Engine types[edit]

There are four lines of BMW motorcycles:

 F & G series singles

 F series twins
 R series
 K series
The series differ primarily in the class of engine that each uses.

F and G series singles[edit]

The F Series of single-cylinder BMW motorcycles was first launched in 1994, as
the F650, and was built by Aprilia around a carbureted 650 cc four-stroke, four-valve,
single-piston engine, and chain drive. The mission for the F 650 was to provide an
entry-level BMW motorcycle. In 2000, the F650 was redesigned, now with fuel
injection, and labeled the F650GS. An off-road focused F650 Dakar model was also
launched that year. 2002 saw the addition of the F650CS 'Scarver' motorcycle to the
line up. The Scarver was different from the F650GS variants in that it utilized a belt
drive system opposed to a chain, had a much lower seat height, and was intended
for on-road use. All F650 motorcycles produced from 2000 to 2007 used a 652 cc
engine built in Austria by Rotax and were built by BMW in Berlin.

In late 2006, the G series of offroad biased bikes motorcycles was launched using
the same 652 cc engine fitted to the F650GS, although that engine is no longer
manufactured by Rotax. The latest version of the 652 cc single engine fitted in the
new G650GS is now produced in Berlin after 2 years production in Loncin, China.

In November 2007, the G450X sport enduro motorcycle was launched using a
450 cc single-cylinder engine. The G450X contained several technological
improvements over the Japanese off-road racing motorcycles but the most unusual
and significant was the use of a single pivot point for the drive sprocket and the
swing arm. This unusual configuration allowed for a very tense drive chain with no
slop and eliminated acceleration squat. The former benefit saves on chain and
sprocket wear and the latter allows for a more consistent drive geometry and fully
available rear suspension travel during heavy acceleration.