BMW Motorrad is the motorcycle business unit of the German company BMW, part of its Corporate and Brand Development division.The current General Director of the unit is Hendrik von Kuenheim.BMW Motorrad has produced motorcycles since 1923, and revenues for 2009 were €1,069 million from the sale of 87,306 motorcycles,a drop on the 2008 figure of €1,230 million from the sales of 101,685 motorcycles.
BMW's motorcycle history began in 1921 when the company commenced manufacturing engines for other companies. Motorcycle manufacturing now operates under the BMW Motorrad brand. BMW (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG) introduced the first motorcycle under its name, the R32, in 1923.The company began as an aircraft engine manufacturer in the early 20th century and through World War I. BMW manufactured its first motorcycle in 1923, the R32, which featured flat-twin boxer engine. BMW Motorrad still uses the flat-twin boxer configuration, but now manufactures motorcycles with a variety of engine configurations.
All BMW Motorrad's motorcycle production takes place at its plant in Berlin, Germany,although some engines are manufactured in Austria, China, and Taiwan.BMW Motorrad produced 82,631 motorcycles in 2009,[4] compared with 104,220 in 2008,a fall of 20.7% The most popular model is the R1200GS and its sibling Adventure, which sold 24,467 units – accounting for 28% of BMW's annual production.Current production includes a variety of shaft, chain, and belt driven models, with engines from 450 cc to 1,300 cc; and models designed for off-road, dual-purpose, sport, and touring activities.
