BMW first challenged both of those well-established marques in 1984, when it sold about 150 of its R 100 RT motorcycles to the San Francisco Police Department. Although that program was considered successful, BMW withdrew from the authority market after Kawasaki lost a $10 million liability suit related to the death of a Houston officer while on duty. A few years later, the introduction of anti-lock braking on the K 100 and K 75 led BMW to reconsider.

“We started dipping our toes back into the police business with the K 75,” said Frank Stevens, then BMW Motorrad USA’s National Sales Manager. “We did some test sales, but the K 75 was not an ideal police motorcycle because of its riding position, its saddlebag design and storage. It was expensive if you dropped it or fell over, because the protection system wasn’t very good.”

The California Highway Patrol had a fleet of about 400 motorcycles, of which it replaced about 150 each year. In 1994, the organization agreed to purchase 20 ABS-equipped BMW K 75 RT-Ps to test against the Kawasaki KZ1000P, which constituted the majority of its fleet but hadn’t been updated since 1982.

“ABS was generally perceived by the CHP as a real benefit, but they couldn’t find any statistical way to prove it, and because of that they couldn’t mandate it,” Stevens said. Nonetheless, BMW used data from the K 75 RT-P test to improve its forthcoming R 1100 RT-P, which would be equipped with not only ABS (and the K 75’s adjustable windscreen) but better protection bars and other features to suit the CHP’s needs. That included a second battery with linked charging from a more powerful alternator, and an auxiliary fan behind the oil cooler that allowed the bike to idle for extensive periods without overheating—a huge advantage over Harley, in particular. Its handling was more stable than that of the K 75 RT-P, yet the R 1100 RT-P also had greater agility, including the essential ability to make a U-turn within 16 feet.

The new R 1100 RT-P was significantly better than its K 75 RT-P predecessor, and it easily outperformed the Kawasaki and the Harley. Unfortunately, its price of $15,828—as reported by the San Francisco Chronicle—was more than twice the $7,871 price for a Kawasaki. The R 1100 RT-P’s maintenance costs per mile were lower than those of the KZ1000 P, but BMW still had to get creative in order to secure the CHP contract.

“We didn’t want the liability of a lease, so we sold the motorcycles with a buy-back clause,” Stevens said. “The perceived useful life of the motorcycles was 60,000 miles, but we knew the motorcycle had a tremendous amount of life beyond 60,000 miles. California agreed to pay much more up front because their total cost would be less, if the motorcycle survived to the end of the term.”

BMW agreed to re-purchase the bikes for $9,928 each, reducing the net cost to $5,900—$100 lower than the price of the Kawasaki that the state would typically auction for $600-1,800 after three years on the road.

It was the first time California had been able to include a buy-back clause in its cost calculations, and Stevens credited Jerry Haleva’s lobbying firm, Sergeant Major Associates, for getting it done. “It was our idea, but Jerry got it signed off,” Stevens said.

That wasn’t the end of the process, however. The initial approval of the R 1100 RT-P had been made by a sergeant at the CHP Academy who’d left in the interim, and his replacement had to confirm that the bikes being delivered met the standard established during testing. While riding the bike at the CHP’s test track, the new sergeant detected a wobble after crossing a drainage rut. Stevens flew to California to investigate but found nothing wrong; indeed, the bike was functioning as-designed, self-correcting after the disruption. When the CHP sergeant refused to accept that explanation, Stevens called his counterpart in Germany, Fritz Leitner.

“He said, ‘You need to change to radial tires and use cast wheels from the civilian side,’ but we’d already proofed out run-flat bias-ply tires on spoked wheels that were really good on potholes,” Stevens said. “Thank goodness [local Sacramento dealer] A&S had a bunch of RTs in the showroom. We grabbed the wheels and installed the Dunlop tires with the stiffest sidewalls, so they’d pass the run-flat test, but then the speedo drive was wrong, the center stand was wrong, and the side stand was wrong, so we had to change all that, too. It passed the test, and they loved it, but I told them they were going to bend some wheels hitting potholes. They said they didn’t care, but after they’d bent about 150 wheels, they started to rethink that!”

A&S had been a BMW dealer since 1988, and the firm had won the contract to supply the CHP with motorcycles thanks in part to its location in Roseville, just outside Sacramento. “There were only a couple of dealers that had the capability of doing that contract,” Stevens said. “You have to have a lot of staffing, a big facility, and a lot of money to buy these things and wait for the state to pay you.”

A&S delivered the earlier K 75s to the CHP, then fulfilled the larger order of R 1100 RT-Ps. “We built all of the original bikes, like 25 a month,” said Howard Pine, son of A&S founder Sheldon Pine. “We loaded up truck after truck, and we never had a bike damaged in transit.”

Following delivery, A&S’ role was like that of any BMW dealer in California. “Each CHP office had their bikes serviced by local dealers, and BMW NA handled the buy-back operation,” Pine said. “Every dealer had the option to buy those used bikes from NA for local sales, so they got spread across the state.”

