BMW took over the production of helios motorcycles, producing their first bike in 1923 under the BMW name. the company’s first model was the BMW R 32, a motorcycle that was distinctly different to the helios and victoria bikes with respect to the crankshaft; the engine was not mounted in a transverse direction but longitudinally, in line with the direction of travel. the R 32 was presented at the berlin motor show in september 1923.
via 90 years of BMW motorrad: an evolution of the motorcycle.