BMW motorcycles are produced by BMW Motorad, a German company that has been in this business since the early 1920s. The year 1923 marks the beginning of BMW motorcycles production, although it ran in parallel with aircraft manufacturing. Currently, they have plants in Berlin, Austria, Taiwan and China. The motorcycle categories produced under the BMW brand vary from 450cc to 1300cc cylinder capacity. While some of these models work for touring activities, others are sports, off-road and dual purpose bikes.
The fame of BMW motorcycles has increased over the years thanks to the many victories in prestigious races and competitions both national and international. One fine example here is the Dakar Rally, organized between Europe and Africa yearly. BMW motorcycles have always participated to this race, not to mentioned that they have won six titles in this competition so far. The BMW S1000RR design put BMW motorcycles among the bikes that participated in the Superbike World Championship in 2008 and 2009. Anyone who wishes to buy a BMW motorcycle can choose from several product categories.
First, there is the F series with a cylinder capacity of 800 cc; BMW motorcycles in the F series use either a belt drive or a chain. A smaller category, the G series has engines with a cylinder capacity between 450cc to 650cc. Featuring a chain drive, G series BMW motorcycles have one cylinder only. The G series is produced exclusively in Asia, with the 650cc engines made in China and the 450cc models in Taiwan. You can take precise measurements of these cylinders using Starrett dial caliper or depth gage. These measuring tools will indicate the readings in a digital format.
There are two models available in the R series: R1200GS, R1200T. They all have a shaft drive, twin cylinders and 1200cc capacity. The BMW motorcycles in the K series have four engines and a cylinder capacity of 1200-1300cc. The selection categories include K1300S, K1300GT and K1300R, or K1200LT and K1200R. And finally the S series includes the popular BMW sports bikes with an inline-four engine and a 999cc capacity.
Before you purchase any type of bike, it is essential to take some drive tests. Choose those BMW motorcycles that best correspond to your riding style, your purpose, preference and individuality. You can get technical information and consultancy in any BMW dealer shop, or online.
The cylinder capacity, the category and the overall technical features are the elements that determine the price. The 450 and 650 cc BMW motorcycles are the most affordable, due mainly to the lower manufacturing costs.
