1923-26 BMW R32
Above: Here, above, is the 500cc, side-valve, BMW R32 that started BMW's long history of building some of the world's finest motorcycles! The distinguished and lucky man above is the rider of a brand new BMW R32, ca. 1925.
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. BMW started producing its first motorcycle engine in 1922 for Victoria Motorcycles, and this engine was designed by Max Friz in Nuremberg. Because BMW was successful with its motorcycle engine production, Max Friz suggested that BMW to enter motorcycle industry. BMW agreed and Max Friz designed a revision of his first BMW motorcycle, with his BMW Boxer engine, which was named the Helios and was built in 1922. It had suspension problems so it did not sell well.
The R32 became the foundation for all furture boxer powered BMW motorcycles. BMW oriented the boxer engine with the cylinder heads sticking out on each side for superior cooling. Other motorcycle manufacturers aligned the cylinders with the frame as V-twins, one cylinder facing toward the front wheel and the other, troubled by receiving hot air from the front cylinder, toward the rear wheel. For example, Harley-Davidison introduced the model W, a flat twin orientated fore and aft design, in 1919 and built them through 1923.
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