Though the BMWs required less maintenance than the Kawasakis—fluid changes took place every 6,000 miles rather than 3,000 or 3,500 miles, while shaft drive eliminated the need for chain adjustment or replacement—that was mitigated by the significant mileage each bike accumulated. “I think the record was 60,000 miles in 17 months,” Stevens said. “A lot of the bikes would reach the 60,000-mile limit in 24 or 30 months, so they moved the limit to 80,000 miles, then 100,000 and 120,000.”

The need for frequent maintenance was a boon to local BMW dealers. “It’s a wonderful boost to the dealer service business,” Stevens said. “If officers were fortunate enough not to pick up a nail, they’d still wear tires out within 4-6,000 miles, depending on how the officer rode, and they’d have to look at the brake pads at every service, because they go through brakes much faster.”

BMW could sell plenty of parts, which helped to make the program profitable despite the buy-back clause. The program also brought new customers to the marque, as the officers who rode BMWs on duty bought BMWs as personal transportation.

“They discovered how well BMW dealers take care of their customers, which created a bond of loyalty that certainly didn’t exist with Kawasaki,” Stevens said, noting that CHP officers were also given a discount on BMW’s civilian bikes. “They experienced a relationship that radiates through all of the people within their orbit of influence, and it really did contribute noticeably to sales of motorcycles in California.”

In 2001, the civilian R 1100 RT models were superseded by the R 1150, which itself was followed in 2004 by the R 1200 RT and in 2019 by the current R 1250 RT. Each of those was offered as an RT-P Authority bike a few years later, with upgrades to its chassis and drivetrain that benefitted officers just as they had civilians. (Though BMW offers a full range of Authority models, including scooters, US agencies prefer the boxer-engine RT-P over the parallel twins or scooters used elsewhere.) Electronic engine management, for instance, allows the BMWs to use regular fuel where the Harleys and Kawasakis require premium. “The officers have to buy fuel from retail stations, and BMW’s knock sensors allow it to tolerate regular fuel that saves thousands of dollars a year in fuel costs,” Stevens said.

The bikes have also benefitted from improvements to their police-specific equipment, much of which was designed by Stevens in New Jersey and then tested by BMW Motorrad in Munich or Berlin. In 2003, for instance, Stevens persuaded the CHP to stop reusing its old sirens and lighting systems in favor of modern, better-integrated equipment, as well as updated wiring systems for radio and radar. “They loved that idea, and we were really able to bump our volume with sirens and lights,” Stevens said. A freewheeling alternator, meanwhile, improved the longevity of the drive belt, while a throttle stop prevented cables from breaking when officers twisted the grip too forcefully. More recently, Stevens developed holsters that allowed CHP officers to carry not just their duty pistols but their duty rifles on their motorcycles as well.

The California Highway Patrol loved the BMWs, but the program didn’t continue without interruption. Under Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, the CHP began buying Harley-Davidsons, newly equipped with ABS. Even so, the CHP continues to add new BMWs to its fleet, though the buy-back provision no longer applies. So do other agencies throughout the US, many of which piggyback on the State of California’s approval process when supplying their own fleets. Today, about 3,500 R 1250 RT-P motorcycles are in service in this country, used by more than 500 state and local police forces including the Los Angeles Police and Sheriff’s Departments, the City of Phoenix and the Arizona Department of Public Safety, the City and County of San Diego, the cities of Anaheim and Fresno, and the Honolulu Police Department.

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• New 1,300 cc Boxer Roadster with 145 hp and 110 lb-ft of torque.
• Optional ASA Automatic Shift Assistant.
• Market launch expected in late Q3/early Q4, 2025.
• MSRP of $16,595* plus Destination. * Price subject to change.

BMW Motorrad USA is proud to announce the new, sportier and more aggressive 2026 BMW R 1300 R. The big boxer roadster returns with more power, more torque, more style, new technology and new options that allow each rider to tailor the extremely well balanced R 1300 R to their specific desires and needs.

The low center of gravity and prodigious torque from the BMW boxer motor makes the new roadster an equally excellent companion for commuting, sport riding and touring.

“With the new BMW R 1300 R, we’ve taken our dynamic roadster with boxer engine to a whole new level. Focused uncompromisingly on riding dynamics, it delivers a far sportier experience than its predecessor thanks to a completely redesigned engine and chassis, while still retaining core BMW values such as touring capability and comfort.”

Christof Lischka, Head of Development BMW Motorrad

The new BMW R 1300 R. (04/2025)

BMW R 1300 R FEATURES

• New 1,300 cc liquid-cooled boxer motor delivers 145 hp and 110 lb-ft of torque.
• New steel frame with aluminum rear section.
• New upside-down 47 mm front fork and revised EVO Paralever II rear suspension.
• New lighter wheels (combined -3.0 lbs.).
• New DSA Dynamic Suspension Adjustment with a first for production motorcycle upside down forks – an adjustable front spring rate.
• New prop-up aid feature (part of DSA) for the optional center stand.
• New Riding Assistant with Active Cruise Control and Frontal Collision Warning.
• New Optional GPS Prep with electronic lock.
• Standard Riding Modes – RAIN, ROAD and ECO.
• Standard MSR Engine Drag Torque Control.
• Standard BMW Motorrad Integral ABS Pro.
• Standard Full LED Lighting. Headlight Pro Optional.
• Four Styles / Colors.
• New Standard Complimentary BMW Motorrad Ultimate Care Break-In Service.

