In 1923, you bought your gas from the pharmacy. Penicillin was still years from being discovered. And a German aircraft manufacturer would launch a product that would change the trajectory of the company for the next 100 years.
A lot has happened since BMW built their first motorcycle—the iconic BMW R32. But a lot has stayed the same, too. The German marque still builds boxer motors, their nomenclature hasn’t changed much, and every BMW motorcycle still has a pair of roundels adorning it.
Something else that’s become a BMW staple is the annual BMW Motorrad Days festival. First established in 2002, Motorrad Days is a celebration of the brand that attracts enthusiasts from all over the world, with an estimated 37,000 attendees at this year’s special centennial edition in Berlin. We’ve been to Motorrad Days a couple of times—and although it’s a brand-specific affair, it’s always a good time.
Eager to spread the love to the other side of the pond, BMW followed this year’s event up with the first ever BMW Motorrad Days Americas. Hosted by BMW Motorrad USA and held in conjunction with the Barber Vintage Festival in Birmingham, Alabama, the event paid homage to the brand’s history while looking to its future.
In attendance was Udo Gietl, the man responsible for taking BMW from a company largely focused on touring to the winners of the inaugural AMA Superbike Championship. The stunning Butler and Smith R90S piloted by Reg Pridomore was on display too.
On Saturday, BMW owners could take to Barber’s 3.83 km [2.38 mile] track in an exclusive opportunity that saw vintage and modern BMWs parade the track together. Udo’s son Eric donned his leathers and let the R90S stretch its legs.
Peter Nettesheim of the Nettesheim Museum was there too. Based in Huntington, New York, the Nettesheim Museum may have the largest private collection of BMW Motorcycles in the world.
Peter, who provided several bikes to be displayed, also proved that his bikes aren’t just nice to look at. He and his daughter, Kate, took to the track on Vintage BMWs, iterating that motorcycling is a family affair.
Austin-based Revival Cycles also made the trip to BMW Motorrad Days Americas, and hosted a ‘ride-in’ custom bike show for BMWs. The winner of the show was offered an invitation to display their bike at the popular Handbuilt Show in the spring.
For those whose tastes skew towards modern machinery, BMW brought the newly-released R1300GS to ogle at. The 1,300 cc boxer was well-received, with hoards of onlookers circling the stage like vultures, waiting for the reveal. The ‘Proving Ground’ demo area provided an opportunity to test a smorgasbord of new bikes—including an off-road section for anyone looking to try out the ever-popular GS range.
Various R nineT and R18 models represented the heritage range—including the new R18 Roctane and a slew of aftermarket accessories for it. To ensure variety, BMW also brought the cheeky CE02 electric scooter.
If circling the track behind a pace car left you unsatisfied, BMW ambassador and Professional racer Nate Kern was on site for Kern Track Days in the days following the Barber fest.
With over 20 years of experience as a racer and BMW tester, Nate knows how to get the most out of his equipment and skills, and wants to share that knowledge with anyone that will listen; a true ambassador of the sport. (He also fields a rather spicy BMW R nineT in Moto America’s Super Hooligan series.)
As part of the Barber Vintage Festival, Motorrad Days spilled over into the prestigious Barber Museum too. Elsewhere, a pinstripe artist showed off his skills, kids ripped pushbikes around a special course, and police riders tackled a technical gymkhana. Motorcycles, food, drink and entertainment; there was more than enough to go around.
While there has been no confirmation of a 2024 event, we’re optimistic. If you’re a fan of the brand, taking a pilgrimage to Motorrad Days, either in Germany or America, is a requirement. And if you aren’t currently on a BMW, maybe leave your wallet at home.
Images courtesy of, and with thanks to, BMW Motorrad USA
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