Description
By: Bruce Preston .
BMW has one of, the most interesting histories in motoring, from its early days as an aero engine manufacturer to road transport when the BMW car and motorcycle have been vital aspects in the company's worldwide success. In many ways its reputation for superb precision engineering and legendary build quality has been earned through its motorcycles, for production of these was the company's main business for almost forty years. Today BMW motorcycles represent state of the art technology and innovative design, combining to provide the ultimate two-wheel riding experience.
Formed as BFW in 1916, BMW itself began motorcycling work by supplying engines for use in other machines but soon developed the successful R32 based on its classic flat-twin boxer engine. Motoring journalist and BMW owner Bruce Preston charts the complete story behind the pattern of BMW production. The boxer set the engine pattern for the next forty years, and established the still current practice-of little perceptible change to succeeding models but with continual improvement. The story covers the single cylinder machines, BMW's considerable racing and competition success, the reappearance of the twin in 1949 production and the 1969 change with the new /5 series. Also covered is the revolution in 1983 of the four cylinder water cooled engine, now powering todays K-series BMW motorcycles.
Fully illustrated with superb archive photography showing motorcycles in design, construction and on the road and race track, and with detailed specifications for every model, this highly readable book offers a fascinating look at the history of one of the world's great motorcycle manufacturers.
