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