BMW is not some run of the mill company. It has one of the most prestigious history books and for nearly a century, they have been making impeccable products that beam innovation and technological acumen. Started as an aircraft engine manufacturer, BMW started manufacturing two wheelers in 1923 with the R32 that made use of the iconic flat-twin boxer configuration engine.
100 years down the line, BMW Motorrad still uses this boxer engine to power the finest of the finest motorcycles. To commemorate this heritage, BMW has offered us a sneak at how its next 100 years is going to be by showcasing the BMW Motorrad Vision Next 100 at the “Iconic Impulses. The BMW Group Future Experience” exhibition in Los Angeles.
After giving us saliva bubbles with its vision of the future through the MINI, Rolls-Royce and the BMW concepts, BMW now gives us BMW Motorrad Vision Next 100, a motorcycle that is a completely radical concept of the traditional machine on two wheels today. Almost like being officiated at the altar of Utopia, this is “the essence of motorcycling and a symbol of the ultimate riding experience of the future” according to Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design.
DESIGN
It will completely liberate you from the need to wear a helmet or protective gear. I know most of you would chuck one eyebrow at this and question its idiocracy, but don't forget that this is the future we are talking about. A future where the motorcycle is not running in a dangerous world filled with idiots but in a world that has no dearth for technology that keeps us safe from such dumbness.
Then you get a singular frame that integrates all the pieces together from the front wheel all the way to the rear. Evoking the R32 itself, the carbon fibre / textile frame seems like it follows the wheels. Like witchcraft being performed, the frame aka ‘Flexframe', will steer the bike by adjusting and flexing itself. Most importantly, the body will be flexible during low speed manoeuvres and stiffen itself for that high speed hankering.
Outfront, you will find minimalistic form and maximum quality of details. A U-shaped element is integrated into the frame which acts as daytime running LEDs'. The same also acts as a wind deflector and with additions of a few small bits and pieces, will turn into a windshield to help optimise air flow.
Like a heads-up display, you will get every information right into your data glass that extends across the rider's entire field of vision and also gives you wind protection; for your eyes only though. This visor will be connected to the ‘Digital Companion' which will provide you information of the whole universe within your sight. It will provide the rider situation information such as the weather, terrain and motorcycle health and support the rider with having the most important info right under his nose, rather above his nose. All of which can be controlled by the rider's eyebrow and eye movements. What kind of wizardry is this ?
RIDE
The ergonomics and seat position are set up just like on any BMW roadster. Body components like the seat, the upper frame cover and the front-wheel cover are, by obvious, made out of carbon-fibre and the twin red light fixtures below the saddle are the tail-light cluster.
You will also get a self-balancing motorcycle that makes the side stand become mundane and mute. It promises to enhance stability of the motorcycle when on the move too and balances the bike when in stationary. We think it makes use of a gyroscope to do this magic. Even when the rider unmounts the motorcycle, it will remain upright and always provide a positive feel for the rider.
Moving this extravagant piece of machinery move is yet another extravagant piece of rubber technology that can actively adjust its three-dimensional patterns to accommodate changing road conditions for the maximum grip and safety. This will totally make any suspension units feel like a waste in existence.
Quashing all forms of riding protective gears of today will be the intelligent and multi-functional riding suit that can constantly monitor the rider's physical conditions. Micro-openings in the suit provide better ventilation and special vibrating pads will alert the rider of critical navigation clicks.
POWERTRAIN
To suit its pompous figure, the powertrain on this monumental figure is made out of a legend inspired by the history of the company. In the middle of everything happening on the motorcycle is the historical reminder of what greats used to move on: a traditional looking zero-emission drive unit. The metal plates move around this power house depending on the circumstances. These ornaments extends outwards while on the move, providing the rider from elements and to enhance the aerodynamics of the already chiselled celestial being. Exuberating polished aluminium in this area highlights the high quality vibe of the motorcycle
CONCLUSION
This concept is a literal meaning of ‘blow your mind' level. With no official statements about its production, availability or costs, it is half a century early to say anything much about these.
Experiencing the environment with all your senses will be a more literal meaning with this than what it already is with the helmet and your (now feeling) cheap riding gear. This makes a fashion statement instead of a heavy, bulky and hard boulders.
This is what motorcycling in the distant future will look like. Thinking that it can even come now is just plain stupid. It will crash and burn before even it travel a mile. It is meant for a time when everything urban will be organised by digital services like proximity sensors, guided by infra-red modules, satellites, radar, lasers and technology that has still not been envisioned in the brains of anybody.
This beam of notion is not just a motorcycle, but is a diverse form of interconnected bundle of time, technology, innovation, emotions, sugar, spice and everything nice.