When you think of BMW today, images of sleek cars and high-tech motorcycles probably come to mind. But rewind to 1923, and you’ll find a very different BMW—one that was just taking its first bold steps into the world of two wheels. The story of the BMW R32 isn’t just about a motorcycle; it’s about innovation born from necessity, and the birth of a legacy that still shapes the brand a century later.
BMW’s roots are in the sky. Founded in 1916, the company initially built aircraft engines. But after World War I, the Treaty of Versailles forced BMW to pivot away from aviation. The solution? Motorcycles. At first, BMW supplied engines to other manufacturers, but it wasn’t long before they decided to build a machine of their own .
Enter Max Friz, BMW’s brilliant engineer. Tasked with creating a motorcycle that would carry the BMW name, Friz didn’t just want to make another bike—he wanted to make something better. His assessment of the existing Helios motorcycle (which used a BMW engine) was blunt: it was so flawed, he joked it should be dumped in a lake. Instead, he set out to design a new machine from the ground up .
The result was the BMW R32, unveiled at the 1923 Paris Motorcycle Salon. It was an instant sensation. The R32 was powered by a 494cc flat-twin (boxer) engine, mounted transversely so that the cylinders stuck out into the wind. This wasn’t just for show—the design kept the engine cool and balanced, and it allowed for a direct shaft drive to the rear wheel, eliminating the need for messy chains or belts .
The engine produced 8.5 horsepower, enough to push the R32 to a top speed of 95 km/h (about 59 mph). That might not sound like much today, but in the early 1920s, it was impressive—especially for a bike that weighed just 269 pounds. The R32’s low center of gravity and large 26-inch wheels made it surprisingly agile and easy to ride, even on the rough roads of the era .
What really set the R32 apart were its innovations. Most motorcycles of the time used a “total-loss” oiling system, where oil was simply burned off or discarded. The R32, however, featured a recirculating wet-sump oiling system, making it cleaner and more reliable. The engine and valve timing system were fully enclosed, another rarity that boosted reliability and ease of maintenance .
The frame was a closed twin-loop tubular steel design, giving the bike strength and rigidity. Up front, the R32 used a cantilever plate spring for suspension, while the rear was rigid—a common setup at the time. The three-speed gearbox was operated by hand, and the bike only had a rear brake at first; a front drum brake was added in 1925 .
The R32 wasn’t just a technical marvel—it was a commercial success, too. Nearly 3,000 units were sold in just three years. More importantly, the R32 established the boxer engine and shaft drive as BMW hallmarks, a tradition that continues in their motorcycles to this day .
Today, the R32 is a collector’s dream. Only about 60 are believed to survive, and when one comes up for auction, it can fetch over $200,000. The R32’s DNA lives on in modern BMWs like the R18, which still use the iconic boxer engine and shaft drive layout .
The 1923 BMW R32 is more than just the first BMW motorcycle—it’s the blueprint for everything that followed. Its clever engineering, reliability, and distinctive style set the tone for a century of innovation. Every time you see a BMW boxer twin cruising down the road, you’re witnessing the legacy of the R32 in motion.
So next time you hear the unmistakable thrum of a BMW boxer engine, remember: it all started with a leap of faith, a bit of necessity, and a motorcycle that dared to be different.