The Complete Book of BMW Motorcycles, 3rd Edition Every Model Since 1923

by Falloon, Ian

• ISBN13: 9780760397510
• ISBN10: 0760397511
• eBook ISBN(s): 9780760397527
• Edition: 3rd
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2025-10-28
• Publisher: Motorbooks
• More Book Details

Summary

In this stunningly illustrated volume, get a detailed year-by-year overview of every production machine ever built by Germany’s top motorcycle manufacturer.

BMW launched its motorcycle dynasty in 1923 with the R32. From that first model to today’s stunning M 1000 RR superbike, this book covers over 100 years of motorcycling excellence. Ian Falloon’s detailed text is accompanied by historic photos from BMW’s archive as well as contemporary images. Technical specs are provided for each model, and BMW’s long racing history is discussed throughout. This revised and updated 3rd edition adds all models from 2021 to 2025, making it the most complete reference to BMW’s models available.

This comprehensive source discusses all BMW bike families including:

• Side-valve machines from the pre-WWII era
• Early overhead-valve performance bikes
• Modern Airheads and Oilheads
• Four-cylinder and six-cylinder touring bikes
• Single-cylinder models
• The latest parallel twins, and inline-four-cylinder sport bikes

In addition to BMW’s modern lineup, you’ll find all the classic models that cemented the company’s reputation—pre-World War II machines like the R5; the R12 that carried the Wehrmacht as it battled its way across Europe; the Earles-fork R69S; the R90S café racer; the K1 “flying brick”; the uber-successful GS (Gelände Sport) series that launched a dual-sport revolution, and today’s world-class S 1000 RR superbike and retro-inspired R nine T.

The Complete Book of BMW Motorcycles is the most up to date and thorough guide to Germany’s greatest motorcycle company.

Author Biography

Ian Falloon was born in New Zealand and studied engineering and music at Victoria University, Wellington. After a motorcycle accident brought an end to his career as a symphony orchestra oboist, he began writing articles about motorcycles for magazines including Classic Bike, Cycle World, Motorcyclist, Two Wheels, Motorcycle Sport, and Australian Motorcycle News. His first book, The Ducati Story, has run to several editions and has been published in three languages. The success of The Ducati Story led to a series of Ducati books and histories of Honda, Kawasaki, BMW, and Moto Guzzi motorcycles, including Motorbooks titles The Complete Book of Ducati, The Complete Book of Moto Guzzi, The Complete Book of Triumph Motorcycles, and The Art of Ducati. With an interest and passion spanning decades, Ian now concentrates on collecting and restoring older Italian motorcycles, particularly Ducati, MV Agusta, Laverda, and Moto Guzzi. He lives in Melbourne, Australia, and is ably supported in his projects by his family.