Milestones.
BMW Motorrad has been a visionary and a pioneer when it comes to innovation and technology for over 90 years. Our path is lined with groundbreaking and trendsetting developments, which we are about to present to you here.
1923.
1923.
Better than flying.
BMW began as an aircraft manufacturer. Yet the moment they built their first motorcycle, our engineers created a true milestone: the R 32. Not a bicycle with an engine, as was usually the case back then, but an entirely new concept for a motorcycle. With an excellent frame concept and an engine that was truly part of the design.
See and be seen.
BMW began as an aircraft manufacturer. Yet the moment they built their first motorcycle, our engineers created a true milestone: the R 32. Not a bicycle with an engine, as was usually the case back then, but an entirely new concept for a motorcycle. With an excellent frame concept and an engine that was truly part of the design.
1924.
1924.
Braking.
Easier than ever before.
Upon beginning production of the R39, BMW uses an external foot brake for the first time to brake the rear wheel instead of the usual wedge foot brake. Enabling the rider to brake even more safely and effortlessly.
1935.
1935.
Increased riding stability and riding comfort.
BMW is also a pioneer when it comes to suspension technology: with the R 12 touring model and the R 17 sport model, the world's first hydraulically dampened telescopic fork is used. It relieves the usual spring leaf forks and makes a significant contribution towards increased ride stability and ride comfort.
1936.
1936.
Intelligent lightweight construction.
With the R5 (500cc) sport model, BMW demonstrates a conically drawn oval tubular frame for the first time. It is an intelligently lightweight construction. The new welding process introduced at the same time for producing the frame is also a highly innovative manufacturing technique that will set trends for years to come. The advantage of the lightweight construction? High flexibility with low weight.
1955.
1955.
High riding stability. More comfort.
The innovative fully swing arm chasis is used by BMW for the first time in standard motorcycle production in the R 50 and R 69 models. It ensures high ride stability with ride comfort that was so far. The optimal warp resistance is most appreciated by sidecar riders .
1960.
1960.
Without a doubt the fastest german superbike.
The first hydraulic steering damper in standard motorcycle production ensures maximised riding safety. It is fitted in the R 69 S for the first time – the fastest German superbike at the time. The steering damper can even be switched off at lower speeds for improved handling.
1961.
1961.
Completely tailored: Accessories and optional equipment.
For those who want to give their BMW motorcycle a personalised character, the special accessories and optional equipment from BMW Motorrad make this possible from the outset. Crash bars and case holders were added to the range back in the fifties – at the dealerships initially, ex works from 1961. Today, a wide range of accessories and optional equipment can be used to create your own personalised BMW motorcycle.
1973.
1973.
Design icon with flagship technology.
The R 90 S gets the first twin disc brake fitted on the front wheel as standard. At the same time, we are introducing the H4 light in the /6 series. In doing so, we continue to ensure increased safety in road traffic.
1976.
1976.
The first full fairing fitted as standard.
The R100 RS provides the springboard for a range of models benefitting from new findings in the wind channel in the field of aerodynamics.
This results in the world's first aerodynamically optimised full fairing for standard production motorcycles. The benefits of low air resistance and low pressure on the helmet are particularly felt by long-distance riders.
1978.
1978.
The first rider collection.
Look good from head to bike and ride safely – this has been important to us from as early as the 70s. And so BMW Motorrad chimed in a new era with the full visor helmet in 1976. In 1978, the first complete rider's equipment came onto the market as a supplement. Our designers and engineers are still focussing on protection, safety, functionality and innovation today – paired with a casual look.
1979.
1979.
Greater feel: Heated grips.
Heated Grips were a laughing stock at first, but today they have become an indispensable feature. After all, they increase biking pleasure and safety, because, as has been proven, riders with warm hands react more swiftly.
1980.
1980.
The perfect vibration.
