Sportier and more dynamic than ever.
Several new models and technical innovations are driving the growth at BMW Motorrad: the new K-Series now comes with a transversely mounted engine, and the newly developed F-Series fuels the mid-range segment. At the end of the decade, BMW Motorrad will introduce one of the most important new releases on the market - the S 1000 RR marks the first time that the brand has entered the world of superbikes.
The new 4 cylinders – transverse and innovative.
In 1983 BMW created the K series - its first 4-cylinder models. At the heart of this series lay the “Compact Drive System” with the longitudinally and horizontally installed engine. Just over two decades later at Intermot 2004, BMW presented the K 1200 S, featuring the first transversely installed 4-cylinder engine. The output of 167 bhp (123 kW) represented a thrust forward into a whole new dimension of power for BMW Motorrad. The low weight of 81.3 kg of the engine (including clutch and gearbox) - tilted forward by 55 degrees - is itself striking. The geometry of the cylinder head and the valve control system using cam followers were borrowed from Formula 1 technology.
The chassis was electronically adjustable for the first time in a serial production motorcycle and the revolutionary “Duolever” was used for the first time for front wheel control.
After the successful market launch of the K 1200 S, the K 1200 R followed in 2005 - the most powerful naked bike in the world at the time and also providing the base model for the BMW PowerCup. The “Gran Turismo“ among BMW models, the K 1200 GT, also appeared in 2006 - in new technological attire to round off the most powerful BMW series up to that time.
The new single cylinder bikes.
The new single cylinder bikes.
With the models F 650 GS and F 650 Dakar, BMW successfully transferred the enduro concept to the single cylinder models in 2000. Richard Sainct’s victories at the Dakar Rally in 1999 and 2000 attracted additional media interest. With the F 650 CS, BMW created a “street carver“ - the first BMW with its rear wheel driven by toothed belt. At Intermot 2006, BMW then presented the G series - a new interpretation of the single cylinder motorcycle: the XMoto, XChallenge and XCountry offered uncompromising design and agile driving dynamics, mainly geared towards a younger clientele.
The S 1000 RR pierces to the customers heart.
2009 began with the launch of the newly developed super sports bike - the S 1000 RR - heralding a new era and BMW entered the superbike world championships in cooperation with its partner Alpha Racing. Already in the first season the team earned a place close to the hearts of the fans with numerous top-ten placements.
Racing power, aluminium chassis, radial brakes, super racy tail-up-nose-down design, sharp colours and the ultimate combination of electronic rider assist systems make for a superbike with no ifs or buts: the "RR" reflected the purist principles of the racetrack.
However, as a production model, the S 1000 RR was also true to its racing roots. The experience gained on the racetrack was incorporated in the continuous development of the production RR and there was a profound exchange of knowledge in both directions.
The motorcycles of the 2000s
2000: F 650 GS.
2000: F 650 GS.
The successor to the F 650, this bike looked like its big sister, the R 1150 GS and was the first single-cylinder motorcycle with digital engine electronics and regulated catalytic converter. A special ABS system developed with this single-cylinder bike in mind was available as an optional extra.
2001: F 650 CS.
2001: F 650 CS.
The F 650 CS featured a single arm rocker, belt drive and new storage concept. The scarver (a combination of street and carving) also had the adjustable, easy-grip clutch lever of the F 650 GS, the modified indicator switch and an on-board charging socket as standard.
2002: K 1200 GT.
2002: K 1200 GT.
Designed as an addition the K series between the K 1200 LT and the K 1200 RS, the K 1200 GT was a motorcycle that aimed to unite maximum agility and dynamic power with good touring performance. The letters "GT" stand for Gran Turismo and are synonymous with cultivated sportiness as well as high-level touring comfort for the rider and passenger.
2003: R 1200 GS.
Source: BMW Group Archive; Photographer: BMW Press picture
2003: R 1200 GS.