Read all the details, specs, and more here.

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This motorsport success story runs like a red thread through the company’s history. The high-torque boxer engine in combination with the cardan drive has proven its winning ability and durability in countless competitions.

However, it was not until 1980 that BMW Motorrad took the concept of an enduro with a boxer engine into series production. The BMW R 80 G/S was born. A series-production off-road bike that had never been seen before. Blessed with off-road expertise, touring ability and dynamic on-road qualities in equal measure. In short: The abbreviation G/S (“Gelände / Straße” meaning off-road / street) summed up the all-round qualities of the new motorcycle perfectly.

The new BMW R 12 G/S skilfully captures the spirit of the off-road enduro with a boxer engine in the style of the R 80 G/S in terms of design and perfectly transfers it into the present day with modern technology. With long suspension travel, cross-spoke wheels, and a small, compact cockpit fairing.

Three different seat options, sure-footed enduro footrests and handlebar risers for dedicated off-road adventurers.

The new BMW R 12 G/S comes with a flat solo seat as standard (standard seat height with 17″ rear wheel: 860 mm / seat height in the Enduro Package Pro with 18″ rear wheel: 875 mm). Flat and straight, it is ideal for enduro riding – even in a standing position. The optional Pillion Package includes a seat for two (standard seat height with 17″ rear wheel: 860 mm / seat height in the Enduro Package Pro with 18″ rear wheel: 875 mm). The rider’s seat height is increased by 20 mm with the Rallye Seat option (standard seat height with 17″ rear wheel): 880 mm / seat height in the Enduro Package Pro with 18″ rear wheel: 895 mm). The new R 12 G/S comes as standard with two practical steel eyelets on the rear frame, which can be used as lashing points.

The basic version of the new BMW R 12 G/S is equipped with a footrest system designed primarily for on-road use, but also suitable for off-road use thanks to its serrated profile. As part of the “Enduro Package Pro”, the R 12 G/S is equipped with an enduro footrest system which, thanks to the enlarged contact area of the footrest body in combination with three rows of spikes, provides optimum grip for enduro riding.

The butted aluminum tubular handlebars allow further ergonomic adjustment. The optional Enduro Package includes a 20 mm riser.

A powerful boxer engine with a superior power and torque output and a single-flow exhaust system.

Ever since the first BMW motorcycle – the R 32 – was launched in 1923, BMW Motorrad boxer engines have been synonymous with unmistakable, original and authentic design, a full torque curve and a unique sound character. The same is true of the new BMW R 12 G/S. The air/oil-cooled 101 mm bore, 73 mm stroke, 1,170 cc capacity boxer engine from numerous BMW motorcycle models delivers 80 kW (109 hp) at 7,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 115 Nm at 6,500 rpm. The left-hand exhaust system with high-mounted rear silencer meets the requirements of a classic enduro.

Read the full press release here.

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BMW had been exporting motorcycles to the U.S. since 1950, less than two years after production had resumed in Munich following the destruction of World War II. At first, bikes were ordered directly by dealers whose relationship with BMW predated the war, like Oscar Liebmann, whose New Jersey-based AMOL Precision became the first official BMW motorcycle dealer in the U.S. in 1950. By the end of that year, however, the right to distribute BMW’s motorcycles in this market was assigned to the V. (for Victor) Harasty organization.

Four years later, that privilege was transferred to the Butler & Smith Trading Company. (Contrary to assumptions, the name of the firm referred not to its founders but to the intersection in Brooklyn where the company was located. Butler & Smith first imported NSU motorcycles from Germany, then Lambretta scooters from Italy.)

On February 19, 1954, Butler & Smith president Alfred Bondy wrote a letter to inform NSU and BMW motorcycle dealers that Butler & Smith was BMW’s official U.S. importer. Bondy expressed his desire that BMW dealers should continue with the new distributor, which would “combine Germany’s two most prominent brands which are world renowned for their workmanship and performance.” Bondy also stated that “The first BMW motorcycles will arrive in a few days. A large quantity of BMW parts is on order from the factory, and we hope that our reputation for fast and complete NSU parts service will soon apply to our BMW parts service.”

Initially, Butler & Smith would handle operations on the East Coast, with West Coast distribution delegated to the Flanders Company of Pasadena, California. In 1969, Butler & Smith took over distribution for the entire U.S., and in May 1970 established a new headquarters and import center in Norwood, New Jersey.

Even prior to that move, Butler & Smith had ensured that BMW built motorcycles suited to the needs and tastes of U.S. riders, most of whom used bikes like the R 50 and R 69 for long-distance touring. Their suitability for that purpose had been firmly established in 1958, when Ohio dealer John Penton rode his 600cc R 69 from New York to Los Angeles in 52 hours, 11 minutes, setting a new record and gaining great publicity for the reliability of BMW motorcycles. (Penton was an accomplished off-road rider, and he’d ride a factory-backed R 27 single in the 1962 International Six Days Trial, winning a silver medal despite a few bad crashes.) Thanks to Butler & Smith, BMW motorcycles could be ordered in the U.S. with options like dual seats, higher handlebars, and accessories like saddlebags, fairings, and the side stands preferred by Americans over the standard center stand. Later, Butler & Smith would offer aftermarket equipment, including Krauser luggage, Luftmeister fairings, and Continental or Metzeler tires.