The R 80 G/S is the first twin-cylinder travel Enduro and thereby the founder of a new segment. From now on, the G/S represents boundless motorcycling adventure. It is fitted with the first single-sided rear swing arm for big motorcycles. It stands out with 50% times the torsional stiffness compared to conventional double swing-arms with the same weight reduction. Being able to replace the rear wheel more swiftly and easily also proves to be a big advantage.
1981.
1981.
Two helmets in one.
The world's first motorcycle folding helmet unites two properties: the easy-to-remove chin section enables it to be worn as a jet helmet or integral helmet. In doing so, the helmet ensures high wearing and operating comfort.
1986.
1986.
Watertight motorcycle textile suits.
The world's first Gore-Tex motorcycle textile suit from BMW will surely cause a stir and revolutionise motorcycling.
1987.
1987.
Paralever. The next stage of evolution in suspension technology.
The double joint swing arm designed by BMW Motorrad – called Paralever – essentially eliminates the disturbing transmission of drive forces to the suspension and is demonstrated with the R 80 GS and R 100 GS models in 1987.
1988.
1988.
The world's first ABS for motorcycles.
BMW is the first manufacturer in the world to bring an ABS for motorcycles onto the market back in 1988. In doing so, BMW has set a new benchmark in motorcycle production. From 2013 onwards, all BMW motorcycles are fitted with ABS as standard.
First digital engine electronics.
The BMW K1 is a milestone in motorcycle construction thanks to its aerodynamics. It also demonstrates digital engine electronics for the first time. The Motronic control unit combines the ignition and injection electronics, and in so doing ensures fuel efficiency and fulfilment of the requirements for the use of a regulated catalytic converter.
1990.
1990.
Groundbreaking environmental technology for motorcycles.
The regulated three-way catalytic converter can initially be ordered for K models with the digital engine electronics as special equipment. BMW is offering the world's first regulated catalytic converter for motorcycles. For models built since 2000, the entire BMW Motorrad range is fitted with a regulated catalytic converter as standard.
1993.
1993.
Shorter braking distance.
The BMW R 1100 RS is the first standard production motorcycle with Telelever front suspension combined with a Paralever rear wheel swing arm. Here, the Telelever acts like a mechanical anti-dive system and provides optimal grip even during full braking. Combined with ABS, the braking distances are significantly shortened once again.
1998.
1998.
The world's first double headlamp with ellipsoid technology.
The world's first double headlamp with ellipsoid technology in standard production motorcycles ensures improved illumination of the road.
2004.
2004.
The first electronically regulated frame.
Electronic Suspension Adjustment (ESA) is an electronic innovation for series production BMW motorcycles. It was first seen on the K 1200 S and is today available across most of our range of twin-cylinder, four-cylinder and six-cylinder motorcycles. ESA allows you to electronically adjust suspension set-up at the touch of a button, according to the riding situation and the load state. Ideal for varying road conditions, ESA offers riders perfect dampening characteristics, optimised performance and the highest level of riding safety.
2005.
2005.
Perfectly connected.
The CAN-Bus technology, combined with the BMW Motorrad single wire system (SWS) is a data connection concept that only requires one single data line. An advantage over point-to-point connection is a significantly broader scope of functionality with considerably reduced cabling. Other advantages of digital data traffic are weight savings, high interference immunity, full diagnostic capability and more information for the rider.
2010.
2010.
Adaptive Headlight.
BMW is the first motorcycle manufacturer to offer an adaptive headlight specially for motorcycles ex works. I.e. the light that makes riding motorcycles safer in twilight or at night, by illuminating the road and its corners.
2014.
2014.
The first electro Maxi-Scooter.
With the BMW C evolution, you can experience urban mobility of the future today – without having to make any compromises. This electro maxi scooter unites sustainability, dynamics and agility. The powerful, fully-electric drive quickly brings you to your destination and allows you to leave emissions and noise behind. Maximum riding performance, environmental compatibility and innovative technology – the C evolution is built for uncompromising biking pleasure.
