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.
Born in the wind tunnel: The R 100 RS.
Born in the wind tunnel: The R 100 RS.
The R 100 RS was BMW Motorrad's first production motorcycle with standard full fairing developed in the wind tunnel. As well as following aerodynamic principles the developers' primary concern was to protect the rider from wind and bad weather. In addition, the R 100 RS was the first BMW bike with a 1-litre cylinder capacity. With a top speed of 200 km/h, the motorcycle is also a leader in terms of speed - however, unlike competitor bikes, the rider can sit in a relaxed upright position behind the fairing. BMW thus established the sporty tourer class.
The motorcycles of the 1970s
1973: R 90 S.
1973: R 90 S.
The R 90 S was the first BMW model with a cylinder capacity over 750 cc and the first BMW to achieve a top speed of 200 km/h, while the twin disc brake to the front made for reliable braking. With its standard cockpit cladding and complex two-tone paintwork, the R 90 S is regarded as the design classic of the 1970s.
1976: R 100 RS.
Source: BMW Group Archive; Photographer: BMW Werkfoto.
1976: R 100 RS.
The R 100 RS was the world's first production motorcycle with standard full fairing developed in the wind tunnel, providing wind and weather protection. This heralded a new era in motorcycle construction.
1977: R 100 RT.
1977: R 100 RT.
Thanks to the fairing, which is built for greater comfort, a long-distance touring motorcycle was developed from the sporty R 100 RS. The letters RT are still synonymous with comfortable touring bikes in the BMW range.
1978: R 45.
1978: R 45.
The R 45 brings proverbial BMW motorcycling pleasure to the entry-level class, which cost less to insure. New riders and those returning to the fold do not need to miss out on BMW's typical boxer engine and shaft drive.
1978: R 65.
1978: R 65.
The "small" R 45 provided the base for a 650 cc mid-range model produced mainly with the export market in mind. This was followed a short time later by the R 65 LS, which had reduced cockpit fairings.
More decades
- 1920s.
- 1930s.
- 1940s.
- 1950s.
- 1960s.
- 1980s.
- 1990s.
- 2000s.
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.
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.
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.