BMW built sporty models as well as touring bikes, of course, and Butler & Smith went racing to promote them. The firm became especially active on the racetrack following the move to New Jersey, which likely coincided with the ascension of Dr. Peter Adams to the leadership of the Butler & Smith firm. Adams was the son of Butler & Smith owner Irwin Adams, who may have founded or purchased it with Bondy in 1949 but who had in any case become its sole owner by 1970.

Adams formed a technologically sophisticated race team led by Udo Gietl and Todd Schuster, both of whom were innovative fabricators and technicians. The team got off to a fine start in 1971, campaigning a thoroughly exotic 750cc machine in the American Motorcycle Association’s Formula 750 class with riders Reg Pridmore and Gary Fisher. Five years later, the Butler & Smith team switched to the R 90 S, and its extensively modified bikes finished 1-2 in the very first AMA Superbike championship, with Reg Pridmore taking the crown over teammate Steve McLaughlin.

The elation of that championship would be short-lived, at least where Butler & Smith was concerned. Having taken over U.S. automobile sales and distribution from Max Hoffman in March 1975, BMW of North America was looking to do the same for its motorcycles. Dr. Adams resisted the takeover, and in 1978 filed suit to retain his distributorship. BMW of North America prevailed in September 1980, and that October saw the company take possession of the Butler & Smith operation at Walnut and Hudson streets in Norwood, New Jersey.

The new division was led by vice-president Jean-Pierre Bailby, who’d come to North America from BMW France. Joseph Salluzzo served as national sales manager, with Rolf Kettler as marketing manager. Below them, many of the motorcycle division’s employees were retained from Butler & Smith, at least temporarily.

“At that point, all of the employees in sales, parts, and service were Butler & Smith employees, wondering what happens next,” said Rob Mitchell. “Eventually, people from BMW NA started filling some positions. I came about six months later to head up advertising and promotion, taking over from Rolf Kettler, who’d been sent over temporarily from Germany. I’d been in sales training, and I got hired because I was the only person at NA who rode motorcycles. It was a real trial-by-fire.”

Mitchell worked out of an office in Norwood for the next two years, until the motorcycle division moved to BMW of North America’s headquarters in Montvale. In the interim, BMW NA began modernizing operations for sales and distribution, financing, and technical training. Imposing new standards allowed BMW to cut the number of U.S. dealers by half, from around 300 to 150. “Like Hoffman, Butler & Smith would sign you up as a dealer if you purchased $500 worth of parts and a [BMW] sign,” Mitchell said. “I visited one dealer in upstate New York that was in an extension of his house, and which had a dirt floor in the workshop. Once BMW NA put certain operating requirements for corporate signage, inventory, facilities, and technical training—all the normal dealership stuff—dealers like that, who weren’t willing to step up and make the investment, fell away.”

Replacing Butler & Smith with a modern, efficient sales subsidiary yielded tangible benefits, Mitchell said. “Back in the old days, you’d pick up the telephone and order a bike from Butler & Smith. Now you had a modern business culture for ordering bikes and parts, signing up for technical training, all of that. Some dealers were upset that they could no longer continue the way they had before, but those who stayed on found they could offer a lot more to customers. And the customers got way better support, too. It’s much better to go into a dealer and see dozens of new bikes rather than just one, plus accessories and people anxious to help you.”

As it had with the cars, BMW of North America was hoping to increase sales of BMW motorcycles in the U.S. and to take advantage of motorcycles’ burgeoning popularity in this country. (That phenomenon was due largely to the Japanese manufacturers, who marketed their lightweight motorcycles to young people as an alternative to cars and as a “fun” alternative to heavyweight American machines.) Although hard data isn’t available for the years immediately before and after the transition, documents within the BMW Archive record declining export volumes to the U.S. in the mid-1970s: 10,553 units in 1974, 9,256 units in 1975, and 7,539 units in 1976. Presumably, imports declined further as the decade wore on. Mitchell doesn’t know the exact figures but believes that Butler & Smith was selling perhaps 2,500 motorcycles per year by the time BMW of North America took over sales and distribution in 1980.

In 1985, the earliest year for which BMW NA data is available, the company sold 5,597 motorcycles in the U.S., followed by 6,078 in 1986. That number represented barely one percent of new motorcycles sold in the U.S. annually, but it was a significant improvement nonetheless.

A new ad campaign helped. After an agency review, BMW’s motorcycle account was moved to Ammirati & Puris, which had created “The Ultimate Driving Machine” tagline that resonated so strongly with car buyers. For the motorcycles, Ammirati & Puris came up with another memorable slogan, “The Legendary Motorcycles of Germany,” which emphasized the company’s heritage at a time when BMW’s performance was somewhat tepid compared to that of the Japanese and Italian marques. Ammirati & Puris placed ads in the Wall Street Journal and Esquire magazine, hoping to reach upscale customers. This didn’t always work, Mitchell said. “Motorcyclists are grass-roots people, and prestige isn’t the biggest thing. It’s a very different group than the car people.”

