BMW Motorcycle Insurance

A brief history of BMW motorcycles 

BMW motorcycle production started after WW1, as new regulations meant that the company, which was originally part of Rapp Motorenwerke, was unable to continue manufacturing aircraft engines. In 1921, BMW (Bayerische Motoren Werke) had started work on a flat-twin engine for use as a standalone engine for industrial use, although several motorcycle manufacturers adapted it for bike use. 

The first production BMW Motorrad motorcycle appeared in 1923. This bike was the 486cc R 32 with an across-the-frame mounted early version of its now legendary Boxer engine. The R 32 also featured shaft drive, a drive system used on all its bikes until the first chain drive BMW bike appeared. BMW Motorrad later experimented with an overhead cam supercharged 500cc version, which achieved a top speed figure of 173.8mph – an incredible figure considering it was 1937. 

BMW Motorrad suffered badly during WWII. From the ashes, the few remaining engineers started producing BMW bikes based on pre-war technology. But it was enough for the company to grow once more and produce new models of varying capacities.

1970 gave rise to a complete redesign of chassis and the Boxer engine. Three new models appeared – the 500cc R 50, 600cc R 60/5 and 750cc R 70/5 – and all featured telescopic suspension, electric starters and revised valve system layout to reduce the width of the engine for increased ground clearance.

In 1980 BMW Motorrad caused a stir with the R 80 GS (Gelande/Strasse – off-road/road), the bike that kick-started today’s adventure bike genre. It was an immediate success – mainly through dominating the Dakar race series. Three years later, BMW Motorrad changed tack and introduced a water-cooled inline-four cylinder machine tagged K 100. This later spawned the triple-cylinder K 75 and other variants, all using a single-sided rear swing arm. 

BMW Motorrad still produces Boxer-engine bikes although they are very modern in design using four-valve dohc heads with variable valve timing and up-to-date chassis design. The same design ethos has seen the introduction of the incredible 1649cc straight-six-cylinder K 1600 GT/GTL and today’s best four-cylinder superbike, the S 1000 RR.; not forgetting the huge range of parallel twins and single-cylinder machines in road and off-road format. 

The BMW Motorrad range of motorcycles 

Adventure 

The BMW Motorrad GS range is loaded with mostly special edition models based on four main models: 

Sport 

The BMW S 1000 RR is judged by many owners and motorcycle journalists to be the finest production superbike available. Its 999cc, 205bhp engine is a real rocket but usable at the same time thanks to ABS, traction control, power mode selection etc. If that still isn't enough to satisfy, the newly launched M 1000 RR boasts 210bhp, carbon wings and a look that would be at home on any race track. 

For those of us with slightly less deep pockets, the R 1250 RS provides a sports touring packing combined with BMWs legendary boxed engine while the S 1000 XR and F 900 XR offer a more upright sports adventure package.  

Scooters 

BMW are taking the Urban Mobility issue seriously with a range of internal combustion and electrically powered scooters. The C 400 GT and C 400 X offer the same 350cc single-cylinder engine, dressed for the office (GT) or football field (X) while the CE 04 and CE 02 showcase BMWs commitment to E-Power while sporting some of the most modern and contemporary styling we’ve seen since the (in)famous BMW K1 hit the streets. 

Tourer 

When it comes to comfort over distance, BMW motorcycles top the leader board.  The R 1250 RT is the pinnacle of Boxer twin development and touring refinement, the six-cylinder K 1600 GT and K 1600 GTL, both give different levels of touring sumptuousness, while the K 1600 Grand America and K 1600 B both show that Touring bikes don’t have to be dowdy. 

Roadster 

Essentially these are naked versions of existing models and are: the single-cylinder G 310 R, parallel-twin F 900 R, four-cylinder S 1000 R and Boxer twin R 1250 R. 

Heritage

BMW have joined the main Japanese manufacturers in looking back to find inspiration for new models and have released a whole raft of retro-heritage models, many based on existing roadster models. The R12 and R18 models utilise versions of the trusted Boxed twin engine to deliver laid-back cruising style, a fashionable bagger and a fully loaded Transcontinental mile muncher, while the recently updated nineT model gives a modern interpretation of the cafe racers of the past. 

BMW M Bikes 

Following in the footsteps of BMWs automotive division, BMW Motorrad have reserved the M designation for its most outrageous and powerful bikes. The M 1000 RR, M 1000 R and new M 1000 XR all have mind-bending power, pin sharp handling, drop dead styling, cutting edge technology, and price tags to match. 

How Bennetts provide tailored BMW Motorcycle Insurance

Bennetts has over 90 years experience in generating motorcycle insurance quotations, including BMW. Whether your quote includes added protection of European cover, legal cover, effective monthly payments, or third party, fire and theft / fully comprehensive, we will work hard to get our best quote for you. 

We use the services of our leading insurance underwriters and their wide-reaching range of insurance schemes and benefits. What this means to you as a BMW motorcycle owner is peace of mind in knowing we strive to provide our best service. 

How to get a quote for your BMW motorcycle 

Here’s the good news; getting an insurance quote for your BMW motorcycle is easy. We search our panel of insurers to find you our best price for the cover you need. 

Simply complete our online form or contact our dedicated customer service team by visiting our Contact Us page. 

Sources of interest for BMW motorcycle owners and fans 

BMW Motorrad UK – the UK arm of BMW Motorrad shows its model range in detail, plus the huge range of official accessories, from clothing to aftermarket exhausts and much more.