BMW’s first production motorcycle, introduced at the 1923 Berlin Motor Show, was the BMW R32.
Designed by Max Friz, the R32 established several engineering features that became closely associated with BMW motorcycles. It used a 494 cc flat-twin boxer engine, shaft drive, and a tubular steel frame. The cylinders projected sideways, helping cooling and giving the motorcycle its distinctive appearance.
The R32 was not BMW’s first involvement with engines: the company had previously built aircraft engines and motorcycle engines for other manufacturers. Its importance is that it was BMW’s first complete motorcycle sold under its own name.
The R32 should not be confused with the later R37, which introduced a more highly tuned engine and was aimed at sporting use. Production of the R32 continued until 1926.