BMW Motorcycles – A Brief History

It was the Treaty of Versailles that changed the face of BMW. Up until the end of World War 1, BMW was a manufacturer of aircraft engines. Its famous blue and white circular badge, which is said to represent aircraft propellers in motion, being a reminder of the company’s past. The fact that the logo actually derives from the colours of the flag of Bavaria, and was used a good 12 years before BMW began to build aircraft engines, has done nothing to interfere with the popular myth.

When the German Air Force was disbanded and outlawed after the war, BMW had to turn its attentions elsewhere to put bread on the table. After briefly flirting with the manufacturer of agricultural machinery and even office furniture, they began building motorcycles. At that time, the chief designer was a man named Max Friz, who was responsible for the famous Boxer engines, the first of which was based on a British Douglas design.

In 1923, the R32 was born, which was to become the basis of future Boxer powered BMW’s. This  Used motorcycles the shaft drive system which would feature in all BMW motorcycles up until 1994.

BMW motorcycles were to prove invaluable in North Africa during World War 2. Not having a chain that could clog with sand, they were so successful that Harley-Davidson were requested by the US military, to copy the machine, which they duly did and produced the Harley-Davidson XA. With the German war machine insatiable for motorcycles, the company flourished during the war years, but as Germany’s fortunes declined, so did BMW’s. Its Munich factory was razed to the ground by bombing and after the war the Russians dismantled the Eisenach plant and re-assembled it in Irbit. Not only that, but the cream of their engineers were taken to Russia or the USA to work on jet engines research.

As the restriction on motorcycle production was eased, BMW had to go back to basics. None of the old plans had survived, so the engineers were forced to use pre-war motorcycles as a template for their new machines. The bike that came off the production line was the R24, which incidentally had no rear suspension. In 1949 over 9,000 R24’s were built, a figure which rose to more than 17,000 by 1950. The R68, a  Sports Bikes was introduced in 1952. This 594cc machine was to become something of a collector’s piece, as less than 1,500 were produced.

The 1950’s saw a downturn in motorcycle demand. This period saw a reduction in output from 30,000 units to less than 6,000 by 1957. By the late 50’s the vast majority of BMW motorcycles were being exported to the USA, Butler and Smith inc. having the sole distribution rights, but although American sales were strong, the company was struggling to survive. With the financial help of Herbert Quandt and the blossoming automobile division, BMW pulled through, and in 1959, cementing it’s American reputation, John Prenton rode a BMW R69 from New York to Los Angeles in 53 hours and 11 minutes, and in doing so, shaved over 22 hours off the existing record.

The R27, the last of the single cylinder models was introduced in 1967. Times were changing and the public demanded different machines, and so BMW’s were built, not with Sidecars in mind, but sporty performance. In 1970 the company introduced an entirely re-vamped range of motorcycles; the R50/5, the R60/5 and the R75/5. In 1974 the 500cc model was removed from the catalogue and replaced with a 900cc bike. In 1975 the R90S was introduced and soon earned the tag of the best ‘Supersports’ motorcycle of its day.

1977 saw the arrival of the first one litre engined motorcycles from BMW. This year also welcomed the first ‘Full Fairing’ to a BMW machine. In 1978 the R100T was thrown into the ring to compete with Honda’s Goldwing.

1986 brought the world’s first electrically adjusted windscreen on the K100LT, which at first seemed a little eccentric, but is now used on various BMW models and has in fact been copied by  Honda Motorcycles , Yamaha and Kawasaki.

It was BMW who in 1988 introduced ABS to the motorcycle world when it became standard on all their K models, the R1100S acquiring it in 1993. It is now fitted to almost all the company’s shaft driven bikes.

Despite the near demise of the company after World War 2, the company has risen to be unquestionably one of the finest motorcycle manufacturers in the world.

Want To Buy a Used Harley Davidson

If you are a motorcycle enthusiast of any kind you have probably thought about buying a Harley Davidson at some point in time. The sound, the power, the ride all seem alluring to those of us who like it on two wheels. One option when purchasing a Harley is to go with a Dirt bikes. Most Harley owners maintain their bikes better than their cars so buying into the used market is a pretty safe bet unlike other makes or brands. Harley owners have a lot of pride in their bikes.

