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Intro
Last year was BMW Motorrad's best year for sales in the company's venerable history. BMW bikes aren't about being the fastest or the most stylish (although they can be both those things). They're about good balance, fantastic handling, and rider comfort--so all you want to do is get on one, ride away, and never look back. Here are the 25 best ever made.
R12
25. R12
Years Produced: 1935-1942
Notable Features/achievements: Telescopic front forks, in 1935, single or twin carburetor option
Complex Says: Telescopic front forks are old news now. But back in 1935, BMW's introduction of the R12 placed it ahead of the motorcycle manufacturing curve.
Notable Features/achievements: Telescopic front forks, in 1935, single or twin carburetor option
Complex Says: Telescopic front forks are old news now. But back in 1935, BMW's introduction of the R12 placed it ahead of the motorcycle manufacturing curve.
R32
24. R32
Years Produced: 1923-1926
Notable Features/achievements: Introduction of BMW's trademark shaft-drive system, recirculating oil system, dual-slide carburetor unit, magneto
Complex Says: Long before the Nissan Skyline GT-R made the designation “R32” a household phrase among gear heads, BMW's R32 motorcycle started many of BMW's motorcycling traditions. Most things you think of as BMW traits were featured--all at once--on this bike. It could even be fitted with a sidecar--an important option at the time.
Notable Features/achievements: Introduction of BMW's trademark shaft-drive system, recirculating oil system, dual-slide carburetor unit, magneto
Complex Says: Long before the Nissan Skyline GT-R made the designation “R32” a household phrase among gear heads, BMW's R32 motorcycle started many of BMW's motorcycling traditions. Most things you think of as BMW traits were featured--all at once--on this bike. It could even be fitted with a sidecar--an important option at the time.
R69
23. R69
Years Produced: 1955-1960
Notable Features/achievements: In 1959, set the U.S. transcontinental motorcycle record of 52 hours and 11 minutes, one of the world's first adjustable rear suspensions
Complex Says: Many German motorcycle manufacturers were going under in these fragile post-war years. The R69 helped get overseas racers, primarily in the U.S., interested in BMW.
Notable Features/achievements: In 1959, set the U.S. transcontinental motorcycle record of 52 hours and 11 minutes, one of the world's first adjustable rear suspensions
Complex Says: Many German motorcycle manufacturers were going under in these fragile post-war years. The R69 helped get overseas racers, primarily in the U.S., interested in BMW.
R80RT
22. R80RT
Years Produced: 1985
Notable Features/achievements: Low price compared to other touring motorcycles in the U.S.
Complex Says: This wasn't the R80RT that BMW sold from 1982 to 1984. This was an updated version that took lessons learned from the Flying Bricks and applied them to this Boxer-engined bike. The combination of low price and styling that was between a straight-up sportbike and a gigantic tourer greatly appealed to bike magazines and customers alike.
Notable Features/achievements: Low price compared to other touring motorcycles in the U.S.
Complex Says: This wasn't the R80RT that BMW sold from 1982 to 1984. This was an updated version that took lessons learned from the Flying Bricks and applied them to this Boxer-engined bike. The combination of low price and styling that was between a straight-up sportbike and a gigantic tourer greatly appealed to bike magazines and customers alike.
R75/5
21. R75/5
Years Produced: 1969-1973
Notable Features/achievements: First BMW bike to feature modern styling since WWII, great midrange acceleration, electric starter
Complex Says: BMW motorcycles finally gained the entire package over the production run of the R75/5. Not only did they have fantastic handling, but they could attain excellent quarter-mile times--and you could look good riding them, too.
Notable Features/achievements: First BMW bike to feature modern styling since WWII, great midrange acceleration, electric starter
Complex Says: BMW motorcycles finally gained the entire package over the production run of the R75/5. Not only did they have fantastic handling, but they could attain excellent quarter-mile times--and you could look good riding them, too.
R90S
20. R90S
Years Produced: 1973-1976
Notable Features/achievements: First AMA Superbike national champion, Dell'Orto slide carburetors, front disc brakes, five-speed gearbox
Complex Says: The R90S continued the growth spurt started by the R75/5, in terms of bringing the full package to the people. It's been hailed as BMW's first-ever superbike. The stock bikini fairing on the front and the gorgeous paint scheme, dubbed “Smoke,” didn't hurt.
Notable Features/achievements: First AMA Superbike national champion, Dell'Orto slide carburetors, front disc brakes, five-speed gearbox
Complex Says: The R90S continued the growth spurt started by the R75/5, in terms of bringing the full package to the people. It's been hailed as BMW's first-ever superbike. The stock bikini fairing on the front and the gorgeous paint scheme, dubbed “Smoke,” didn't hurt.
R80G/S
19. R80G/S
Years Produced: 1987-1996
Notable Features/achievements: BMW's first-ever adventure tourer
Complex Says: The R80G/S was no mere dual-sport bike. Instead, BMW aimed this bike squarely at riders looking to truly go cross-country--or cross-continent, for that matter. This was BMW's creation of a motorcycling niche that the company still largely owns--worldwide--to this day. The R80G/S has often been imitated, but never duplicated.
Notable Features/achievements: BMW's first-ever adventure tourer
Complex Says: The R80G/S was no mere dual-sport bike. Instead, BMW aimed this bike squarely at riders looking to truly go cross-country--or cross-continent, for that matter. This was BMW's creation of a motorcycling niche that the company still largely owns--worldwide--to this day. The R80G/S has often been imitated, but never duplicated.
R100RS
18. R100RS
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