More important, Mitchell said, was ensuring that BMW NA maintained a press fleet of new motorcycles, and staged press launches to ensure that new models were reviewed in motorcycle magazines. Those new models would themselves help BMW NA succeed, especially after the R 80 G/S caught on with adventure-touring riders following its 1980 introduction. “What started as an oddity—an 800cc, 400-pound dirt bike—became the most important segment, but it took probably ten years to really take off.”

In late 1983, BMW would enter another crucial segment, supplementing its longstanding boxer twin lineup with all-new K bikes powered by water-cooled three- and four-cylinder engines. “Even longtime boxer owners seemed genuinely excited by the K bikes,” Mitchell said. “There was clearly room for both within BMW.”

Today, BMW Motorrad USA offers a full range of motorcycles, from the entry-level G 310 R and GS to the Superbike-spec M 1000 RR, with all manner of touring, heritage, urban, and adventure bikes in between. A wide variety of engines is available, from singles to inline sixes, plus inline fours, Boxer and parallel twins, and even battery-powered scooters.

BMW Motorrad’s factories in Berlin and elsewhere around the world are busier than ever, turning out 209,257 bikes in 2023. Of those, 24,176 went to customers in Germany and 21,668 to France, while 17,017 were delivered to customers in the U.S., BMW Motorrad’s third-largest motorcycle market worldwide. That number constitutes only a small fraction of the half-million-plus motorcycles sold in the U.S. last year, but volume isn’t everything. BMW riders have long been among the industry’s most enthusiastic riders, especially when it comes to putting serious mileage on their machines. Just like John Penton’s R 69 in 1959, BMW motorcycles continue to carry their riders quickly and reliably from coast to coast…and beyond.

Read the full article here.

The post 50 Stories for 50 Years Chapter 9: “A New Chapter for BMW Motorrad: BMW NA takes over from Butler & Smith” appeared first on BimmerLife.

After intensive preparations and successful tests in Jerez and Portimão, BMW Motorrad Motorsport starts the new season of the FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) with great confidence. The team travels to the season opener in Phillip Island (AUS) with the new BMW M 1000 RR and a strong foundation, where final adjustments will be made in the coming days.

Despite challenging conditions – including weather caprices and last-minute rule changes – BMW Motorrad Motorsport was able to gather valuable insights during the last test in Portimão. The new BMW M 1000 RR was successfully adapted to the changed technical regulations, particularly to the new extension of the regulations, which consequently prohibits the use of the Super-Concession frame in 2025.

ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team, BMW M 1000 RR, Toprak Razgatlıoğlu #1

Toprak Razgatlıoğlu ready for the season start

World champion Toprak Razgatlıoğlu has further recovered from his finger injury and has already shown impressive performances in Portimão. “For me, the test in Portimão was very positive. We tried some new setups, and it worked very well. My finger feels good on the bike, and I am ready for Phillip Island,” said Razgatlıoğlu.

Michael van der Mark is also optimistic about the season opener: “We learned a lot during the tests despite the weather and created a strong foundation for Phillip Island. The new bike feels very good, and I am looking forward to the first race.”

Sven Blusch: “We are ready for Phillip Island”

“In short, we can say: We are ready for Phillip Island,” explains Sven Blusch, Head of BMW Motorrad Motorsport. “It was an intense winter with challenges, but we executed our program well. Toprak showed impressive performances despite his injury, and we confirmed the bike’s performance under various conditions. Now we look forward to the final test and the season start.”

BMW Motorrad Motorsport Reorganizes

In addition to the sporting preparations, responsibilities at BMW Motorrad Motorsport are being redistributed: Sven Blusch, as Head of BMW Motorrad Motorsport, has overall responsibility for all BMW Motorrad motorsport activities. Chris Gonschor, as Technical Director, leads the development team and is responsible for all technical matters.

The previous Sports Director Marc Bongers takes on a new role within future motorsport projects of BMW Motorrad. Further details will follow at a later date.

Sven Blusch acknowledges Bongers’ contributions: “Marc Bongers has played a crucial role in the development of BMW Motorrad Motorsport over many years. His commitment and expertise were essential components of our successes, including the WorldSBK title win with Toprak Razgatlıoğlu. We thank him for his great dedication and are pleased that he will continue to play a key role in future BMW Motorrad Motorsport projects.”

Marc Bongers: “Winning the world championship title has fulfilled a lifelong dream for me. After this peak, I will bring my experience and energy into the strategic development of BMW Motorrad Motorsport to achieve further successes. I thank the team, riders, partners, sponsors, competitors, and organizers for the constructive cooperation and wish the entire WSBK and EWC family much success, victories, and further titles for the coming season.”

With a strong team structure, a further developed BMW M 1000 RR, and highly motivated riders, BMW Motorrad Motorsport looks forward to the season opener at Phillip Island with great anticipation.

The post BMW Motorrad Motorsport Ready to Rumble Down Under appeared first on BimmerLife.