So when you go to buy a used motorcycle and in this case a Harley here are the top things you need to consider to make it a good sale and a good ride for you.

1. One of the biggest advantages of buying a used Harley is that more than likely it will already be somewhat customized. The basic truth is that most stock bikes off the factory are not that great looking. So most Harley owners right away go and add lots of chrome, maybe a new seat, a backrest and sometimes a windshield or saddlebags.

2. Now if you bought a new bike and then went and purchased all of these nice and fancy accessories it might run you ton of bucks. Not to mention you have to have them installed or spend lots of time doing it yourself. Then you will find that many a used bike has had a custom paint job done to it which can drive the price up as well.

3. A key factor in deciding to go used is that the average Harley Davidson maintains its value well, but if you buy a brand-new bike you will find it depreciates quite a bit the first year. This is just like any new car you might buy. So now we have three good reasons why buying a used bike are a good idea for you. How about some more?

4. When checking out a used Harley over at the seller’s house or place of business you will want to give it a close look over to make sure it has not been in an accident or dropped. Some of the key things to look for when inspecting the bike are new brake or clutch grips, mirrors or foot pegs. This could be a warning sign that the bike has been dropped, since these are the first to get damaged. Man have  had that happen to me. Back in the days of my first bikes this was all too common.

5. Ask the seller in some detail why he wants to sell the bike. It never hurts to have a conversation to determine just what the motivation is for the seller. With the way the economy is today, a lot of people are selling for financial reasons. Harley owners are dedicated, but if it comes down to the House or the bike, in most cases the house payment usually wins. You can help a fellow Harley owner out by buying his bike and you will also be getting a great deal below market value. Make it a conversation and not an inquisition. Get into their love for the bike and find out if it is hardship, upgrading or what that is motivating them to sell. By being interested in their story you might even turn things in your favor when it comes time to nail down a price.

In these days of vast shopping and research options on the internet, shopping for a used Harley online is the easiest way to find a good deal. Online auctions are a good source. Be sure and read the description carefully and don’t hesitate to ask for more pictures from the seller. If you need close-ups of anything be sure and say so. Most sellers are happy to send you more photographs. If you purchased your used Harley online then you will need to arrange for shipping at a reasonable price.

It will always pay to do your research no matter whether you are looking for your bike online or across town. Be thorough, ask questions, take a test ride if you can and most of all, be diligent and honest in your transaction with the seller. Then once you get that used harley davidson bike home you can make it your pride and joy. And don’t forget the insurance and helmet if you live in a helmet law state.

All About Cheap Bikes For Sale

Bikes, as we all know it, are fun. They will always be fun, and that is the reason why they never go out of style. A certain car will lose its appeal to many customers, but that will never happen to a bike. Bikes are always going to be here for us, no matter what. Who knows? With all these oil price hike issues, bikes are all that is going to be left to us as a mode of transportation. So why not cash in on it now, and buy a bike? Not only are you helping the environment, but you are helping yourself as well. Think of all the cardiovascular exercises you will be getting from bike riding.

Different Bikes and Its Cost

There are a lot of bikes that you can choose from – from utility bikes to cruiser bikes and from tandems to folding models. Because of its many varieties, when you are choosing the kind of bike you want, choose it because it is what you need, not because it caught your fancy.

Good Dirt bikes cost a lot of money. It might be cheaper than your regular car, but it does not mean that what it will cost you next to nothing. No. Excellent-quality bikes cost money, and it will cost you about a thousand bucks. If you feel this is too much for you, then you can start looking for cheap bikes.

Where to Look for Cheap Motorcycles?

You can find a lot of these Cheap Motorcycles in the Internet. Be careful though when you buy your Cheap Motorcycles in the auction sites as there are some fraudulent sites that will only take your money. The best way to check an auction site is to read forums and reviews about it. If you buy online though, you also have to ask your seller about his return policy. What you see in the picture might not always be what you will be getting, so you have to make sure about that.

