BMW R

History of BMW:

BMV was founded by Karl Friedrich which is among the biggest car manufacturing companies all over the world. The Bayerische Motoren Werke (Bavarian Motor Works) also known as BMW was then founded in 1916 as a successor to Rapp motors.

Well, as far as the logo of BMW is concerned many people take it as a white propeller spinning around in the blue sky at the background. But as the fact of the matter is it is not well, maybe if this could be also taken as the meaning of the logo but the real theme behind the white and blue logo of BMW is the color of blue flag of Bavaria which is largest German state and the capital city of Munich state. And the proof of this is that we can still find headquarter of BMV in this place.

A contract was made at the time of foundation of the company in 1916 about the manufacturing of V12 engines which were in future about to be used by the Austro-Daimler in the creation of automobiles. These engines with 12 cylinders were first used in aircrafts as per the real plan behind the manufacturing of those engines by BMW Company. Considering the time at which the company was founded, one can be realistic about them in continuing like that.

However, things were not so smooth for BMW and their plans as soon after the WW1 and loss of Germany, aircraft manufacturing was prohibited for Germany and this changed the whole scenario for the BMW which had to change its politics quickly with changing scenario. Soon after prohibition on aircrafts, BMW started manufacturing of brakes for rails and in short span of time they were able to create a engine which was then used in the manufacturing of motorcycle named as Victoria. Even though, the engine of Victoria was made by BMW but the motorcycle was not manufactured by Victoria, rather it was manufactured by different company namely Nuremberg.

R-32 was the first model motorcycle completely built by BMW in the year 1924 which proved to be the turning point for the company as it was a major manufacturing and achievement which was about to used for decades in future motorcycles. These motorcycles used 500cc engine which was cooled by air. Another great achievement was the innovation of driveshaft which cam quick after the 500cc engine. This driveshaft was used as a replacement for driving chain used in the rear wheel. This was a great achievement and remained as trademark of BMW for quite a while.

BMW R:

The BMWR is the latest series of cruiser bikes from BMW (BMW Motorrad). Around 40,218 BMW R bikes were manufactured by BMW from 1997 to 2004 including small engine version which were produced from 1996 to 2000.

At the time when BMW R were launched in the market, more than half of all the bikes in USA had cruiser configuration and this was an effort of BMW to tap into the market with their BMW R series. The bike was designed by David Robb the head designer for BMW which features a riding posture of cruiser. The great thing about BMW R is the utility and versatility of the bike and its comfort level. For instance the passenger’s seat could be easily folded to act as backrest for driver which can easily be adjusted in three different angles while riding.

Model year changes

There are many different versions and models of BMW R series which had been launched by BMW with the passage of time keeping in view the popularity and choice of its customers. Few of these models are listed below:

Customized R1200C:

Avant-garde model BMW R1200 (Graphite-look) was introduced by BMW in year 2000. Automatic indicator reset light switch was fitted with the bike.

Four new models were launched in the year 2001 with ABS

• The standard R1200 model
• Euro R1200, with speedster screen, protection bars for engine, driving lights and special finish of Graphitic on the selected components.
• Montana R1200, with large seat for passenger, touring screen, locking saddlebags, engine guards and heated grip for hands.
• Phoenix R1200, with speedster screen, alloy wheels in two pieces, chromed additional components, halogen lights and signal housing with chrome turn.