What is the best vintage BMW motorcycle? Starting with R32 to the latest 2023 S1000RR, BMW has shaped and pioneered the world of motorcycling, be it the racing bikes or the powerful engine. BMW used to produce aero engines throughout World War I, however, after the Armistice that exclusively prohibited that now any German manufacturer from producing warfare objects, the company shifted its production to manufacturing motorcycling engines, farm equipment and railway brakes.
What makes BMW motorcycles stand out among the contemporaries since its inception, is the good balance that their bikes offer, along with fantastic handling, rider comfort and stylish designs. Following are some of the famous years of BMW motorcycles.
1923 – R 32
At the Berlin Exhibition in autumn 1923, BMW produced its first motorcycle model. Max Friz, the engineer behind BMW motorcycle designs, showed innovative engineering by designing an engine that was not just supposed to motorize the bicycle, instead it came up with an entirely new vehicle symbolizing speed and thrill. With 132 other manufacturers participating in the competition, R 32 stood out as a motorcycle that garnered attention of racers from different countries.
The structure of this new motorcycle consisted of a solid frame with two fully-enclosed steel pipe loops. The engine was positioned low, which ensured excellent roadholding, and the inky black paintwork and white trim lies created a suitably smart look. This new motorcycle retailed at 2,200 Marks, making it one of the most expensive models in the market at that time.
Kompressor (1926 – 1939)
Motorcycles then, and even today are marketed with their racing credentials. Soon after its launch, the R 32 was used in racing competitions and it was winning several races. Henec, to follow the success of its debut motorcycle, BMW launched a bolted supercharger (Kompressor in German) with immense engine power. With Kompressor, the top speed limit of the motorcycle rose to 140mph, significantly higher than any other motorcycle at that time. In 1939, the Kompressor produced a rumored 70 horsepower powering Georg Meier to victory in the Senior TT race, with teammate Jock West coming home in second place.
Apart from highspeed, the motorcycle introduced BMW’s trademark shaft-drive system, recirculating oil system, dual-slide carburetor unit, magneto and a fitted sidecar (an important feature of that time).
R 69: (1955 – 1960)
Following the ban imposed during World War II, BMW returned to the production of pre-war motorcycle designs. In 1955, once they recovered enough, they started with the new motorcycle model known as R 69. The R 69 set the stage for the later years of business, and for decades to come BMW motorcycles provided the riders the thrill of speed and the sleek designs with robust powerful engines.
The R69 was a fast, reliable and strong-built motorcycle powered by a 549cc version of the boxer twin engine and driving the rear wheel via a shaft. It was still a warmed-over pre-war model, with the hardtail rear converted to plunger suspension, while telescopic forks were fitted at the front.
In 1959, R69 set the U.S. transcontinental motorcycle record of 52 hours and 11 minutes, and helped attract US racers in the years to come when most of the other manufacturers were going out of business.
1970 R90 S
During this time, the Japanese manufacturers were coming with faster and more efficient designs. Pushed by their Japanese competitors, BMW innovated and improved their own designs too. The 1970 R90 S was launched with a café fairing (also known as the bikini fairing) with a super classy smoked paint job. Even though the model was not as robust in terms of design as contemporary Japanese models, the engine quality of R90S was way better than any competitors’ engine and so was the price, R90S was one of the most expensive motorcycles of its times.
At the very first AMA Superbike racing held at Dayton International Speedway in 1976, two R90S bikes came first and second. The engine of the R75/5 was enlarged to 898cc and power shot up from 50 to 67 horsepower. The top speed was 124mph and it would run the quarter mile in 13.5 seconds. The R90S paved the way for more performance-based models, culminating in the S1000RR, 2009. With Dell’Orto slide carburetors, front disc brakes and five-speed gearbox, the R90S continued the growth spurt started by the R75/5, in terms of bringing the full package to the people and since then it has been hailed as BMW’s first-ever superbike.
K100 RS – (1983 – 1989)
BMW launched a new engine in 1983 K100RS at a time when Japanese inline four-cylinder engines were all the rage. New BMW engine was mounted longitudinally in such a way that the crankshaft ran fore and aft, the engine lay on its side and the pistons moved in a horizontal plane. The layout enabled BMW to continue to use shaft drive. It also made maintenance much easier as both the cylinder head and the crankshaft remained accessible without having to remove the engine.
This is said to be one of the most radical BMW motorcycle models. In the 60 years this was the first new engine design introduced by the company. They nicknamed it “The Flying Bird” and the motorcycle had won “the motorcycle of the year” awards across Europe and the US. The K100RS was one of the first bikes to have electronic fuel injection with quirky design and impeccable riding experience.
How to Take Care of Your BMW Motorcycle
Taking care of your BMW motorcycle requires very little effort and prevents paying hefty amounts in terms of maintenance, not to mention the devaluation resulting from careless handling of your vintage bike. Here is how you can take care of your vintage BMW motorcycle.
Taking Care of the Exterior
The vintage body styles and sleek and shiny paints is what makes your BMW classic motorcycle standout. The best way to protect the exterior of the bike is by always keeping it clean and away from dust. Service it once a month and always keep it parked inside a garage covered with BMW motorcycle cover. Make sure that when your bike is sitting idle, it is parked away from dust and moisture.
Taking Care of the Brakes
Motorcycle brakes ensure not just the monetary value, but your safety depends on their effective working. Make sure that there are enough brake fluid reserves in your bike. Check the front and rear wheel levels and top off low levels as needed. Immediately replace worn off brake pads, in case you hear odd, squeaking, or grinding sounds, get an expert to check you BMW motorcycle brakes.
Inspect the Tires
For smooth and fair rides, maintaining the pressure on your motorcycle tires is essential. If you still own the owner’s manual, maintain the correct air pressure using the manufacturer’s recommendations. Use a tire pressure gauge to check the pressure of your tires and air them up as needed in order to maintain smooth road traction.
You can inspect the tire of your motorcycle yourself to check if the tires have any embedded objects or if the tread pattern is wearing down unevenly. Balding treads and cracked sidewalls may indicate that you need to replace the tires as soon as possible.
Fuel Up
For your vintage BMW motorcycle, always choose a fuel which is low in ethanol, a substance that can become corrosive if left in the tank for too long. High-octane fuel is an ideal option to use as it is low in ethanol and provides better mileage.
As a good practice, check your motorcycle’s fuel filter every month or two to ensure it’s clean enough to purify the fuel in it. If you notice odd sounds or your engine struggles to start, you’ll want to change the filter.
