The Vintage Motorcycles
Specialists in antique, classic, veteran and vintage motorcycles.
Specialists in antique, classic, veteran and vintage motorcycles.
BMW Motorrad, the motorcycle division of Bayerische Motoren Werke in Germany, is one of the most respected motorcycle manufacturers in the world. Since the introduction of its first motorcycle in 1923, BMW has built a reputation for engineering precision, reliability, and innovative mechanical design.
BMW motorcycles became especially famous for their horizontally opposed "boxer" engines and shaft-drive systems, which distinguished them from most other motorcycle manufacturers. These engineering choices helped create motorcycles known for smooth performance, durability, and long-distance touring capability.
This reference guide provides an overview of historic BMW motorcycle models including production years, engine specifications, and historical context. The page is designed as a resource for collectors, restorers, and enthusiasts interested in classic BMW motorcycles.
| Model | Production Years | Engine Type | Capacity | Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW R32 | 1923-1926 | Boxer twin | 494cc | Road |
| BMW R37 | 1925-1926 | Boxer twin OHV | 494cc | Sport |
| BMW R12 | 1935-1942 | Boxer twin | 745cc | Military / Road |
| BMW R51 | 1938-1940 | Boxer twin | 494cc | Road |
| BMW R75 | 1941-1944 | Boxer twin | 745cc | Military |
| BMW R50 | 1955-1960 | Boxer twin | 494cc | Touring |
| BMW R60 | 1956-1969 | Boxer twin | 594cc | Touring |
| BMW R69S | 1960-1969 | Boxer twin | 594cc | Sport |
Production Years: 1923-1926
Engine Type: horizontally opposed twin-cylinder (boxer)
Displacement: 494cc
Drive: shaft drive
Cooling: air-cooled
The BMW R32 was the first motorcycle produced by BMW and remains one of the most historically important machines in motorcycle history. Designed by engineer Max Friz, the R32 introduced the flat-twin boxer engine layout combined with shaft drive.
This configuration became the defining feature of BMW motorcycles and continues to be used in modern BMW touring and adventure motorcycles.
Production Years: 1925-1926
Engine Type: OHV boxer twin
Displacement: 494cc
The BMW R37 was one of the first high-performance BMW motorcycles. It used an overhead-valve engine that produced significantly more power than the original R32.
The model achieved several racing successes during the mid-1920s and helped establish BMW's reputation in motorcycle competition.
Production Years: 1935-1942
Engine Type: boxer twin
Displacement: 745cc
The BMW R12 introduced one of the first hydraulically damped telescopic front forks used on a production motorcycle. This innovation improved ride comfort and handling compared with earlier suspension designs.
Production Years: 1938-1940
Engine Type: boxer twin
Displacement: 494cc
The BMW R51 was a refined touring motorcycle that combined strong performance with comfortable long-distance riding characteristics.
Production Years: 1941-1944
Engine Type: boxer twin
Displacement: 745cc
The BMW R75 became one of the most famous military motorcycles of the Second World War. Designed for use with a driven sidecar, the machine featured a complex drivetrain capable of powering both the rear wheel and the sidecar wheel.
These motorcycles were used extensively by German military units during wartime operations.
Production Years: 1955-1960
Engine Type: boxer twin
Displacement: 494cc
The BMW R50 was introduced as part of BMW's new generation of post-war motorcycles. Known for reliability and smooth operation, the R50 became a popular touring motorcycle.
Production Years: 1956-1969
Engine Type: boxer twin
Displacement: 594cc
The BMW R60 offered increased engine capacity and improved performance for long-distance touring. The model became especially popular among riders who used motorcycles for extended travel.
Production Years: 1960-1969
Engine Type: boxer twin
Displacement: 594cc
The BMW R69S was one of the most powerful BMW motorcycles of the 1960s and is widely considered one of the most desirable vintage BMW motorcycles among collectors today.
Its combination of performance, reliability, and classic design helped solidify BMW's reputation for building premium motorcycles.
BMW motorcycles have remained influential in the motorcycle industry for more than a century. From the pioneering R32 to the powerful touring motorcycles of the 1960s, BMW established a reputation for precision engineering and innovative design.
Vintage BMW motorcycles continue to attract collectors and enthusiasts worldwide, particularly the early boxer-engine machines that defined the company's engineering philosophy.
Adler, DKW, Victoria, Zundapp, and NSU, all of which played a major role in German motorcycle racing and engineering development.
Find your next classic ride in our vintage motorcycles for sale collection, offering carefully restored and historically significant motorcycles for collectors.
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