Admin Posted December 17, 2022 Share Posted December 17, 2022 BMW Motorrad introduced two models celebrating 100 years since the brand’s first motorcycle. (BMW Motorrad/) In December of 1922, BMW chief designer Max Friz put pen to paper and sketched out what would become BMW’s very first full-scale motorcycle model. When it hit the production line the very next year, the R 32 featured an air-cooled 494cc boxer engine and, in breaking with conventional practices of the time, was designed completely around that twin-cylinder powerplant. And you can still trace that bike’s highlights—an opposed twin-cylinder engine, a manual gearbox bolted directly to the engine, and a shaft-drive powertrain—directly to current day BMW motorcycles with opposed-twin engines. One hundred years later, naturally, BMW Motorrad is celebrating the big anniversary with the release of two special-edition models from its Heritage group, the R nineT 100 Years roadster and the R 18 100 Years cruiser. Both get special-edition trim, details, and parts to commemorate the party, and both are limited to just 1923 units each (matching the year in which Motorrad was founded). The R nineT 100 Years special edition will be available in limited numbers starting in the early part of 2023. (BMW Motorrad/) The 100th anniversary bikes are distinguished primarily with a good dose of chromium surfaces, a nod back to the 1920s when the material was in common use on motorcycles. Like those bikes of yore, the new BMWs feature painted chrome surfaces as well—a process that’s incredibly involved in this day and age due to differences in paint formulation (which gets applied in multiple layers) as well as the extensive chrome prep required. The metal tanks on both anniversary models feature this new paint-on chrome process, called Classic Chrome, and the liberal use of Option 719 parts throughout also confers limited-edition status to these special bikes, which vary in application across the two models. Related: 2021 BMW R 18 First Ride The R nineT 100 Years’ painted black and chrome tank, framed by double pinstripes and complemented by knee pads. (BMW Motorrad/) The R nineT 100 Years, for example, celebrates the interplay between paint and chrome via its black and chrome tank, which in turn is framed by white double pinstripes and further complemented by knee pads along with a prominent 100 Years badge. You’ll also find a black painted front wheel cover and a two-tone seat distinguished by a classy black and oxblood red color scheme. Added components on the R nineT 100 include the Option 719 Classic wheels and Option 719 Shadow milled parts for the cylinder head covers, levers, footrests, and more. The special-edition R nineT also receives adaptive turning lights as well as the Comfort Package, which includes amenities like heated grips, Driving Modes Pro, and cruise control. A two-tone black/red seat with backrest caps the R nineT 100 Years’ special features list. (BMW Motorrad/) Beneath the special graphics and details, however, the R nineT 100 remains unchanged, bringing the standard issue 1,170cc air/oil-cooled boxer engine good for a claimed 109 hp and 85.5 lb.-ft. torque paired with a six-speed transmission and enhanced by stability, traction, and braking control features. BMW has said the R nineT 100 Years model will be priced at $19,995 when it hits the market in the first quarter of 2023. The Big Boxer engine, a Classic Chrome and Black treatment with pinstripes, and a two-tone Option 719 solo seat distinguishes the BMW R 18 100 Years. (BMW Motorrad/) Moving on to the R 18 100 Years cruiser, you’ll definitely pick up an air of exclusivity, but there’s still no getting around that hulking 91 hp Big Boxer engine. In its special-edition iteration, the R 18 100 also features the unique paint-on chrome treatment, with a combination of chrome and black paintwork framed by double pinstripes and accented with a 100 Years badge; the rear wheel cover also sees a painted treatment with double pinstripes, while the side covers are doused in black. Black also adorns the engine, transmission housing, and rear axle drive. Adding some needed pop to the machine is the inclusion of an Option 719 solo seat with its readily distinguished black and oxblood red color scheme. Related: EICMA 2012: BMW R-32 The painted chrome work on the 100 Years models requires extensive preparation along with a complicated application process. A chunky chrome piece serves as an ID badge. (BMW Motorrad/) But not all the shiny stuff gets painted on the R 18 100—there’s plenty of regular, untreated chromium from the Chrome design collection on full view, like gearshift and foot brake levers, handlebar clamps, mirrors, cylinder head covers, and more. Perhaps the coolest detail, though, is inside the chromed Akrapovič mufflers, which get a neat stylized treatment of the BMW propeller roundel, albeit in a perforated version. On the practical side, you’ll also get the Headlight Pro feature with adaptive turning light, electronic reverse, cruise control, and heated grips with the R 18 100 edition. The R 18 100 Years will have an MSRP of $18,990 when it’s launched in the first quarter of 2023. On the inside of the R 18 100’s chromed Akrapovič mufflers lurks this cool 3D rendition of the BMW propeller roundel. (BMW Motorrad/) The bike that started it all—the 1923 BMW R 32, seen here at EICMA. 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