What does the "R" stand for?

[dwyer12180]

A friend asked what the R stands for in R100, R1200GS, etc.

I know it is German for something to do with the horizontally opposed engine, but I forget (if I never knew). Can someone fill me in??

Thanks --- Scott
1973 R75/5 Toaster

[osceola]

I think it originally stood for "Rad", which means motorcycle in German. Though the "R" has morphed into standing for 2 cylinder boxer motorcycles.

[DarrylRi]

It does stand for Rad, but rad literally means wheel. It happens to be the second half of Motorrad (motorcycle), however, and that's where the connection to motorcycles comes from. A Fahrrad ("drive wheel") is a bicycle, and Rad can also be used for that, but BMW doesn't generally make bicycles (I know they have sold some in the past).

[lkchris]

Well, it originally stood for "rad" or "motorrad" but today it stands for boxer twin.

In contrast to F and K, obviously.

[35634]

wouldn't that be "RRRRRroxer rwin?"