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The History of BMW

BMW or Bayerische Motoren Werke actually began as two distinct companies that had nothing to do with motorbikes. In fact, the companies were originally involved in the manufacture and design of airplane engines.

Gustav Otto owned an airplane factory, Flugzenmaschinenfabrik. Otto formally merged with Flugwerke Deutschland owned by Karl Rapp on March 7, 1916. A new name was chosen for the business and they decided upon Bayerische Flugzeugwerke or the Bavarian Airplane Works. In the beginning of the business, the company concentrated solely on the design and manufacture of airplane engines for Germany.

Changes were incorporated quickly and the company received a new name on July 21, 1917. Renamed Bayerische Motoren Werke, the company also received new leadership under the guidance of Karl Rapp who was joined by Max Friz. BMW’s world-famous logo came into being this year- a representation of an airplane propeller in a sky of blue.

It was at this time that Franz Joseph Popp also came to join the company as its managing director. The company was growing in leaps and bounds and now had 3400 employees. The primary purpose of Bayerische Motoren Werke remained the production of V-12 airplane engines at this time.

BMW continues to grow while manufacturing aircraft, specifically the Fokker DVII. Unfortunately, June 28, 1919 and the signing of the Treaty of Versailles brought an abrupt halt to their growth since Germany was no longer permitted to manufacture airplanes. The company begins on a new path, one that would take them to the manufacture of automobile and motorcycle engines. Later that year, Max Friz created blueprints for the “Boxer” engine.

In 1920, a man by the name of Kurt Hanfland creates the two-stroke “Kurier” engine, a 148cc motor. Designed for use in a combination bicycle and motorcycle contraption known as the “Flink,” the entire project fails. Fortunately for BMW, they never sold the machine under their name.

The “Boxer,” or flat twin, engine becomes a reality in 1921 under the direction of Max Friz and Martin Stolle. It is known as the M2B15. Manufacturers such as Helios, Heller, Scheid, and Corona place the engine in their motorcycles. The original assets from Flugzenmaschinenfabrik are sold off, and they continue with a line of Flottweg motorcycles.

Improvements continue on the original M2B15 engine, while developments begin on the first light-alloy cylinder head by Rudolf Schleicher. Using Schleicher’s creation to modify the M2B15 along with other new developments, the M2B32 is born. This flat twin 486cc engine mounted on a motorcycle, the R 32, becomes the foundation of all future motorcycles until the year 1983.

BMW has a year of more changes in 1924. They win their first German racing championship, Rudolf Schleicher takes over as chief designer, Max Friz goes back to airplanes, and the company continues to grow.

In 1925, a racing version of the R 32 is created and moves into the world to win 100 motorbike races in Germany. It is expensive to make, so only 152 of them are manufactured. The R 39 is created this year. It is the first single cylinder for BMW. Plus, front brakes go onto the R 32.

Rudolf Schleicher wins the International Six Days Trial and takes the gold medal. The R 32 might be more expensive than many of the competitions bikes, but BMW has sold 3,000 of them at this point.

The wins for BMW continue in 1927 as Paul Koppen wins at the Targa Florio in Sicily. The R 47, a big hit that sells more than 1700 bikes in a year and a half, replaces the R 23, R 37, and R 39. BMW has manufactured 25,000 motorcycles now.

The year 1928 is a huge year for BMW, full of changes. It issues in a new era for the company- one of manufacturing cars. BMW purchases the Dixi-Werke for 2.2 million reichsmarks. During this same year, the R 62 makes its debut as a gas-guzzling touring machine with 750cc.

A world record is broken in 1929 as Ernst Henne reaches a land speed of 134 mph with one of the 750cc BMW motorcycles. BMW picks up more than 800 employees in this one year, bringing their total to 3,860 employees. The tubular frame is replaced with a pressed-steel frame at this point in time. Wall Street crashes and the reverberations are felt even in Germany.

The economic turndown slows business in 1930. The R 2 comes onto the scene as the smallest bike BMW has ever manufactured. It uses a one-piece funnel crankcase and is marketed with great success as a commuter motorbike. Since Germany does not impose special licencing on small, motorised vehicles, BMW goes on to sell more then 15,000 of them.

BMW keeps its head above financial ruin unlike 17,000 other German companies and businesses. It develops another commuter bike the R 4 and markets it with success as an economy motorbike. The German military is impressed with this model and commissions BMW to produce more than 14,000 bikes in an olive color during 1933. At around this same time, the 303, which is the first motor vehicle produced entirely by BMW comes onto the market.

