BMW: The Birth of Excellence

Bayerische Motoren Werke (BMW) originally started as two separate companies during the 1910's. Gustav Otto's Airplane factory based in Munich, Germany merged with Karl Rapp's factory on March 7,1916 originally forming the Bavarian Airplane Works. BAW specialized in the design and manufacturing of airplane engines. The company mainly produced the V-12 airplane engine.

On July 21,1917 under the control of Karl Rapp the company was renamed Bayerishe Motoren Werke (Bavarian Motor Works). Throughout history, BMW's logo has remained the same. The representation of an airplane propeller in the blue sky is now a visual sign of excellence.

On June 28th 1919, with The Treaty of Versailles put into affect, Germany was forbidden to continue to manufacture airplanes. To supplement for this loss, then BMW designer Max Friz, turned an eye to motorcycle and automobile engines to sustain the company's economic growth. Friz had a vast amount of aeroengineering knowledge and put that to work and within four weeks had what are the now famous blueprints for the 'Boxer' engine.

BMW's commitment to excellence is second to none. Building bikes now for over 80 years BMW prides itself on being the best. Fifty percent of all motorcycles ever manufactured by BMW still are on the road today. Over the decades ideas along with bikes changed.

During the 1980's competitive cross country racing became big for the company. Placing a focus on two major areas the company worked on both the Gelandestrasse boxer series and the K Series due to an influx of Japanese competition.

During the 1990's BMW continued to perfect the K Series, making improvements and updates along the way.

Well into the year 2000 and beyond BMW continues to remain innovative, creative, and wanting to provide its rider with the best possible experience.

Bikes that are currently on the market and making headlines are the following:

The F 650 GS, is full of power and aggression, begging to be let loose on the open road. Known for its stability in harsh environments this powerhouse will keep you on the road and is capable of taking you off the road.

The HP 2 Enduro is BMW's first pure dirt bike. This model has an extremely light weight body and a suspension that is made for the race tracks.

The R 1200 GS carries 15% more power in both power output and torque. This particular masterpiece carries with the newly designed Boxer engine making it ready to answer the call of the wild.

BMW continues to bring innovation to a whole new level. With a commitment to producing the best, BMW stands in a class of it own. Competitive, drive, initiative, this power house company gladly rises to all challenges and is willing to continue to take its riders to the next level.

View another article on this topic," The Tribute to BMW, Bavarian Motors Work AG."