BMW Vision Next 100 Bike Concept
BMW today released the fourth and final concept of
its Vision Next 100 series which represents a progressive solution for the
world of motorcycling.
The new BMW Motorrad Vision Next 100 was revealed at
an exhibition in Los Angeles, joining the previous concepts from BMW, Mini and
Rolls Royce. The new concept envisions a future of biking in a connected world,
where motorcycling is more about escaping the everyday routine and less of a
mean of transportation.
One of the highlights of BMW’s futuristic bike is
that the rider no longer needs to wear a helmet and a padded suit in order to
ride it, thanks to the motorcycle’s so-called Self-Balancing mechanism. This
tech keep the bike balanced both while in motion and while stationary,
preventing it from tipping over. Thanks to this assistance, all riders of any
level of skill can keep pushing over their personal limits for an even more
exciting ride.
Another highlight is the black frame triangle, a
clear nod to BMW’s first ever motorcycle, the 1923 R32. On the Vision 100
concept, it has been reinterpreted in order to form a functional sculpture,
linking the two wheels together and making the frame appear as a single piece.
Despite adopting the dynamic appearance of a naked
bike, the Motorrad Vision 100 features some clever arrangement of surfaces in
order to protect the rider from wind and weather as effectively as a full
fairing. In addition, the steering system is frame-assisted which means that
when the rider turns the steering wheel, it adjusts the entire frame in order
to change direction. The so-called Flexframe is also adjustable, allowing a
light steering at standstill and a more rigid one at higher speeds.
The powertrain was designed to mimic the style of
the traditional BMW boxer engine but it’s actually just a case for the
zero-emissions drive unit. It also changes its shape, extending outwards when
the bike sets off to enhance aerodynamics and protect the rider ‘from the
elements’.
The bike and rider are always connected via a
special visor, essentially a pair of special glasses showing relevant data,
like ideal riding lines and banking angles among others. And instead of the
usual protective clothing which is rendered useless by the bike’s safety
systems, BMW created a unique airy suit for the rider, which warms or cools him
or her and inflates the neck section for extra support and comfort.