In 1934, BMW produces a radial engine. In 1935, BMW produces more than 10,000 motorbikes due to its creation of the R 12, a bike with an incredible speed of 75 mph despite its size and weight.

The year 1936 brings many new things- wins at the Senior TT, the Kompressor (a variation of the R 5,) and the new and improved R 5, which incorporates tubular frames once again. Another new bike, the R 7, reaches 87 mph and is powered by a twin camshaft engine. This classic has enough staying power to keep it on the market until the 1960s.

The original assets from Flugzenmaschinenfabrik are repurchased in 1937. Ernst Henne breaks his own land speed record at 173 mph and is nicknamed “The Fastest Man on Two Wheels.” The German military is impressed with BMW again and commissions BMW to produce more than 15,000 bikes in an updated version of the R 4, the R 35.

Rear suspension appears on all production bikes now in the year 1938. BMW manufactures its 100,000th bike. Six new motorbike models are produced this year. The Second World War begins and production is turned largely toward aircraft once more. BMW bikes achieve more wins, even when ridden by foreigners.

In 1940, production begins on the aeroengine 801. Motorcycle production for the war continues with the R 75, designed for on and off-road use. The R 75 features two seats, a sidecar, large gas tank, and hydraulic brakes. It was used for attacks if mounted with a machine gun or for reconnaissance if not. BMW moves motorcycle production in 1942 to Eisenach.

Production begins in 1943 of the BMW jet engine 003. Eisenbach production stops. Just before the end of the war and then again when the American military come in, BMW is ordered to destroy the Munich facilities. Each time, Kurt Dornarth, the BMW director refuses, choosing to produce bicycles, farm equipment, utensils, pans, and pots. BMW manages to survive.

The year 1946 is not a good one for BMW. Forbidden by the Allies to manufacture motorcycles, they must resign themselves to repairing Allied military equipment. The Soviets take over the Eisenbach location and begin to manufacture imitation motorcycles implementing BMW designs.

The Allies relax restrictions and BMW begins to make plans in 1947 to design a new motorcycle. For now, they remain content with the production of 22,000 bicycles.

In 1948, the first post-war bike appears as the R 24. Materials are sparse and old parts are implemented into the design. By the next year, 17,000 R 24s have been manufactured. The next two models manufactured in 1949 are huge disappointments to the masses. BMW has let its adoring public down by producing less than their best with the R 50/2 and the R 51/2.

Production is up in 1950 with more than 17,000 R 24s. The R 23 reaches a total of 47,700 manufactured bikes. It is the most produced bike in BMW production to date. In 1951, the speed of the R 68 at 100 mph puts BMW in the forefront again as the bike is nicknamed the “100-mile racer.” This bike is also the first one to be produced by BMW without any motor chains. Once again, BMW is on the top and in full swing.

The public demands a motorbike with a sidecar and they receive the R 67, a 600 cc overhead-valve twin engine. The Rennesport Series (RS) begins in 1953 and introduces front fork gaiters. The R 25 is updated with a bike that has improvements in both the engine and carburetion. The public begins to lose interest in motorbikes that are heavy.

The year 1954 is the beginning of a long stretch of wins for BMW in the World Sidecar Championship that lasts from 1955 until 1974. BMW experiences some setbacks in 1955 as it breaks away from the Eisenbach facility and automobile production. The R 50 replaces the R 51/3, but is met with mixed reviews due to its appearance and style. The R 26 comes out this year and is touted as a bike of comfort.

A bad year for many German companies, 1956 sees slow sales and large lay offs, even for BMW. The production of fuel-efficient machines becomes a priority. Slow sales continue into 1957 and the bulk of BMW’s motorbikes are shipped to either England or the United States. The next two years continue with poor sales and financial uncertainty.

Amid rumors of a buyout by Daimler-Benz, financial backers come forth and save BMW from sheer ruin. A heavy vehicles manufacturer, MAN, picks BMW up off the floor by making the purchase of its airplane division.

Several new bikes are manufactured in 1960 including the R 69 S, a sport model. This bike has been considered by many to be the classic BMW motorcycle. The R 27 single and the R 50 S also came out this year.

More racing wins and the shift to assembly line models of motor vehicles starting with the BMW 1500 mark 1961. The first BMW dividend based on a profitable year is paid to stockholders. Twenty-seven out of twenty-eight car races are won by the BMW 1800TI in 1964. The manufacture of single-cylinders is halted in 1966. The 250,000th bike is sold this year. The manufacturing of automobiles continues to flourish for BMW and the production of motorbikes holds it own, even though no growth occurs in this market.