Secondhand bikes are Cheap Motorcycles, and you can also check it out. There are a lot of newspaper ads selling secondhand and Cheap Motorcycles. If the owner of the bike is near your area, you can simply visit the seller yourself and check the bike over. You should check for any rusts or corrosions. This is a good way of knowing if the Cheap Motorcycle is still in good running condition. If the Motorcycles is relatively rust-free, then it means that the seller is taking good care of it, which is a good buy.

But if you want to buy a cheap brand-Motorcycles in a store, then you have to know that the Cheap Motorcycle you are trying to purchase is just that – a Cheap Motorcycles. A Cheap Motorcycles has low-quality materials, that is why they are a lot cheaper than quality Motorcycles. Who is to say that it will not fall apart on you when you are riding it or your child when he is playing with it?

So the best way to buy a Cheap Motorcycle is to look at secondhand yet quality bikes. You are assured of its quality, and you bought it at a cheaper price than it originally was.

Have Look On Right Type of Motorcycle

So you want to buy a motorcycle? Believe it or not, you have a lot of decisions to make before you are ready to make a purchase. There are dozens of types of motorcycles on the market today, and you will need to make sure you get one that is the right fit for you.

Main Types of Road Bikes: Road bikes are the bikes you will use on paved roads. Most people who are in the market for a motorcycle will choose this type of bike. These bikes are very fuel-efficient and typically have top speeds between 100 and 125 mph. There are multiple types of road bikes you can choose from.

A sports bike is a bike that is designed for speed and handles well. It can stop and accelerate quickly and is incredibly maneuverable. These are sometimes called “crotch rockets.” They have a lightweight frame and a high performance engine. The foot pegs are typically quite high, requiring the rider to hold his legs close to the body. The rider generally has to lean forward in order to reach the hand controls.

Those who travel long distances on a regular basis or use their bikes for a long commute may wish to look for a touring model. These bikes have large screens, hold more fuel, and have more comfortable seats than other models. They are less sporty than the first two types, but are far more practical.

If you are unsure about the bike you want, head to a dealership and test-drive a few different types. You will find one that is comfortable for you. This is the type of bike you should look for once you are ready to buy.

Scooters: While you may not think of a scooter as a motorcycle, it is does fall in this category. Scooters or motor scooters typically have small wheels and engines. They do not have foot bars, but the rider’s feet sit in front of him on a platform that is part of a step-through frame. These are not designed for speed, but they are designed to be a convenient, portable means of transportation. These are becoming more and more sporty in design as they gain popularity, especially among city dwellers.

Dual-Sport Motorcycles: For those who want to enjoy off-roading with their bikes but also want their motorcycle to be a means of transportation, dual-sport bikes are probably the best option. These bikes can be legally driven on the street, but they are also built durably enough to handle riding off road. There are several types of dual-sport bikes available.

A hypermotard has a powerful engine and is equipped with road tires and rims. The rest of the bike resembles an off road bike. Supermotards are similar bikes. They are known for their good handling on concrete and fast acceleration.

Adventure-touring bikes are road bikes that can go off road on gravel and dirt paths. They are not intended for use in motorbike sports, but those who enjoy touring the outdoors and do not want to be confined to paved roads will find these a good fit.

Finding the Right Bike: Once you have determined the general style of motorcycle you want, the search begins to find the one that best fits your tastes and needs. There are many places you can go to find the perfect bike. The most obvious option is a motorcycle dealership. If you want a brand new bike, this is the only option. However, if you are shopping for a used bike, you may find that an individual owner will offer you a better price.

If you decide to buy from an individual, you need to spend some time searching motorcycle classifieds. You can find these online or in your local paper. If you want something very specific, shopping with Internet motorcycle classifieds is going to be the best option. You will have a larger base of motorcycle owners from which to choose when you shop online.

How to Find and Use a Motorcycle Trader

Maybe you have a motorcycle, but you would like to sell it in order to be able to purchase a different motorcycle that would be better suited to your current needs. Perhaps you are just looking to just buy a Used motorcycle to either use as a first bike or to add to your collection. Whatever your reason, you are looking to either sell and/or purchase a motorcycle.

