For more than 90 years, the boxer engine has been a technical and visual hallmark of the BMW Motorrad brand. Now that the BMW Group is unswervingly advancing the electrification process, how will the appearance of the BMW electric motorcycle uphold its iconic BMW design? The BMW Motorrad Vision DC Roadster concept car with electric drive and a highly innovative and streamlined design may provide the answer.
“The horizontally opposed boxer engine is the core of BMW Motorrad and an essential element in its design. However, BMW Motorrad also needs to focus on the future and implement the design concept of zero-emission vehicles. For this reason, BMW Motorrad raises such a question: If using What about an electric motor and a battery instead of a boxer engine?” said Edgar Heinrich, BMW Motorrad Design Director: “This motorcycle concept shows us how we can maintain the iconic look of the BMW Motorrad brand. At the same time, it still brings exciting new electric riding fun. The outstanding high torque produces amazing acceleration, and the excellent power brings high-level dynamic performance. The BMW Motorrad Vision DC Roadster concept car will give a vision of the future riding experience A new definition.”
New drive unit, classic BMW Motorrad exterior design
At the heart of the BMW Motorrad Vision DC Roadster concept car is the electric motor – the central component that forms the entire infrastructure. However, the installation space requirements of electric drive components are very different from those of conventional internal combustion engines. The engine size of a traditional motorcycle is mainly determined by the displacement, while on an electric motorcycle, the battery takes up a lot of space, and the size of the electric motor itself is relatively compact. Based on this, the BMW Motorrad Vision DC Roadster has undergone design changes. While retaining the classic appearance of a horizontally opposed boxer engine motorcycle, it incorporates innovative electric drive functions. Therefore, this concept motorcycle not only has the classic appearance of BMW motorcycles, but also is an out-and-out electric model.
Where the original engine would have been, the battery pack is now vertically mounted lengthwise. To dissipate heat, cooling fins and integrated ventilation protrude from the sides. Like the BMW R 32, the first model of BMW Motorrad designed by Max Friz in 1923, the cooling components were placed on both sides of the engine for better airflow.
A cylinder-shaped electric motor sits below the battery and connects directly to the drive shaft. Therefore, the ingenious drive architecture of the BMW Motorrad Vision DC Roadster maintains the tradition of BMW Motorrad shaft drives in appearance, while at the same time realizing the innovation of electric motor drives.
Lightweight performance
Viewed from the side, the BMW Motorrad Vision DC Roadster has a particularly dynamic body stance. The slightly lower front combined with the short and high rear makes it very flexible. A finely forged, flattened tubular structure runs the length of the body and replaces the conventional fuel tank design. The modern seat design outlines the lines similar to a sports car. Innovative frame construction plays a vital role in shaping the dynamic side profile.
A large battery pack sits in the center of the aluminum frame, along with cooling systems protruding from the sides. The three-dimensional surface decoration of the battery pack combines with precise contours for a modern aesthetic. The heat dissipation system tilts the side of the battery slightly forward, so that the entire side body is ready to go. When the motor is turned on, these heat sinks spread out slightly, indicating that the motorcycle is ready to go.
The overall appearance of the BMW Motorrad Vision DC is light, but it shows strong performance. Components such as the seats and cooling system appear to be suspended around the battery pack. Longitudinal grooves in the frame create an attractive visual effect and make the body look even lighter. This impression is further reinforced by the cutouts on the aluminum frame and the tubular frame construction. The use of high-tech materials such as carbon fiber and aluminum effectively reduces the weight of the vehicle and gives the BMW Motorrad Vision DC Roadster a technological appearance.
High-quality detail control
One of the key elements that makes the BMW Motorrad Vision DC Roadster’s attractive exterior design is the carefully crafted details. The main body of the car body is dark, and mechanical parts such as exposed cardan shafts and double-bar front forks are particularly eye-catching. Two classic BMW design features have thus been reinterpreted and beautifully presented. The triangular frame also inherits the early classic design of BMW Motorrad, and the white lines stand out against the dark background. The simple design of the front and rear lights is also a new interpretation of the classic BMW Motorrad lights, achieving maximum simplification in a modern style. The headlights contain dynamic, flat U-shaped LED daytime running lights, and two small LED lenses on the left and right sides are responsible for providing high and low beam lighting. Whether it is day or night, this classic headlight design makes its concept car identity clear at a glance. The taillight is composed of two C-shaped LED lights integrated in the aluminum rear, with a simple shape and a full sense of technology. The well-known German tire manufacturer Metzeler specially designed and manufactured the tire sidewall for the BMW concept motorcycle. There are five postage stamp-sized fluorescent decorations, which combine innovative design and safety: these fluorescent decorations can form a Eye-catching graphics. In the dark, they enhance side visibility for increased safety, while also bringing out the motorcycle’s powerful dynamics while riding.
Smart Rider Gear
At first glance, the two-piece gear looks less like a cycling jersey and more like a set of quality smart wear. A lightweight jacket with a large iridescent graphic and black slacks are both stylish and innovative. The protective gear is almost invisible. Through the integration of various technologies, the connection between the lighting function and the future digital interconnection function is realized. Additionally, the rider kit includes an asymmetrical canvas vest that attaches to the jacket via magnets for increased storage and functionality. The magnet design makes the combination and separation of the vest and jacket very convenient.
Create a new era
The BMW Motorrad Vision DC Roadster offers a glimpse into the future of the BMW Motorrad brand in its electric drive form. It expresses the electric riding experience in its purest form, creating an innovative and unique exterior design that is still deeply rooted in BMW tradition, while bringing a refreshing electric riding pleasure.
