| When most people hear the company name | | | | among it's members. |
| BMW, they usually associate it immediately with | | | | Aside from the high levels of speed and overall |
| the high end automobiles that the company is well | | | | performance of it's cars and motorcycles, |
| known for. Often they picture sleek sports cars | | | | however, BMW machines are also well known for |
| and luxury sedans that epitomize an ideal blend | | | | one other thing. Sheer durability. BMWs are some |
| between safety and high speed performance. | | | | of the toughest vehicles around, and their |
| What most people don't know, however, is that | | | | motorcycles also bear this same stamp of |
| BMW had it's beginnings in 1923 not with cars, but | | | | durability. Despite looking like racing bikes, which in |
| with motorcycle production. To this day, BMW | | | | the mind of most people means that a bike is |
| constantly comes out with new models of | | | | delicate and can only function at top specs on a |
| motorcycles employing cutting edge technology. | | | | race track, BMW bikes have actually seen action |
| Their racing teams see constant action in the | | | | in quite a number of off-road and all-weather |
| international racing circuits, and win quite a number | | | | competitions. |
| of these races with regularity. | | | | The only drawback perhaps to the BMW is it's |
| As a matter of fact, some BMW racing teams | | | | price tag, which tends to be higher than the |
| like to show off the specs of their machines by | | | | average motorcycle. However, most BMW |
| beating modified motorcycles from other groups, | | | | owners feel that the price is a worthwhile trade |
| but they do so using only stock motorcycles that | | | | off for all the perks of the bike. As a matter of |
| can be bought straight off the showroom floor by | | | | fact, it's price and quality have made owning a |
| regular people. This impressive fact stands out | | | | BMW a status symbol. |
| and is something to bear in mind if you're | | | | The price actually works to the advantage of |
| considering buying a motorcycle. | | | | some of the more knowledgeable motorcycle |
| BMW has enjoyed such a high level of popularity | | | | enthusiasts, who have made a livelihood out of |
| that almost every country in the world has | | | | restoring BMWs or selling them to collectors. |
| exclusive BMW motorcycle clubs for racers, | | | | Because of the popularity and prestige of BMW, |
| owners, and enthusiasts. These clubs promote the | | | | older model beemer bikes have become vintage |
| popularity of BMW motorcycles by holding races, | | | | units that can fetch a hefty price with the right |
| rallies, showroom events, and regular meetings | | | | people. |