“The first BMW Motorrad Days Americas in 2023 was such an overwhelming success; it just had to continue, and we are looking to make it bigger and better than ever for 2025. There is genuinely no better place to host a celebration of all that is 2-wheel BMW than at the Barber Vintage Festival. The Barber Museum, the racetrack, and the amazing hospitality of all the people from Birmingham, AL, guarantee an unforgettable experience for all of us who are part of the global motorcycling community. We invite everyone, whether you are an active rider or just love the art and freedom of motorcycles, to join us this October.” said Kevin Philips, Head of BMW Motorrad for the Americas.

BMW Motorrad USA Announces BMW Motorrad Days Americas 2025.

EVENT INFORMATION

Dates:           October 3-5, 2025
Location:       Barber Motorsports Park
Address:       6040 Barber Motorsports Parkway, Leeds, AL 35094

To stay informed of all the newest updates, please sign up for more information on www.bmwmotorcycles.com at the BMW Motorrad Days Americas Information Page.

Please visit the Barber Vintage Festival Information Page for more information about the festival and event schedule updates.

“We’re thrilled to welcome BMW Motorrad Days Americas back to Barber Vintage Festival. This event has become a centerpiece for the motorcycling world, drawing fans and riders from across the globe to Barber Motorsports Park. With BMW Motorrad’s rich heritage and passion for innovation, paired with the incredible experiences offered at the Festival, attendees are sure to enjoy a truly unforgettable weekend of two-wheeled excitement,” said George Dennis, President of ZOOM Motorsports.

BARBER VINTAGE FESTIVAL

The Annual Barber Vintage Festival, presented by BMW Motorrad, takes place at Barber Motorsports Park. This is a celebration of vintage motorcycles and one of the largest motorcycle festivals in the world. With thousands of vintage motorcycles onsite during the weekend, there is plenty for the vintage motorcycle enthusiast to love.  Over 80,000 spectators will be on site to enjoy three days of Vintage motorcycle racing, a fan zone, stunt shows, a swap meet with over 600 vendors and demo rides. The Park is also home to the Barber Vintage Motorcycle Museum featuring the world’s largest Vintage motorcycle collection. During the weekend, the Museum is open for extended hours and features seminars, speakers, and demonstrations. This is a must-see event.

HISTORY OF BMW MOTORRAD DAYS

For more than 20 years, the BMW Motorrad Days have been a highlight and a must in the annual calendar of motorcycle fans from all over the world. The first BMW Motorrad Days took place in Seefeld, Austria in 2001 and was called the “BMW Motorrad Biker Meeting”. But before long, it became clear that the biker event belonged in Bavaria, home of the BMW Group and the event moved to Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Tens of thousands of enthusiasts come together from 50 different countries to celebrate everything 2-wheel BMW.

In celebration of 100 years of BMW Motorrad, the first BMW Motorrad Days Americas took place in 2023 as part of the Barber Vintage festival. Over 80,000 people joined BMW Motorrad in celebration of their centenary, making it an overwhelming success.

For more information, read the full press release here.

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The MotoGP Season Launch in the newly developed district One Bangkok provided the perfect stage for the official unveiling of the new Safety Car. The event began with a parade of all MotoGP riders, led by the BMW M5 Touring MotoGP Safety Car. Another highlight of the event was a spectacular stage show, streamed live to fans worldwide and free to attend for everyone on site.

“The MotoGP Season Launch in Bangkok was a fantastic event, and we are delighted to have been able to present our new BMW M5 Touring MotoGP Safety Car on such a great stage,” said Axel Mittler, Marketing Manager at BMW M Gmbh. “With this new Safety Car, we continue our commitment to bringing the latest technologies to MotoGP safety. Like the BMW M5 MotoGP Safety Car, the Touring variant is equipped with an M HYBRID powertrain, where a high-revving V8 engine is supported by an electric motor delivering instant power. Whether in sedan or touring form, our BMW M5 MotoGP Safety Cars impress with their dynamics and agility, making them perfectly suited for racetrack duty.”

Marc Saurina, Head of Global Commercial Partnerships at MotoGP rights owner Dorna Sports, added: “We are happy that our long-standing partner BMW M has provided an additional highlight for our first MotoGP Season Launch in Bangkok by unveiling the new Safety Car. We are now entering our 27th season of collaboration with BMW M as the ‘Official Car of MotoGP’. We know that BMW M GmbH is a strong partner, providing a safety car fleet that stands out with pioneering technologies. The BMW M5 Touring MotoGP Safety Car seamlessly continues this tradition. Not only does it look stunning, but it is also equipped with everything a safety car needs to ensure the safety of the world’s best motorcycle racers.”

BMW M has been the Official Car of MotoGP since 1999, supplying the series with a fleet of Safety Cars, Medical Cars, and Safety Bikes as part of this partnership. The new Safety Car is based on the BMW M5 Touring (combined fuel consumption: 2.0 l/100 km and 30.7 kWh/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions: 46 g/km; fuel consumption with depleted battery: 10.9 l/100 km according to WLTP; CO₂ classification: combined B, with depleted battery G)*, which was launched in November 2024. It is the third current BMW M model to feature an M HYBRID powertrain. Together, its two motors generate a peak output of 535 kW (727 hp) and a maximum torque of 1,000 Nm. To prepare it for racetrack use, the BMW M5 Touring MotoGP Safety Car has been modified accordingly.

