BMW Motorrad Appoints Josef Honeder New Head of Development
Honeder replaces Christof Lischka
BMW has named Josef Honeder as its new head of motorcycle develop, effective June 1. Honeder will replace Christof Lischka, who has held the role of BMW Motorrad head of Development since 2019.
Honeder is a mechanical engineer, with more than 20 years of experience in various roles within the BMW Group, including a stint from 2011 to 2013 with BMW Motorrad. Honeder's work in the past has mainly focused on powertrains and fuel supply systems, which may hint at what BMW's priorities are for the next 5-10 years.
Lischka, who BMW says is leaving at his own request, had an off-road riding background, and it was over his tenure that BMW introduced the current R 1300 GS, R 1300 GS Adventure, F 900 GS, F 900 GS Adventure, F 800 GS, and F 450 GS production models, plus a F 900 GS Rally Prototype.
Begin Press Release:
Josef Honeder appointed Head of Development at BMW Motorrad
Josef Honeder will assume the position of Head of Development at BMW Motorrad on 1 June 2026. In this role, he will be responsible for the entire technical concept, engineering, testing and further development of technologies for all new motorcycle models of the brand. A mechanical engineering graduate, Josef Honeder is a highly experienced product development expert who has held various management positions within the BMW Group for more than 20 years, including responsibilities in the areas of overall vehicle development and powertrain.
Most recently, Josef Honeder was responsible for the development of powertrain and fuel supply systems.
With his appointment as Head of Development at BMW Motorrad, Josef Honeder is returning to a field closely linked to his long-standing and profound passion for two-wheeled vehicles. From 2011 to 2013, he already held responsibility for various development scopes at BMW Motorrad.
Thanks to his extensive development expertise, Josef Honeder is the ideal choice to continue the success story of BMW Motorrad.
Markus Flasch, CEO BMW Motorrad: “BMW Motorrad has demonstrated a unique product offensive in recent years. I am very pleased that we have been able to appoint an experienced development expert in Josef Honeder, who will enrich BMW Motorrad with his comprehensive knowledge across the entire field of vehicle development.”
Josef Honeder takes over from Christof Lischka, who was responsible for BMW Motorrad in recent years and oversaw the successful launch of numerous models. Christof Lischka has left the BMW Group at his own request.
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Perhaps the Mechanical Engineer in him might get serious about putting BMW's portly machines on an intensive diet.
"Honeder is a mechanical engine, with more than 20 years of experience" Really? Is he a cyborg? If he one of the new generation AI-powered robots? C'mon, does nobody edit these articles before posting?
I'm glad to see this. I love BMW motorcycles but they have lost their spark for me. Any time I've gone to a demo day, I'm disappointed with how tame the power is delivered. The S-bikes in particular need 3rd party tunes to make them fun. All the pre-2019 bikes I rode felt fun stock. I know they say it's done for emissions but other manufacturers don't have nearly as pronounced as a power dip as the BMW. Hopefully new management can solve this issue.