BMW motorrad concept roadster envisions future of boxer engines
all images courtesy BMW group
in 2013, BMW motorrad unveiled the concept ninety, a collaboration with american expert custom bike builder and road racer roland sands, that envisioned a re-interpretation of the 1973 R 90 S. during the occasion of concorso d’eleganza villa d’este 2014 at lake como, the german luxury brand previewed the future of boxer-powered engines once again, in the form of the ‘BMW concept roadster’.
typical of a bimmer roadster, the one-off bike features a tuned two-cylinder 1,170cc boxer engine, single-sided swing arm with cardan drive and a light tubular space frame. in its latest generation, it generates 123 horsepower at 7,750 rpm with a maximum 92 lb-ft of torque.
proportions with a low front and high rear form a wedge-shaped silhouette around the mid-point of the concept bike
split coloring makes for a visual separation of the dark engine area below and the light seating area above with the fuel tank and rear section. the dark bottom section moves concept roadster visually closer to the road surface, meanwhile the lighter upper section conveys lightness and a low center of gravity.
fork tubes, rear shock absorbers and brakes are elegantly set apart by their anodized color-scheme
a flattened full LED headlamp shapes the distinctive ‘face’ of the motorcycle
in addition to a steep tailpipe for the exhaust system, the concept boasts aluminum lateral air intakes
the sculptural fuel tank, seat and radiator have been designed in sparkling light white
the engine spoiler performs to enhance aerodynamics – the seat visually references those in motor racing
edgar heinrich, head of BMW motorrad design with the concept roadster
the valve covers are influenced by the knee pads from racing suits
the aluminum lateral air intakes highlight milling marks from the CNC process
the concept roadster utilizes alcantara leather for the seat
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I agree with Leo. And this is a really nice piece of design. I love the lines. BMW has a way to with curves and forms that sets them apart from other companies. I sure wouldn’t mind having that bike.
JimCan I’m not too sure what you think is ugly about it. You could make the argument that everyone is entitled to their own opinion in which you would be correct but that same argument entails that all things are beautiful as one persons junk is another mans treasure. I find this to be stunning. the bike has a really good design too it that isn’t found in most other bikes thus making it unique and which is a rare commodity in this ever commonizing world we live in.
Keep up the good work BMW I’m sure the bike will sell like gourmet meals in a starving town.
Everything is pretty much child-approved-ugly ..except the exhaust. I bet it blows a beautiful note.
Jim