Older BMW Motorcycle Revolution: The Iconic R 32 and Its Legacy

Before the modern era of high-performance machines, a revolutionary motorcycle emerged from BMW’s workshop—the R 32—marking the oldest BMW motorcycle and a defining moment in two-wheeled engineering.

Introduced in 1923, the BMW R 32 was the world’s first motorcycle powered by a horizontally opposed twin-cylinder engine, a design that became a hallmark of BMW’s innovation. With its shaft drive, unit construction, and iconic styling, the R 32 set new standards for reliability and performance, establishing BMW as a pioneer in motorcycle engineering.

The R 32’s shaft-driven powertrain ensured smoother operation and lower maintenance compared to chain-driven rivals, while its unit-construction frame integrated the engine and chassis seamlessly. This engineering approach not only enhanced durability but also influenced BMW’s future motorcycle designs, cementing the R 32 as a blueprint for decades to come.

Though production ended in 1926, the R 32’s legacy lives on as the oldest BMW motorcycle and a foundational milestone. Its design philosophy—precision, durability, and innovation—continues to inspire modern BMW motorcycles, connecting today’s riders to a rich heritage of mechanical excellence.

The BMW R 32 stands not just as the oldest BMW motorcycle, but as a testament to visionary engineering. From its debut to its enduring influence, it remains a cornerstone of motorcycle history—proof that true innovation begins with a bold first step.

The BMW R 71 746 cc (45.5 cu in) big flat-twin motorcycle was exceptional. It was the Icon of BMW, well engineered but expensive to build. Unfortunately only 2,638 motorcycles could be built before production was disrupted due to the War.

Original bikes are now rare and highly sought after. Around 500 are known to survive today. Peter Nettesheim has one of the most complete vintage motorcycle collections on Earth, located in Huntington, NY.

In his collection sits many of the rarest vintage BMW motorcycles ever made, including the oldest BMW in existence, a 1923 BMW R32. Discover the evolution of BMW motorcycles from the groundbreaking 1923 R32 to today's models, featuring a comprehensive list of key bikes and innovations. BMW Group Classic - Product Catalogue.

BMW Motorcycle Classic Model Catalogue. Are you interested in the history of BMW motorcycles and want to about classic models? Find out everything you need to know at a glance and experience unique historic BMW Motorrad models that have shaped the brand's design. With "100 YEARS BMW MOTORRAD" as the motto, the anniversary exhibition brings 100 years of BMW Motorrad's history to life.

Take a journey through 100 years packed with passion, great ambitions and impressive stories. Browse through history and delve into an immersive world that makes the passion of motorcycling tangible with all your senses. Then, in 1923, the very first motorcycle to be badged BMW appeared, the R32 featuring a transversely mounted boxer twin engine, driving the rear wheel via shaft, a layout that was adopted for.

The motorcycles of the 1920s 1923: R 32. The first BMW motorcycle was produced using the two. BMW Motorrad is the official name of BMW's motorcycle division, which traces its roots to the R32, which was the company's first model.

Motorrad, which means Motorcycle in German, has produced a wide range of motorcycles throughout its history. Ranging from high performance sport bikes to off-road tourers, and even scooters, BMW Motorrad has models for all sorts of requirements. BMW.

All BMW motorcycles history with photos from BMW R32 (1923) to BMW R nineT (2014). In 1939 Georg ("Schorsch") Meier rode his supercharged BMW race bike to victory in the oldest motorcycle road race in the world, the legendary Tourist Trophy on the Isle of Man. With that, BMW bikes became the talk of the town.

1969: The new BMW /5 series, made at the BMW plant in Berlin.