BMW presented its first motorcycle, the R 32, at the Berlin Motor Show in 1923. Designed by Max Friz, it used a 494 cc flat-twin engine and remained in production until 1926. Its layout helps explain its significance: engine and drivetrain formed one coherent design.
Friz was already drawing the new motorcycle in December 1922, with a drawing board set up in the guest room of his home. The gearbox bolted directly to the engine, while a shaft carried power to the rear wheel. Cylinders projecting sideways gave the motorcycle a distinctive silhouette.
The R 32 story is a good reason to look closely at a classic motorcycle. Alongside tank shape and paintwork, the placement and connection of mechanical components deserve attention. They reveal the designer’s priorities and show how an engineering solution can become a recognizable design feature over time.