They say once you experience German engineering, you never go back. And this is certainly true of BMW Motorrad’s legendary motorcycles. BMWs feature unique flat-twin boxer engines, unmistakable style, and renowned mechanics that must live up to Berlin-level performance standards.
Launched in 1923, BMW has long been lauded for its line of airhead engines (1969–1995). The well-known R nineT and R80 series of Beemers (among others) have become the basis for quite a few masterful builds covered on these pages.
There’s a mystical connection between music and motorcycles that isn’t explored nearly enough. BMW Motorrad recognizes that—and hosts the Pure&Crafted festival each year to celebrate it. Pure&Crafted is basically a mash-up of music and motorcycles, with a heavy emphasis on ‘new heritage’ lifestyle. So instead of getting pop rock and sport bikes, you get indie…
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The post-War R51/3 is one of the all-time classic motorcycles, and instantly recognizable as a BMW—complete with early boxer engine and ‘plunger’ rear suspension. But despite their venerable age, R51s can still be picked up at auction for less than US$20,000. Over 18,000 R51/3s were built, and a fair few of those are slowly decaying…
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Custom motorcycles are often criticized for putting aesthetics over functionality. But performance is still at the top of the list for builders like Analog Motorcycles, who have just completed this ride-focused BMW R90/6. The Chicago-based shop excels at making bikes look good and equipping them with all the right upgrades. So when their friends over…
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Quality over quantity this week, with four rather than five new builds: two Beemers, and two Triumphs. All are surprisingly practical, finely finished, and eminently rideable—and we’d happily put any one in the EXIF garage.
Read more »There’s no denying the BMW R nineT’s hit status. It’s fun to ride, comes in six great flavors, and lends itself well…
Read more »If you want to earn a living in the custom business, scale is everything. Reinventing the wheel with every build will be…
Read more »We thought we were tired of seeing classic BMW boxers with skinny seats, but as it turns out, we were wrong. Bolt…
Read more »We’d love to peak behind the curtain at Bolt Motor Co. Shop boss Adrián Campos is also the sporting director for Campos…
Read more »We’ve got two very different track bikes on offer this week: a modern BMW endurance racer, and a Ducati 999 from XTR…
Read more »In Europe, the Sultans of Sprint competition produces some of the wackiest drag bikes, year on year. It’s written in the rules:…
Read more »The 21st century ‘alt moto’ custom scene was built on a love for classic style. But lately we’ve seen a trend towards…
Read more »Every year since 1929, rare and classic vehicles have lined the lawns of Villa d’Este and Villa Erba on the banks of…
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