BMW Motorrad Vision DC Roadster.

Munich. For more than 90 years, the 2-cylinder boxer
engine has been a key element of the BMW Motorrad identity, in both
technological and visual terms. But as the BMW Group consistently
pursues electrification, the question arises as to what a BMW
motorcycle might look like that is electrically powered? And how would
it reveal itself at first sight to be a BMW? One possible answer to
these questions is provided by the BMW Motorrad Vision DC Roadster, a
highly emotional naked bike with electric drive.

“The boxer engine is the heart of BMW Motorrad – an absolute stalwart
of its character. But BMW Motorrad stands for visionary zero-emissions
vehicle concepts, too. In view of this, one question that arises is:
what would happen if we were to replace the boxer engine with an
electric motor and the required battery? The Vision Bike shows how
we’re able to retain the identity and iconic appearance of BMW
Motorrad in distinctive form while at the same time presenting an
exciting new type of riding pleasure,” explains Edgar Heinrich, Head
of Design BMW Motorrad. “After all: anyone who’s ever tried it out in
practice knows very well that riding on two wheels is just as exciting
when its electrically powered! The high level of torque right at
set-off makes for breath taking acceleration. This almost brutal power
delivery creates a whole new experience of dynamic performance. And
the BMW Motorrad Vision DC Roadster puts a face to this experience.”

New drive, familiar appearance.

In a motorcycle, the motor is the centrepiece – it is the fundamental
element, providing the basis for the entire architecture. But
electrical drive components have completely different requirements in
terms of installation space. While in a conventional motorbike the
size of the engine is mainly determined by its capacity, it is the
battery that takes up most space in the case of an electrically
powered vehicle. The electric motor itself is relatively compact.
Starting from this new basis, the BMW Motorrad Vision DC Roadster is
able to make this transfer – retaining the iconic appearance of a
boxer while filling it with a new function. This is why the Vision
Bike is instantly recognisable as a BMW motorcycle, revealing its
electric nature on closer inspection.

Replacing what would previously have been the engine, there is now a
vertically fitted, longitudinally oriented battery. For cooling
purposes, two side elements protrude with cooling ribs and integrated
ventilators. As in the boxer engine of the BMW R 32 – the development
of which was masterminded by Max Friz in 1923 – the cooling elements
are placed in the air stream. The cylinder-shaped electric motor is
positioned underneath the battery and is directly connected to the
universal shaft. The BMW Motorrad Vision DC Roadster thus demonstrates
a clever drive architecture that visually echoes the history of BMW
Motorrad while at the same time taking it a step further.

Dynamic performance reflected in the proportions.

In the side view, the BMW Motorrad Vision DC Roadster presents a
highly dynamic gesture with clear front-wheel orientation. The low
front section and the short, high rear convey a sense of agility.
Instead of the fuel tank, a flat, finely-wrought tubular structure
spans the vehicle corpus. Its further shaping integrates the seat in a
modern form, thereby creating the flyline of a sporty roadster. The
frame structure is a key factor in defining the dynamic side view.

The large battery with its laterally protruding cooling systems is
positioned at the centre of a frame milled from aluminium. The
three-dimensional surface finish on the battery trim conveys a
contemporary aesthetic appeal with its precise contours. The cooling
elements echo the slight forward tilt of the battery silhouette,
giving the side a dynamic momentum. When starting the electric motor,
these cooling elements move out slightly, indicating that the bike is
ready to go.

High performance with a light touch.

The overall appearance of the BMW Motorrad Vision DC conveys a sense
of lightness so as to emphasise driving dynamics. Elements such as the
seat and the cooling system appear to hover around the battery. On the
frame itself, lengthwise milled grooves create a fascinating visual
effect, reducing the perceived volume and highlighting the bike’s
longitudinal dynamics. This impression is further underscored by means
of openings in the milled aluminium frame and the tubular frame
structure arranged above it. High-tech materials such as carbon fibre
and aluminium reduce the overall weight and give the BMW Motorrad
Vision DC Roadster a technical aesthetic. Meanwhile, red contrast
elements and brushed aluminium at selected points such as the battery,
frame and cool systems emphasise the bike’s innovative geometry.

High-quality details on closer inspection.

A key element of the BMW Motorrad Vision DC Roadster’s captivating
overall appeal is the elaborate finish to be found in all its details.
Within the mainly dark colour concept, it is the mechanical elements
such as the exposed universal shaft and the Duolever fork that add
striking accentuations. In this case, the two classic BMW features are
re-interpreted and elaborately showcased. In the same way, the
suggested triangular frame echoes a typical feature of earlier BMW
motorcycle models, even recapturing its white lines, which in this
instance fluoresce in the dark. The minimalist design of the front and
rear lights is an iconic implementation of the hallmark BMW Motorrad
lighting, reflecting maximum reduction in modern style. The headlamp
shows the LED daytime riding light in a dynamic, flat U shape, while
two compact LED lenses on each side provide the low and high beam.
This creates a hallmark lighting design that makes the concept vehicle
instantly recognisable as a BMW motorcycle – both during the day and
at night. The rear light consists of two C-shaped LED elements which
are integrated in the aluminium rear carrier in minimalist,
technically high-quality form. On the flanks of the tires exclusively
made by Metzeler for the Vision Bike, five fluorescent elements, each
about the size of a postage stamp, are integrated. They combine
innovative design with safety aspects: standing and moving, the
lighting elements create an exciting graphic effect. In darkness, they
increase the visibility from the side and thus providing more
security. They also convey dynamics when in motion.

Smart rider equipment.

The functional two-piece suit is not instantly recognisable as
protective clothing: it is an outfit that primarily stands as a
modern, emotional fashion statement. The light jacket with large
graphics in iridescent colouring and the casually styled black
trousers combine fashion sense with new functionalities. The
protectors are sewn in almost invisibly, while integrated technologies
enable various light functions as well as the digital connectivity of
the future. An asymmetrical rucksack vest rounds off the rider
equipment for the vision vehicle. Fixed to the jacket by means of
magnets, it provides storage space and additional functionality. The
permanent magnets means that the rucksack is quick to put on and take off.

Symbol of a new generation.

The BMW Motorrad Vision DC Roadster is a visionary symbol of the
future of BMW Motorrad with alternative drive forms. It showcases the
electrically powered driving experience in honest, authentic form, in
particular creating a new, distinctive aesthetic appeal that is still
firmly rooted in the finest BMW tradition.

 

You will find press material on BMW motorcycles and BMW Motorrad
rider equipment in the BMW Group PressClub at www.press.bmwgroup.com.

 

In case of queries please contact:

Antonia Cecchetti, Communications BMW Motorrad
Tel.: +49 89
382-60757, Antonia.Cecchetti@bmw.de

Tim Diehl-Thiele, Head of Communications BMW Motorrad
Tel.: +49
89 382 -57505, Tim.Diehl-Thiele@bmw.de

Internet: www.press.bmw.de
E-mail: presse@bmw.de

 

The BMW Group

With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW
Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and
motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services.
The BMW Group production network comprises 31 production and assembly
facilities in 15 countries; the company has a global sales network in
more than 140 countries.

In 2018, the BMW Group sold over 2,490,000 passenger vehicles and
more than 165,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the
financial year 2018 was € 9,815 billion on revenues amounting to €
97,480 billion. As of 31 December 2018, the BMW Group had a workforce
of 134,682 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term
thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established
ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain,
comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to
conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy.

 

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