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.
Ian Falloon was born in New Zealand and studied engineering and music at Victoria University, Wellington. He is one of the world’s leading motorcycle historians and a regular contributor to motorcycle magazines worldwide including Classic Bike, Cycle World, Two Wheels, Motorcycle Sport, and Australian Motorcycle News. Ian has authored more than fifty books to date, from his first title, The Ducati Story, through histories of BMW, Honda, Kawasaki, and Moto Guzzi. His Motorbooks titles include The Complete Book of BMW Motorcycles, The Complete Book of Ducati, The Complete Book of Moto Guzzi, The Complete Book of Classic and Modern Triumph Motorcycles, and The Art of Ducati. With an interest and passion spanning decades, Ian also collects and restores older motorcycles, including Ducati, MV Agusta, BMW, Laverda, and Moto Guzzi. He lives in Melbourne, Australia, and is supported in his projects by his family.
