In 1929, BMW surprised the motorcycle world with two 750 cc models in a completely new frame: the BMW R 11 and the BMW R 16. The soldered tubular frame that had been commonly used up to that point was replaced by a torsion-resistant pressed steel design. The new BMW R 11 touring model was powered by the engine of the predecessor BMW R 62. Five series were created during the course of the five-year production run and numerous improvements in details were designed into the motorcycles. They were mainly distinguished by modifications to the drive-shaft brake and the engine.