BMW is an abbreviation for Bayerisch Motoren Werke ag, the Bavarian motor company. It was founded in 1916 as an aircraft engine manufacturer.  It ceased after the war.

It was created from the Gustav Otto Aircraft Factory of Nikolaus Otto, son of Gustav Otto, the inventor of the Otto-Motor, registered on 16 March 1916. This date is usually given as the date of foundation in official company historiography. When Castiglioni took over, BFW became BMW, and the company formerly known as BMW became Südbremse, now known as Knorr-Bremse.

One year after the name change, in 1923, Max Friz and Martin Stolle developed the first motorcycle, the R32, thus starting a new branch of production, the manufacture of motorcycles. Friz needed just five weeks to develop the model. His basic principle has been retained to this day: the boxer engine and its integration with the gearbox.

From 1924, aircraft engines were again produced. 

After all this history, let us now turn to our museum piece, the BMW C1  200

In the beginning, a motorcycle with a roof might have seemed like a strange creature, and for a long time the market didn’t know where to put the product. However, its practicality was quickly realised when it wasn’t soaking wet on the roads. You could use it in all four seasons, it had many advantages, but its pricing was scandalously expensive at the time, in the early 2000s you could buy a smaller car for that price. a 125cc scooter with a dome roof was a steep price. Not to mention the fact that it However, it does compensate for the fact that you can get out of the vehicle dry in any rain, at any speed. Those who are prepared and want to use it in winter can buy a Tucan with knee warmers or a handbag.

It’s probably the only bike in the world with a wiper and even a window washer nozzle.  The wind protection is superbly done by BMW’s aerodynamic engineers, with excellent locking at the foot and upper body. It’s comfortable to drive even in temperatures around zero degrees Celsius.

Importantly, our model has exceptional safety parameters, a priority for users who don’t necessarily live in the adrenaline fumes of the motorcycling world. They just want an efficient urban tool. It’s full of passive safety extras.  Even in a side impact, it delivered the survival percentages you’d expect from a small car. Both the side roll cushion and the passenger compartment design prevent a serious crash in a fall. A forward collision-absorbing zone has also been designed. A four-point seat belt and ABS braking system also look after us when in use.

It was a real marketing message that you can drive without a helmet.  

 In fact, it’s really only safe to do so. In the beginning it can be strange to scoot around without a helmet. 

In conclusion, with today’s high oil and parking prices, this model could be an attractive alternative for city commuting, even for those who are wary of riding.