BMW motorcycle insurance

Bayerische Motoren Werke (BMW) dates back to 1913, but back then the company produced aircraft engines. And as part of a late push to win the war in 1918, the German army ordered 2,000 BMW model IIIa aircraft engines.

A year later, the Treaty of Versailles set out the terms for peace, forbidding airplane manufacture by any Germany company. The strict terms of the treaty meant BMW had to rethink its entire business – and the result was a shift to motorbikes.

In 1923, the legendary BMW designer Max Friz took motorcycle design and capability to the next level with the launch of the 486cc R 32, which reached a top speed of around 60mph.

BMW Motorrad, the motorcycle brand of BMW, continued its development of bigger and faster motorbikes and in 1928 it produced the 750cc R 62, with a top speed of 71mph.

However, the onset of World War II saw BMW change direction and concentrate on military motorcycles and, once again, airplane manufacture.

In 1941, BMW introduced the R 75, which was designed for war use. With a 750cc engine, two seats and a sidecar, the bike could be fitted with a machine gun.

So impressed was the US Army with the R 75, captured German bikes were sent back to the States for Harley-Davidson to copy.

Innovation in the post-war years included the introduction of the classic R 69 S in 1960. The fastest 'Boxer' at the time, the bike boasted top speeds of 109mph.

Introduced in 1977, the R80/7 was significant as it was adopted by police forces across the country and became a very familiar sight on UK roads. The company continued to develop its offerings to riders and in 1997 BMW introduced its first chopper/cruiser – the R1200C.

The bike was immortalised on film when it was ridden by Pierce Brosnan as James Bond in Tomorrow Never Dies.

Fast forward to the late noughties, and in 2009 BMW launched the S1000RR sport bike. Designed to compete with the major Japanese manufacturers, the bike showcased BMW’s expertise in developing advanced traction control systems.

BMW still continues to innovate. Today its range includes sports, tourer, roadster and adventure bikes. With its heritage range it incorporates classic shapes with modern tech. And when it comes to urban mobility, its fully electric CE 04 bike offers bags of energy but with zero emissions.