Join BMW Motorrad as We Say Goodbye to Ola Stenegard

BMW Motorrad is saying goodbye the legendary bike designer Ola Stenegard as he leaves BMW Motorrad. Not only was he a friend, he was the Head of Vehicle Design at BMW Motorrad. While leading the product design team, he was a critical part of the designing the motorcycle line. One of his most important recent contributions was the BMW R nineT, the incredible new heritage line of motorcycles.

Stenegard trained in Southern California, absorbing the area’s rubber-meets-the-road culture and continued to return regularly to visit shops including Roland Sands Designs in Los Alamitos. At Southern California Motorcycle Dealers, we’re sad to see Stenegard go. We were grateful to have a local connection to the BMW Motorrad mothership and to enjoy the Southern California culture he injected into the R nineT.

Who is Ola Stenegard?

As a small boy in Sweden, Ola Stenegard spent a lot of time with his older brother who held a love for hot rods and choppers. This created a passion to design and customize American V-twins. By 7, he was already welding, chopping and customizing bikes and mopeds on his own.

When he turned 15, Stenegard won first place in a Stockholm motorcycle show by displaying a moped that he modified into an Arlen Ness-inspired chopper. From there, he continued to customize countless other bikes, while paying close attention to American V-twins.

In 2003, Stenegard joined the ranks of BMW Motorrad and became one of our most influential designers ever. What made him a true asset to the field was his love for understanding the market as well as riding. His creativity helped BMW launch the R nineT.

A look back on Stenegard’s trip to Southern California reminds us of the local heroes who attained worldwide status. During his trips, he met with Roland Sands who is famous for his custom designs and his work with BMW. Among other locals he spent time with is the legendary Michael Woolaway who customizes BMW bikes for the Hollywood elite.

These Bikes are Waiting for You

The perfect way to honor Ola Stenegard’s time with BMW is to test ride a BMW motorcycle in Southern California. Southern California BMW Motorcycles is the leader in high-quality, mind-blowing bikes for every taste. Check out all the BMW motorcycles in Southern California and prepare to head out this spring on your new bike.