With funding from the German air force, BMW began manufacturing the Fokker DV II, one of the best aircraft of that time. However the fortune of the company turned in 1919 with the end of WWI and the signing of the Treaty of Versailles. Germany was forbidden to manufacture aeroplanes. Reluctantly Max Friz, BMW's head designer, turned to motorcycle and automobile engines to sustain the company. Within four weeks, Friz designed the now-legendary opposing flat twin cylinder engine known today as the "boxer" engine.













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The first 'boxer' engine, M2B15, was based on a British Douglas design. It was manufactured by BMW but used in other brands of motorcycles, notably Victoria of Nuremburg. The M2B15 proved to be moderately successful. However with the development of the first light alloy cylinder head, a second more successful version of the boxer engine evolved. In 1923, the first BMW motorcycle, the R32, was produced. Using the new aluminum alloy cylinders, Friz designed a 486cc engine with 8.5 hp (6.3 kW) and a top speed of 60 mph (100 km/h). The engine and gear box formed a single unit. The new engine featured a recirculating wet-sump oiling system which was very advanced for 1923. Most motorcycle manufacturers used a total-loss oiling system in 1923. BMW used this type of recirculating oiling system until 1969, showing the advanced design of the times.


















































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