1969 Why do BMW motorcycles carry an airplane insignia?

Because the BMW tradition goes back to 1916, when the Bavarian Motor Works was founded to build aircraft engines. This is the reason our famed white and blue insignia depicts whirling propeller blades. In fact, Manfred von Richthofen, the legendary Red Baron, flew a Fokker triplane powered by BMW. Since that time, we have built all our products - motorcycles, cars, marine and aircraft engines - to one standard, and one only. The best that can be built anywhere in the world. Which is why the finest motorcycle you can buy is all motorcycle except for one small detail. As for the rest, a BMW gives you quality you'll find hard to believe. For example, so precisely engineered and constructed is this machine that it vibrates less than any other motorcycle built. And that's why BMW is the one motorcycle that you can ride for hours on end without feeling fatigued. Want proof? Drop in on your dealer. When your right hand opens the gate on a BMW, you may think you're flying, at that.

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