With the introduction of the new R 1200 GS in October 2003 BMW Motorrad develops the GS success story of 30 years into a new era. With a far more dynamic engine with a plus of 15 hp but a weight-reduction of more than 30 kilogram this bike sets the new standards in the very popular and versatile Adventure-bikes. It is the first bike of a new boxer-engine generation and with the new R 1200 GS Adventure she became a sister in 2005. This iconic bike is climbing the worldwide sales-charts. This incredible success story has been continued with the recent launch of the air-liquid cooled introduction of the new generation of R 1200 GS in 2013.
2004: K 1200 S.
Source: BMW Group Archive.
2004: K 1200 S.
The K 1200 S convinces with sporty characteristics with mobile and controllable performance at any time.
Anniversary special
2006: G 650 X-Models.
Source: BMW Group Archive.
2006: G 650 X-Models.
The single-cylinder of BMW is growing in 2006 with the new G 650 X models. These models are powered by the well-known and robust 650 cc single cylinder with ignition placed in a steel frame, however they vary in design and chassis- and wheels. The G 650 XMoto is the most dynamic and excites riders by a truly agile Super-Moto style handling. Whereas its sisters G 650 X Country and XChallenge are offering more fun offroad or with smaller Urban-trips.
2006: F 800 ST.
2006: F 800 ST.
Largely similar in design to the FS 800 S, the F 800 ST had a full fairing, higher handle bars for touring, a higher glass panel and a luggage bridge.
2006: F 800 S.
2006: F 800 S.
BMW Motorrad launched the F 800 S as the first motorcycle in the F 800 series. This was a half-clad sports bike with lightweight bridge frame, single-arm rocker and belt drive.
2008: S 1000 RR.
2008: S 1000 RR.
The superbike for the millennium: The S 1000 RR: aluminium chassis, radial brakes, tail-up-nose-down design and the perfect combination of electronic rider assist systems gave the motorcycle pure racing power.
2008: F 800 GS.
2008: F 800 GS.
The F 800 GS was the touring enduro version of the F 800 S and united off-road virtues with excellent street handling.
2009: F 800 R.
2009: F 800 R.
The perfect two-cylinder roadster, a naked bike that united pure motorcycling pleasure with great everyday usability.
More decades
- 1920s.
- 1930s.
- 1940s.
- 1950s.
- 1960s.
- 1970s.
- 1980s.
- 1990s.
The foundations.
At the Berlin Motor Show in September 1923, the starting signal was given for the construction of BMW motorcycles: The R 32 is the first BMW motorcycle, developed by Max Friz. The world-renowned boxer engine will be the manufacturers main characteristic.
Of records and races.
In the 1930s, the engineers not only considered performance development, but also introduced, for example, the hydraulically damped telescopic fork and the elaborately designed OHV boxer engine - with unique consequences and successes.
On with pioneering spirit.
After the turmoil of the war, BMW manages a new start with motorcycle production. First they build the R 24 a single-cylinder motorcycle limited to 250 cc.
Back on top.
The 1950s are marked by sporting successes. BMW achieves remarkable top speeds with a series-manufactured machine. Furthermore the drivers of motorcycle teams win world championship titles.
Up turn.
In Berlin-Spandau, where aircraft engines were built up to 1945 and subsequently tool machine facilities were installed, the BMW motorcycles are given their new home and Berlin air in their tyres. In keeping with the new motorcycle boom, BMW manufactures a completely newly developed series with the /5 models.
Protection against wind and weather.
A new era is being introduced: Cockpit and full fairings make driving on the motorcycle more comfortable. There are sporty motorbikes. In particular, the R 90 S is a popular design classic - not least because of its elaborate two-tone paintwork.
New technology, new segment.
The motorcycle manufacturer surprises with pioneering innovations and the new segment of travel enduro. After the revolutionary single-arm swing from 1980, the BMW Paralever system is introduced in 1987 in the R 100 GS.
Pioneer, trendsetter.
The new four-valve boxer with electronic engine management and the first BMW single-cylinder motorcycle since 1966 come on the market in the 1990s. In addition, in the spring of 1991, BMW Motorrad became the world's first motorcycle manufacturer to offer a regulated three-way catalytic converter for motorcycles.
