HISTORY OF BMW

in celebration of BMW motorrad’s 90th anniversary, designboom visited villa d’este in lago como during the 2013concorso d’eleganza, where the german manufacturer showcased their most popular and iconic motorcycles from the last century. featuring the 1923 R 32 (the first ever production BMW two-wheeled motor vehicle) and other classics such as the 1973 R 90 S, the photographs overview a classic retrospective into the german company’s breakthrough bike design and inventions from the past 90 years.

90 years of BMW motorrad in 90 seconds
video courtesy bmwmotorrad

the 1923 BMW motorrad R 32 in production
image courtesy BMW group

BMW took over the production of helios motorcycles, producing their first bike in 1923 under the BMW name. the company’s first model was the BMW R 32, a motorcycle that was distinctly different to the helios and victoria bikes with respect to the crankshaft; the engine was not mounted in a transverse direction but longitudinally, in line with the direction of travel. the R 32 was presented at the berlin motor show in september 1923

1923 BMW motorrad R 32
image courtesy BMW group

even in 1923, ergonomics played a major role in the development of the R 32. it had a large, finely-padded seat, secured foot panels and a special handlebar shape that allowed fatigue-free riding enjoyment, even over long distances.

original R 32 drawings
image courtesy BMW group

diagram of a BMW 494cc boxer engine in 1923 image courtesy BMW group

the R 32 at villa d’este during the ’90 years of BMW motorrad installation’ at concorso d’eleganza

classic BMW motorcycles during villa d’este during the ’90 years of BMW motorrad’ installation at concorso d’eleganza

the road to racing: a BMW R 37 at the start of the schleiz triangle race in 1926
image courtesy BMW group

BMW introduced the R 17 in 1935, integrating a new telescopic fork front wheel suspension system, which was well suited for the sporty design of the motorcycle. the 735 cc boxer engine generated 33 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and achieved a top speed of 140 km/h. in parallel to the development of the new chassis technology, from 1935, BMW also began to enter the new ‘RS 500 type 255′ supercharged racer in motor sport events. this too was fitted with hydraulically damped telescopic forks.

BMW introduced its first model since the end of the second world war at the geneva motor show in 1948. the company continued to integrate its traditional bore-stroke ratio of 68 to 68mm, resulting in an engine size of 247 cc. with a compression ratio of 6.75:1, the motorcycle generated 12 horsepower at 5,600 rpm. visually, the R 24 incorporated a new rear lamp, newly designed luggage rack, and typical hand-drawn line decorations on the fuel tank, front and rear mudguards.

SHARE

Milan Tomic

Hi. I’m Designer of Blog Magic. I’m CEO/Founder of ThemeXpose. I’m Creative Art Director, Web Designer, UI/UX Designer, Interaction Designer, Industrial Designer, Web Developer, Business Enthusiast, StartUp Enthusiast, Speaker, Writer and Photographer. Inspired to make things looks better.

• 
• 
• 
• 
•