BMW motorrad concept roadster envisions the future of boxer engines

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