BMW takes a new look at its motorcycle production and moves the operations to the suburbs of Berlin. A lightweight bike with electric starters, car-like engineering, and a stylish look makes its appearance. Sidecar use is discontinued and BMW offers its bikes in three colors, black, white, and silver.

The seventies bring in new changes as management is shuffled around with Eberhard von Kuenheim replacing Gerhard Wilckes. Production has not been able to keep up with the renewed demand for BMW bikes. In 1971, BMW opens a test track to the delight of its motorcycle engineers. The track is located in Aschheim. In 1972, motorcycle production for BMW finally reaches 2,000 for the year.

The 500,000th motorcycle is produced in 1973 for BMW’s 50th anniversary. The R 90 S is produced and it is by far bigger and faster than anything to have gone before it. The bike is nicknames “Germany’s sexiest superbike.” The Stroke 6 series also comes out this year and production is up.

Five speed gearboxes are introduced in 1974. Wet braking times are improved in 1975 by the introduction of drilled discs. Rudiger Gutsch develops a personal bike, an enduro motorcycle that is used in 1980 to manufacture an on-road/off-road version.

The year 1976 brings more change to BMW with the model R 100 RS being presented in a smoked red color. Full fairing is also introduced with this model. Worldwide police departments take note of the R 80/7 as a powerful bike and one of the best of the Stroke Series.

A luxury-touring motorcycle made its appearance in 1978 in smoked red, cream, brown, and green. The bike, the R 100 RT, featured bulk in size but comfort in style. The R 45, a small twin also came out this year. It featured very little by way of power. The British police department continues to favor BMW bikes, helping to bring sales up during 1979. BMW enters and wins the German Off-Road Championship.

In 1980, a light off-road bike, the R 80G/S is manufactured in a white with orange seat or a blue with black seat version. In 1981, a proposal to manufacture water-cooled four cylinder motorcycles is made. It will be known as the K series. The R 80RT is produced in 1982 while plans are made to increase production.

In 1983, the first water-cooled machine, the K 100, is produced and is given the nickname, “flying brick.” It has electric ignition, fuel injection, and can reach 132 mph. The K 100 RS, a racing styled motorcycle, also appears at this time. In 1984, BMW produces the K 100 RT, a touring version.

The K 75 C is manufactured in 1985 offering fuel economy at 57 miles per gallon. It is a three cylinder that can reach a speed of 124 mph. In 1986, the K 75 S is produced and it is the only sports motorcycle in a three cylinder to date. Although introduced as a limited edition, the R 100 RS has become quite popular.

The R 100 RT is introduced in 1987 with a smaller engine. Referred to as the “biggest dirt bike in the world, a new bike goes into production in 1988- the R 100 G/S. It featured a strong frame and many modifications. The R 80 G/S is also introduced and it featured a bigger fuel tank. Still offering nontraditional colors, these new bikes were available in black and yellow.

In 1989, BMW introduced its futuristic style with a motorcycle that featured the first digital engine electronics system. This was the K 1, a speedy road machine. In 1990, a new legend begins and the K 100 RS enters the market. It is named “motorcycle of the year” for five years in a row.

A record-setting day, March 18, 1991 marked the production of the one-millionth motorcycle for BMW. The production of motorcycles continues and a new model, the K 1100 LT is introduced. Eight new Boxer models are introduced as well despite falling sales worldwide. A second-generation ABS system comes out in 1993. The F 650 Funduro is introduced in 1994. The first BMWs, the R 850 R and the R 1100 R, to be manufactured without form fairings are produced this year as well.

A touting machine noted to be weatherproof, the R 1100 RT touring machine enters the market in 1995. Older models are also upgraded at this time. This year also marks the end to the traditional two-valve Boxer. A new era begins in 1996 now that the Boxer is no longer going to be manufactured. The three-cylinder K 75 Series is also phased out at this time. This year also brought to life a new motorcycle, the K 1200 RD, a four cylinder.

The year 1997 is also a year for firsts as BMW manufactures its first chopper/cruiser, the R 1200 C. This bike is a stripped-down version of heavier models and incorporated lighter components. Amazingly enough, this particular bike instantly gains popularity and attention. Plus, it is featured in a James Bond film, “Tomorrow Never Dies.” During this very same year, the R 1100 RS is voted “Motorcycle of the Year” in three countries, Japan, Australia, and the United States.

BMW experiences its highest sales year yet in 1999 with a total of 10,088 motorcycles sold. The popularity of the R 1200 C and the K 1200 LT are given partial credit for the enormity of sales. Increased sales continue into the following year. BMW has come a long way from its early beginning in 1916.

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