BMW has used its #NEXTGen event to unveil the Vision
DC Roadster. Designed to preview what future electric motorcycles could look like,
the Vision DC Roadster is a stylish sport bike which uses lightweight materials
such a carbon fiber and aluminum.
While the engine is typically the highlight of a
motorcycle, it’s been replaced by a large battery pack which features metallic
cooling ribs and two fans which are mounted on the sides of the bike. Designers
also created a three-dimensional surround for the battery pack and this helps
to make it look more interesting than the battery used on the Harley-Davidson
LiveWire.
Under the battery is a cylinder-shaped electric
motor which sends power to the rear wheel via an exposed universal shaft. While
the company didn’t mention performance specifications, BMW Motorrad’s Head of
Design, Edgar Heinrich, said the electric motor delivers a “high level of
torque right at set-off” and this “makes for breathtaking acceleration.” He
went on to say “This almost brutal power delivery creates a whole new
experience of dynamic performance.”
Besides the electric powertrain, the bike has a
milled aluminum frame, brushed aluminum accents and a minimalist digital
instrument cluster. There’s also a stylish seat with integrated LED brake
lights. Speaking of lights, the concept has a distinctive U-shaped LED
daytime running light. The model also has two compact LEDs that function as the
high and low beams.
The lighting technology doesn’t end there as the
bike has special Metzeler tires which feature five integrated fluorescent
elements which are each about the size of a postage stamp. Besides highlighting
the bike’s motion, they improve safety as fluorescent elements make the
motorcycle easier to see at night.
