BMW R32

BMWs first motorcycle. Need we say any more?

                                                                                                    

History tells us that legendary BMW designer Max Friz locked himself in his house and drew the plans for what would be known as the BMW R32.

 The boxer layout, with the crankshaft longitudinal and two opposed cylinders, was developed by BMW Engineer Max Friz, and resulted in the 1923 BMW R32 — the first BMW motorcycle (yes, Virginia, BMW made motorcycles five years before it produced cars).

  

The boxer engine layout always struck me as being utterly logical. The cylinders project sideways into the wind and have good primary balance, and transmission to a shaft final drive is relatively straight forward (or backward), eliminating any need for a bothersome chain or belt. Moreover, because the cylinders projected into the air stream, the engine on the opposed-twin runs much cooler than the more common V-twins.