And, maybe you are extremely busy and don’t have time to worry about dealing with classified ads. You can’t be bothered with searching through them or with placing an ad and dealing with any resulting phone calls. But, you don’t want to go to a dealership, either, and have to pay exorbitant prices for your bike. Luckily, though, there is a solution: you can turn to an online motorcycle trader. Even if you have never purchased anything online before, you can work through an online motorcycle trader to get the bike that you want. Here’s how to find a motorcycle trader and go through the process of finding and/or selling a motorcycle.

First of all, you need to find a reputable online motorcycle trader. Do a web search for “motorcycle trader” and look at the results that come up. Check out several of the largest motorcycle trader websites as well as any that may be near to your location. Look to make certain that they have legitimate credentials, an address (not a P.O. Box) and phone number through which they can be contacted, and user testimonials about the service. Read through the sites and then go with your gut; choose the one that seems the best to you.

On the site, there should be a clearly defined procedure for listing your bike for sale (if that is what you would like to do, of course). Make sure you follow the guideline exactly; any deviations from their rules could cause a problem for you. Do not misrepresent anything about your motorcycle. Motorcycle trader websites are successful because they offer honesty in their transactions; you need to be completely honest about your bike.

When going to the motorcycle trader website section where you list the bike that you are looking for, you should be able to both list specific models and types of new and used motorcycles and list generalities. The generalities section is there in case you do not have a specific model in mind. Perhaps you know that you want a 250cc motorcycle that is American-made, for example. The motorcycle trader can take this information and find bikes that match with this information and suggest them to you as options.

Most motorcycle traders charge for their services; using those websites is not a free service. But, given that it can save you a great deal of time in searching for a buyer for your bike, it can definitely be worth the cost. Also, because motorcycle websites have people from all over the country posting bikes for sale, you have a much greater chance of finding the bike you really want than you would if you were to restrict yourself to searching in the classifieds.

Buy Used Motorcycles

I trust that the following article will help you to better empathise this topic. There are tons of motorcycles to see and decide about especially if you want to buy used motorcycles. With these babies you truly need to know what you want and need other considered you are definitely heading for trouble. When you start your search for used motorcycles check out the diverse well known and if possible reputed motorcycle dealers.

These are the places where you will find great bargains when you decide that you want to buy used motorcycles. You can also see what the Net has in the way of secondhand motorcycle dealerships. From these you can see what the various types of used motorcycles are like and if they fit your plans. When you have chosen a few different bikes find out what the selling cost is first off. This way you can figure out if you want to spend your money on this road monster or if you want to shop around for a couple of other models like Honda electric motorcycles, Yamaha Motorcycles, Kawasaki motorcycles, Triumph motorcycles n many more. Now on the off chance that the cost of the motorcycle is what you have earmarked to buy used motorcycles then you need to go much deeper into the motorcycles various attributes.

From sounding at its engine sizing to finding out where you can take this motorcycle there are lots of items that you need to investigate. Of course if the trader or person who is marketing the motorcycles has no time or doesn’t want you to check the bike out then you should drop the matter like a hot potato. Any motorcycle that you can’t check out to see if it’s in good condition for you has lots of flaws and problems that are being hidden. Consequently spending your money to buy used motorcycles for sale that have way too many problems is ridiculous unless you want to buy used motorcycles that are of a vintage make and style.

Now when you start your investigation, first look over the tires and see if they are in good shape. Any tires that are worn out will need to be replaced mmediately. You should see if then braking mechanism and the engine are also in good working condition. To find this issue out ask if you can take a test drive. With a test drive you can get the feel of the motorcycle.

There is one important consideration that you will need to take into account before you buy used motorcycles. The matter of vehicle insurance policy and registration must be taken care of before you start riding your new motorcycle. So you will need to find out from the marketer or the owner what the condition of these items is like. You should clear this matter up before you buy any second hand motorcycles. When you want to buy used motorcycles there are many items that you will need to take into account before you can begin the joy of motorcycle riding. For this very ground take the time to select a good condition used motorcycle.

In conclusion I’d like to say thank you to you for reading this article and good luck with any issues related to to this information.