First BMW Motorcycle fully built by BMW

1923 R32-first BMW Motorcycle completely built by BMW

The 1923 BMW R32 motorcycle was a 500 cc cycle designed by Max Friz. Earlier models created by the company, including the Flink (148 cc) and the Helios (500 cc), were chain driven. BMW even experimented with a belt driven cycle before determining that shaft-drive was the most effective and reliable way to power a motorcycle.

In later years and with advances in technology the BMW F650GS was released with chain drive and the F800 with belt drive.