The livery, like that of the BMW M5 MotoGP Safety Car, is inspired by the design of the BMW M Hybrid V8 race cars competing in the FIA World Endurance Championship and the IMSA series in North America. This connection perfectly embodies BMW M’s commitment to hybrid technology and its core philosophy: Born on the race track, made for the street.

The new BMW M5 Touring MotoGP Safety Car will remain on display in Bangkok until the start of the 2025 MotoGP season before making its on-track debut at the first race weekend from 28th February to 2nd March in Buriram, Thailand.

Read the full press release here.

For more information about BMW M GmbH and its involvement as the ‘Official Car of MotoGP’ see: www.bmw-m.com

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OVER 55 ORIGINAL BMW MOTORCYCLES

In honor of these motorized two-wheelers, which have always supported the sporty, dynamic image of Bayerische Motoren Werke and today contribute significantly to its economic success, the BMW Museum will be displaying more than 55 original motorcycles from 10 decades in its world-famous Museumsschüssel (Museum Bowl).

Built in 1973, this round building’s architecture continues to fascinate visitors to this day and boasts themed displays comprising roughly 15 stations. Five larger exhibition levels are dedicated to the best-known BMW Motorrad designers, the various customer interests, the most captivating motorcycle combinations, and remarkable models. In addition, unique treasures from the BMW Group Classic historic collection of vehicles will be displayed to the public for the first time on their own dedicated platform.

THRILLING JOURNEY THROUGH 100 YEARS OF BMW MOTORRAD HISTORY

At the center of the exhibition are a number of original motorcycles spanning a period of 100 years, which present an appropriate depiction of the development of the BMW Motorrad brand over time. The exhibition also draws on tanks, benches, lights, rider’s helmets, frames, and smaller technical details to trace exciting lines of development from the past to the present. Space is also devoted to specific aspects such as motorsports, electromobility, research and development, and advertising, as well as the fascinating world experienced by two globetrotters on their BMW motorcycles. Exported to more than 110 countries to date, the company’s vehicles for use by the authorities play a decisive role at international scale. The exhibition will also highlight the BMW Motorrad clubs organized around the globe.

MOTORCYCLES FROM PAST AND PRESENT

In the exhibition’s wide-ranging content, the concept of the anniversary exhibition proceeds in principle from motorcycle pairings, with a historical vehicle in each case being placed beside a current one. This creates many interesting contrasts on the subjects of innovation, super-athletes, combinations, full cladding, and urban mobility. Visitors will find the most valuable pieces in the exhibition on the way from platform 2 to Motorsport. Here, two machines are presented that are associated with victory in the legendary Tourist Trophy on the Isle of Man: in this road race, which is probably the most difficult in the world, Schorsch Meier was successful on his BMW R 255 Kompressor, and 75 years later Michael Dunlop placed first on a BMW S 1000 RR.

Here, the anniversary exhibition honors the drivers, designers, and developers from 100 years of BMW Motorrad history and, at the same time, references fascinating production in the BMW Group plant in Berlin-Spandau.

One of many highlights in the exhibition is the parade of fascinating BMW R 18 models, which is presented in a range of model variants. These alone would be worth a separate exhibition in this format. This is also true for the fully clad powerhouse from the batch of a BMW K1 and BMW R 1250 RT. The final touch is added by the BMW Motorrad VISION NEXT 100 vision vehicle, which has been known since 2016, and gives an outlook into the future of the motorcycle.

Interactive stations encourage visitors to actively engage with the exhibition; for example, a special photo station on platform 2 creates unforgettable moments for visitors as they explore. Visitors will also be able to hop onto each of two original BMW motorcycles, a couple of which we also encounter here. They can take their place behind the handlebars of a BMW R 25 from the 1950s and a current BMW S 1000 RR.

There’s even more BMW Motorrad to enjoy in the permanent exhibition. Here, since it re-opened in 2008, the BMW Museum has dedicated around ten rooms and stations to the history of BMW motorcycles. Various topics give greater insight here, whether it’s the very first motorcycle, the BMW R 32; an overview all depicting around 25 milestones; or impressive examples from motorcycle racing.

See more photos and read the full article here.

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Moreover, the then Chief Designer Hans A. Muth skillfully expressed the sporty ambitions in the design language and sent the BMW R 90 S, as the world’s first production motorcycle, with a handlebar fairing designed according to aerodynamic aspects and a red-laid “90” in the R 90 S emblem of the engine, successfully into the race for the buyers’ favor.

Racing successes helped the BMW R 90 S to achieve an iconic image.
It did not take long for the image of the R 90 S to also benefit from racing successes, for example, at the Production TT on the Isle of Man, where Hans-Otto Butenuth and Helmut Dähne celebrated a class victory in 1976. In the same year, Steve McLaughlin also won the prestigious 200 Miles of Daytona, and his teammate Reg Pridmore became the first AMA Superbike Champion in history. Also, an R 90 S is today, as it was then, one of the particularly sought-after BMW motorcycles.

1973 BMW R 90 S

The BMW R 12 S transfers the spirit of the R 90 S into the here and now.
More than the Concept Ninety study presented by BMW Motorrad in May 2013, the new BMW R 12 S takes the spirit of the R 90 S in its overall concept and many details and skillfully transfers it into the present day. Based on the R 12 nineT, it embodies an authentic and sporty retro bike and utilizes several ingredients that make up a skillful homage to the R 90 S.

