Prof Burkard Göschel joined BMW engine development in 1978 and was head of ‘motorcycle development' from 1989 to 1992, during which he set the course for the future of BMW's motorcycle division with the new four -valve boxer and the F 650. After heading the Special Models series and assuming responsibility for ‘complete vehicle development', he became a member of the board of management of BMW AG for development and purchasing in March 2000. He left BMW at the end of 2006, having played a lead role in the brand's MotoGP prototype.
In 2000, development of the MotoGP bike began at
