BMW, short for Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, known as the Bavarian Motorcycle Factory, is a multinational company based in Germany specializing in the production of automobiles and motorcycles. Renowned not only for its coveted car models but also for its powerful and distinctive two-wheeled vehicles bearing the BMW logo.
BMW is widely recognized as a manufacturer of luxury automobiles, but the German brand also boasts an impressive lineup of high-performance motorcycles. Here are five of the fastest motorcycles ever produced by BMW in its 101 years of business operations.
Top 5 Fastest BMW Motorcycles Ever Built
1. BMW Type 255 Kompressor
Shortly after manufacturing its first motorcycle, BMW engineers began researching a product that could compete in the prestigious Isle of Man motorcycle races. In the mid-1930s, the RS 255 Kompressor became a championship-winning motorcycle, triumphing in races for Georg Meier and Walter Zeller.
Equipped with the Zoller supercharger, the Kompressor’s 492.6cc engine delivered a maximum output of 80 horsepower, though it was often tuned for races to ensure reliability. Initial BMW racers found the Kompressor challenging to handle, prompting the addition of a rear suspension system in 1937 to address most of these issues. As a result, Meier claimed the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy in 1939 aboard the Kompressor.
The BMW Type 255 Kompressor boasted a top speed of 225 km/h, an impressive figure for its time, and was produced until 1939 when World War II disrupted much of Germany’s industrial production.
2. BMW S1000RR
Introduced by BMW in 2009, the S1000RR was designed to compete in competitive racing circuits, including the World Superbike Championship. Initially marketed as a racing model, BMW needed to sell 1,000 units to consumers for the bike to qualify for World Superbike competition.
The consumer version launched in 2009 with a 193-horsepower engine, traction control, and anti-lock braking system. The latest 2024 model features a 205-horsepower engine capable of reaching a maximum speed of 302 km/h. To harness this power, the S1000RR comes equipped with advanced electronic safety features, including traction control and brake assist.
3. BMW R90S
In the early 1970s, BMW’s reputation in the motorcycle industry had declined significantly, with sales dropping to around 10,000 units per year at its peak.
The introduction of the R90S quickly reversed this trend with its high-torque 900cc engine and high compression ratio. The R90S reached a top speed of 200 km/h and immediately found success on the racetrack, securing first and second positions in its debut Superbike race. It remained in production until 1976 before being replaced by the R100S.
4. BMW HP4 Race
Few motorcycles from any manufacturer can match the pure speed and power of BMW’s HP4 Race. This sleek motorcycle utilizes a carbon fiber and titanium structure to keep weight at 146 kg and features a 999cc four-cylinder engine producing 215 horsepower, capable of propelling the BMW HP4 Race to an insane speed of nearly 305 km/h.
Designed primarily for the racetrack, BMW engineers aimed to create a machine that was both sophisticated and powerful. Only 750 units of the HP4 Race were produced.
5. BMW K1600GTL
BMW’s grand touring motorcycle, the K1600GTL, was first introduced in 2011 with a 6-cylinder, 1,649cc engine. This engine is even larger than some car engines and continues to be produced to this day. The 2024 model’s engine generates 160 horsepower and 132.7 pound-feet of torque, capable of propelling this heavy bike, weighing around 360 kg, to a top speed of over 193 km/h.
Riders on the pillion seat will enjoy a comfortable throne with high backrest and armrests, and they can opt for newer models with modern accessories like BMW’s GPS Navigator, keyless ignition, and central locking system.
Greg Drevenstedt of Rider magazine had the opportunity to ride the K1600GTL in a long-distance road test and was impressed by the comfort, luxurious features, and performance of the bike. He shared, “The quick connection between the right grip and the rear wheel, along with the ‘roar’ from the exhaust pipes resembling artillery shells, can provide an exhilarating riding experience for speed enthusiasts.”