 

“The defining design elements of our R 12 S include the handlebar-mounted cockpit fairing with the tinted windshield, the seat with contrast stitching, and the Lavaorange metallic paint finish as a nod to the legendary R 90 S Daytona Orange from 1975. The design is perfectly complemented by details such as the red-laid ‘S’ on the side covers, the red double line, and the brushed and clear-lacquered aluminum surfaces of the tank and seat hump,” explains Alexander Buckan, Head of BMW Motorrad Design.

BMW R 12 S

Generous standard equipment with Option 719 Wheel Classic II, Billet packs Shadow and Shadow II, Headlight Pro, Shift Assistant Pro, and much more.
The claim to a sporty retro bike is underlined by the R 12 S with numerous standard product features such as the Option 719 Classic II wheels with wire spokes and shiny, naturally anodized aluminum rims, as well as other high-quality components. The handlebars and fork tubes are in black, and the components of the Billet packs Shadow and Shadow II set, particularly high-quality technical accents. Components of the Billet pack Shadow are the left and right ignition coil covers, the oil filler screw, and the cylinder head covers coated in Avus black metallic matt. The Billet pack Shadow II includes the footrest system including foot brake and gear shift levers, the pillion footrests, the hand brake and clutch levers, the expansion tank covers for the front brake and clutch, as well as the handlebar end mirrors.

Further standard features include the Comfort Package, which includes Hill Start Control, Shift Assistant Pro, Heated Grips, and Cruise Control. For even more safety during night rides, the adaptive cornering light Headlight Pro ensures better illumination of the road in corners.

Comprehensive program of optional equipment from the factory and Original BMW Motorrad Accessories for customization.
The BMW R 12 S is based on the BMW R 12 nineT. Therefore, all accessory products such as titanium exhaust systems, soft bags, or navigation preparation can also be used for this motorcycle. For example, the already expressive dynamism of the lines can be further enhanced with the short rear end, which is available as an
The original BMW Motorrad accessory and the black license plate holder are attached to the swingarm. Additional factory-installed options are also available, such as Tire Pressure Control (RDC), Anti-Theft Alarm System (DWA), Intelligent Emergency Call, Connected Ride Control, and the digital display with micro-TFT display as an alternative to the classic round instruments.

See more photos and the full press release here.

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The BMW M Award is a long-standing part of BMW M’s commitment as the Official Car of MotoGP. Bagnaia received his prize as the fastest qualifier of the season immediately after qualifying for the Solidarity Grand Prix of Barcelona on Saturday. The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya stepped in as the final venue after the Valencia region was struck by a devastating natural disaster.

Before the decisive final qualifying, Bagnaia trailed Martín by just two points in the BMW M Award standings. By securing pole position in the final session, he earned the points necessary to claim victory in this unique competition. Among his accomplishments this season, Bagnaia achieved pole position six times and collected a total of 369 BMW M Award points, ten more than Martín.

Sylvia Neubauer, Vice President Customer, Brand and Sales at BMW M GmbH, Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports, winner Francesco Bagnaia.

“Congratulations to Pecco Bagnaia, who has won the BMW M Award for the third consecutive year,” said Carmelo Ezpeleta. “This competition for the honor of being the fastest qualifier of the year has been held for over 20 years now. We thank BMW M for this long-standing commitment that honors our riders’ qualifying performances with this prestigious award. It is always special for me to present this award with BMW M GmbH at the season finale, and this year even more so as the competition was decided in the very final session – and at a Grand Prix where the entire sport is coming together to support the community of Valencia.”

“We are delighted to present the BMW M Award to Pecco Bagnaia for the third time and warmly congratulate him on his strong performances this season,” said Sylvia Neubauer. “The BMW M Award dates back to 2003, and this season has been among the closest we’ve seen. The question of who would win the prize, in the form of our new high-performance sedan BMW M5, remained open until the very last second of the year’s final qualifying. Pecco Bagnaia proved himself a worthy winner in a fantastic duel. It was an extraordinary season for the BMW M Award, though our excitement for this outcome is overshadowed by the devastating disaster in Valencia. Our thoughts are with the many victims of this catastrophe and with the people of Valencia who have been so gravely affected.”

“It means a lot to me to have won the BMW M Award for the third consecutive year,” said Pecco Bagnaia. “This has been my goal since the end of last season, and I am proud to have achieved it. Many thanks to BMW M GmbH, which has awarded this prize to the top MotoGP qualifier for over 20 years. It’s an important acknowledgment of our achievements on the track. It wasn’t easy, as Jorge Martín and I had a close race for this award. I’m pleased to have come out on top.”

In the BMW M Award, points are awarded in each MotoGP qualifying round according to race scoring. Record holder for the BMW M Award is Marc Márquez, who won the title seven times in a row from 2013 to 2019. Bagnaia secured the coveted prize in 2022, 2023, and now 2024. He joins a prestigious list of past winners, including Valentino Rossi, Casey Stoner, Jorge Lorenzo, Fabio Quartararo, Sete Gibernau, and Nicky Hayden.

Read the full press release here.

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