BMW Motorcycles
BMW’s first bike of note was the R 32. BMW bikes are in one of 5 categories: Enduro, High Performance, Tour, Sport, Urban and 4 series:F, G, R, and K

Bayerische Motoren Werke (BMW) has a lot of experience in building motorcycles; in fact it’s been building them longer than it’s been building cars. The company got into manufacturing motorcycle engines with reluctance; it was a sink-or-swim move after the Treaty of Versailles put a hold on their profitable production of airplanes. The Bavarian bikes started garnering racing trophies in 1924, and they haven’t looked back since.

The current line-up of BMW bikes includes 18 selections that are grouped into purpose categories with self-explanatory names.

This rugged bunch is what you should choose from if you plan to challenge your motorcycle with long, demanding rides over potentially punishing ground. For instance, the R 1200 GS, a pumped version of the R 1150 GS, has stacked up praise for its long-distance adventure capabilities.

The models in this classification are: the F 650 GS, G 650 Xchallenge, R 1200 GS, and R 1200 GS Adventure.

As the only motorcycle currently under this heading, the versatile HP2 Enduro is literally in a class by itself. It’s fast, it’s tough, and it’s ready for the dirt or the street, depending on how you dress its wheels. It’s also a real looker, turning heads wherever it’s ridden. With an MSRP like that of your average Japanese sedan (about $20K), it is not cheap—nor would you expect it to be.

These plush two-wheelers spill over with features that maximize comfort, but you don’t have to compromise on the fun factor. There are 5 models to choose from, including the venerable K 1200 GT, Cycle World’s pick for 2006’s top sport-tourer.

The other models in this class are: the F 800 ST, K 1200 LT, R 1200 RT, and R 1200 ST.

Any member of this quartet of spitfires will have you counting the seconds to your next block of precious leisure time. With its semi-faired style and 163 ponies, the K 1200 R Sport had a lot of two-wheel-minded folk awaiting its 2007 debut. It goes fast, swallows up snaking roads, and brakes beautifully, keeping your hide safe all the way. Plus it looks beautiful doing it.

For a great first bike in this category, try the belt-drive F 800 S, It’s the choice of prize-winning stunt rider Christian Pfeiffer, but you’ll do best to leave the tricks to him.

This category also includes: the K 1200 R Sport, K 1200 S, and R 1200 S.  

These nimble street bikes are meant for city riding. Engines range from 53 horsepower to an eye-popping 163, meaning there’s a power level for every rider.

The other Urban models are: the G 650 Xcountry, G 650 Xmoto, K 1200 R, and R 1200 R.

The Bavarians have organized their bikes into several distinct series, denoted by a lead letter, just as they have their cars, which go by a lead number according to pecking order (the higher the number, the swankier the car). The series letter at the start of each motorcycle’s name denotes the engine type. They are as follows:

F Series: feature a chain-driven, carbureted and water-cooled engine (single-piston)

G Series: BMW’s newest line-up of bikes based on the F Series

R Series: feature a shaft-drive, flat-twin, horizontally-opposed boxer engine (two-piston) with oil-cooled heads; BMW’s first motorcycle worth talking about was called the R 32.

K Series: feature a four-cylinder, water-cooled engine that was redesigned for the 2006 model year

The bottom line on BMW bikes is the same as it is with their cars: buy one and you will have no regrets. They’re engineered to perform, they’re designed for maximum comfort and safety, and they’re built to last -- the company states that half of all motorcycles they’ve ever made are still being ridden today. That’s an amazing statement, and we can’t think of any reason to doubt it.