Did you know that BMW began selling motorcycles back in 1923? They started to manufacture motorcycles long before the automobiles were even thought of! For 81 years, BMW has been known for their quality and tradition. The only time when they didn't produce motorcycles was shortly after World War II as they were in a rebuilding period and did not produce any between 1945 and 1947, and only 59 were produced in 1948. So, if you are a collector or appreciate BMW vintage bikes, 1948 is one of those rare model years.
The BMW Company was actually born back in the early 1910’s. It started out as two separate companies, one which was an airplane factory and the other one was called Bavarian Airplane Works. The word BMW was derived from Bayerische Motoren Werke. A fellow by the name of Gustav Otto's Flugzenmaschinenfabrik ran the airplane factory in Munich, and he eventually merged his operation with Karl Rapp's Flugwerke, Bavarian airplane works, back in March 17,1916. Both companies, when they joined together, initially specialized in the design and manufacture of airplane engines. The company ended up getting many government contracts from Germany's fledgling Air Force, which included the Baron von Richthofen better known as the Red Baron.
BMW has been building motorcycles now for over 80 years! The history of BMW motorcycles is forged in iron and steeped in motor oil as it boils down to one thing, which is the quest for a perfect rider’s machine. Over the years, this fine company persevered through the days of aero engineering, through hard times and times of prosperity. If you ride a BMW bike or know someone that does, you are familiar with BMW's commitment to excellence, which has never wavered over the years. Did you know that 50% of all the motorcycles that were ever manufactured by this company are still on the road! If you own or ride this fine bike, you know what it's like to demand nothing less than the best!
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