and for providing some of the most enjoyable motorcycle rides around.

BMW first introduced the R32 BMW motorcycle in 1932 and have been developing that particular style of motorcycle into something that has fan clubs all over the world.

This first BMW motorcycle had a peculiar engine, known as the “boxer twin” engine. It was designed for air cooling and its two cylinders protruded from opposite sides of the motorcycle.

Later during the BMW motorcycle development they also developed more traditional four cylinder motorcycle models.

Not only did BMW manufacture road bikes, they also branched out into off-road motorcycles and have made a name for themselves there as well.

Apart from the association with quality through the BMW logo and name, BMW motorcycles also attract loyal fans because the motorcycles give comfortable rides without sacrificing sportiness and performance.

Apart from some of its off-road models, the BMW motorcycle generally is a big motorcycle. However, drivers of these motorcycles will tell you that they handle like a dream.

Today they are four different series of BMW motorcycles. These are the F, G, R, and K series.

The F series has a four stroke, four valve engine and has a chain drive to the back wheel. The G series is an off-road motorcycle that BMW developed in conjunction with Aprilia. The R series motorcycles still have their trademark protruding cylinder heads but they have been improved upon over earlier models. The K series has also been developed into a motorcycle technological wonder. Both the R and K motorcycle series come with powerful engines that can drive a small car.

If comfort, style, technology, and stylishness appeal to you in motorcycles, then the BMW motorcycle will definitely be on your shopping list. On the one hand they come with a high price tag, but on the other hand you know that you are buying BMW quality, comfort, and style.