BMW Motorrad has officially announced that Josef Honeder will be stepping into the role of Head of Development, effective from 1 June 2026. Taking over the reins at a pivotal time for the brand, Honeder will be the man in charge of the entire technical concept, engineering, testing, and future tech for every new motorcycle model hitting the road.
A Veteran of the BMW Group
A mechanical engineering graduate, Honeder is far from a newcomer to the Bavarian giant. He’s a heavyweight in the world of product development, having spent more than 20 years climbing the ranks in various management positions within the BMW Group.
His CV is impressive, to say the least, with past responsibilities covering:
- Overall vehicle development.
- Powertrain engineering.
- Development of fuel supply systems (his most recent focus).
A Return to Two-Wheeled Passion
For Josef Honeder, this isn’t just a promotion; it’s a homecoming. He’s famously passionate about bikes and previously spent time at BMW Motorrad between 2011 and 2013, where he looked after several different development scopes. This move puts him right back in the thick of the industry he loves, armed with decades of technical expertise.
Continuing the Success Story
Honeder steps into the shoes of Christof Lischka, who has been the driving force behind BMW Motorrad’s development in recent years. Lischka is credited with overseeing the successful launch of a huge range of bikes before deciding to leave the BMW Group at his own request.
Markus Flasch, CEO of BMW Motorrad, is clearly excited about the change. He noted that the brand has been on a “unique product offensive” lately and believes Honeder is the perfect choice to keep that momentum going. Flasch highlighted that Honeder’s “comprehensive knowledge across the entire field of vehicle development” will be a massive asset to the team.
With a deep background in powertrain and vehicle engineering, it’s safe to say the future of BMW’s motorcycle lineup is in very capable hands. Riders can expect the brand’s tradition of engineering excellence to continue under this new leadership.
