David Robb (motorcycling)

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David Robb
Born
Employer(s) Chrysler, Audi, BMW, BMW Motorrad
Known forChief designer of BMW Motorrad, 19932012

David Robb, born 1956 in Boston, Massachusetts, USA, is a vehicle designer best known for his work as chief designer at BMW Motorrad, BMW's motorcycle division, from 1993 to 2012. [1] [2] [3]

Robb was trained in design at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California. After graduating he worked for Chrysler in the US, and Audi in Germany, before joining BMW's car division in 1984. [4]

At BMW Motorrad Robb was responsible for designing, or led the design of the K1200RS sport bike, the R1200 which is a cruiser; the C1, which is an enclosed scooter; the K1200R, a powerful naked bike; the F800S, F800ST, F800R, and F800GS, all of which share the same 800 cc parallel-twin engine; the R1200GS, a dual-sport motorcycle which is BMW Motorrad's best selling model, and the S1000RR sport bike which is sold as a road bike and is also raced in the Superbike World Championship.

Personal life

Robb grew up in Kobe, Japan, where his father was a missionary. Robb's brother Doug is lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist for the American rock band Hoobastank, [2] and his brother Tom has worked as a bodyguard for Metallica. [2]

Related Research Articles

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BMW's motorcycle history began in 1921 when the company commenced manufacturing engines for other companies. BMW's own motorcycles—sold under the BMW Motorrad brand—began in 1923 with the BMW R 32, which was powered by a flat-twin engine. Production of motorcycles with flat-twin engines continues to this day, however BMW has also produced many models with other types of engines.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">BMW R1200RT</span> Type of motorcycle

The BMW R1200RT is a touring or sport touring motorcycle that was manufactured from 2005 to 2019 by BMW Motorrad to replace the R1150RT model. It features a 1,170 cc (71 cu in) flat-twin engine with a six-speed gearbox and shaft drive.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">BMW R1200C</span> Type of motorcycle

The BMW R1200C was a cruiser motorcycle made by BMW Motorrad from 1997 to 2004. BMW manufactured 40,218 units, including a smaller engine version, the R850C, which was produced from 1997 to 2000.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">BMW R1200GS</span> Type of motorcycle

The BMW R1200GS and R1200GS Adventure ("R1200GSA") are motorcycles manufactured in Berlin, Germany by BMW Motorrad, part of the BMW group. It is one of the BMW GS family of dual sport motorcycles. Both motorcycles have a 1,170 cc (71 cu in), two-cylinder boxer engine with four valves per cylinder. The Adventure has a large-capacity fuel tank and long travel suspension. As of 2012, BMW's R1200GS bikes are their top-selling models.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">BMW R1150GS</span> BMW motorcycle

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">MZ 1000S</span> Parallel twin motorcycle

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">BMW F650CS</span> Type of motorcycle

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">BMW S1000RR</span> Sport bike

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">BMW F series single-cylinder</span> Type of motorcycle

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">BMW K1600</span> Type of motorcycle

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Triumph Tiger 800</span> Model of motorcycle

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">BMW G650GS</span> Type of motorcycle

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Glynn Kerr is a British-born motorcycle designer residing in California, who has specialised in motorcycle design for over thirty years. He has written for Bike India, Kicxstart (Netherlands), Motorcycle Consumer News (USA), Solo Moto Trienta (Spain), and Two Wheels (Australia). In 1981, Kerr undertook a BA Hons Degree in Industrial Design (Transport) in Coventry University. His designs have appeared on models by manufacturers BMW, Ducati, Honda, Triumph, Aprilia, Harley-Davidson, Kymco, Voxan, Kawasaki, Midual, Fisher and Bajaj.

Edgar Heinrich is a German automobile designer and motorcycle designer. He began his career at BMW Motorrad as head of vehicle design (motorcycles) from 1986 to 2009, responsible for visual design of the R1150GS and R1200GS, The K1200R and K1200S, and head of the S1000RR sportbike design team. At Bajaj Auto from 2009 to 2012, he was vice president of product development, responsible for both automotive and motorcycle design, including the Pulsar 200NS.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">BMW R1100RS</span> Sport-touring motorcycle

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">BMW R1100S</span> Type of motorcycle

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">BMW R1200S</span> Type of motorcycle

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">BMW G 310 R</span> Standard motorcycle

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References

  1. Ash, Kevin (January 30, 2012). "Legendary design chief leaves BMW". Motor Cycle News . Retrieved July 15, 2012.
  2. 1 2 3 "David Robb leaves BMW". Visordown. January 30, 2012. Retrieved July 15, 2012.
  3. Madson, Bart (January 30, 2012). "Running on Fumes". Motorcycle USA. Archived from the original on February 1, 2014. Retrieved July 15, 2012.
  4. Brown, Roland (April 29, 2010). "Top 10 Most Powerful People in Motorcycling". Visordown. Retrieved July 15, 2012.