The first telescopic fork
The notion "sheer driving pleasure" means more than comfortable travelling. It stands for agility and at the same time, for safety. The R 12 and R 17 motorcycles are the first in the world to have hydraulic suspension telescopic forks.
Formula One Champion: the Brabham BMW BT52.
1980 sees the beginning of development work on the BMW M12/13 Formula One turbine engine. Used for the first time in 1982, this engine is quick to show its prowess. A mere 630 days after this race debut, a Brabham BMW BT52 helps Nelson Piquet power his way to the Formula One world title.
World records on BMW motorcycles.
Ernst Henne sets the two-wheeler world record in 1929, reaching a speed of 216 km/h. But just one year later he surpasses this as well: 221.539 km/h. Competing for the honours with English and Italian drivers, he repeatedly sets new world records over the next few year.