“The BMW
Motorrad VISION NEXT 100 embodies the BMW Group’s vision
of biking in a connected world – an analogue experience
in a digital age. Motorcycling is about escaping from
the everyday: the moment you straddle your bike, you are
absolutely free. Your bike is The Great Escape,” says
Edgar Heinrich, Head of Design at BMW Motorrad,
outlining the core principles underlying his brand’s
Vision Vehicle.
The BMW
Motorrad VISION NEXT 100 stands for the ultimate riding
experience. Liberated from the need to wear a helmet and
protective clothing, the rider is able to enjoy the
forces. Acceleration, wind and nature as in touch with
the surrounding world, savouring every moment. The
design of the BMW Motorrad VISION NEXT 100 represents
the essence of the motorcycle: the perfect synthesis
between human and machine. Every detail is of the
highest quality and the design incorporates all the most
striking visual aspects of BMW Motorrad bikes across the
ages. These elements, however, have a contemporary
twist, both visually and in terms of function.
The
iconic elements in the BMW Motorrad VISION NEXT 100 make
it immediately recognisable as a “genuine BMW” and
include the black frame triangle, white lines and
classic, boxer engine forms. The bike itself, however,
is powered by a zero-emissions solution.
The BMW
Motorrad VISION NEXT 100 unites the past of the BMW
Motorrad brand with its future and is a powerful
expression of both.
The frame triangle – a classic icon reinvented
The black
frame triangle of the BMW Motorrad VISION NEXT 100 is a
deliberate reference to the first ever BMW motorcycle,
the R32, made in 1923. On the vision bike, however, it
has been reinterpreted to form a functional sculpture
linking the front and rear wheels with a dynamic sweep.
Bearings and joints are nowhere to be seen; instead the
frame appears as a single, integrated whole.
Viewed
from the side, the frame of the BMW Motorrad VISION NEXT
100 lends it the character of a naked bike, with
ergonomics to match and a seat in the roadster position.
The clever arrangement of surfaces protects the rider
from wind and weather as effectively as a full fairing.
The surface of the frame is covered in matt black
textile, its silky sheen and fine lines highlighting the
characteristic forms and representing a contemporary
reinterpretation of this classic BMW detail. The BMW
logo is optimally displayed on the dark frame. It is
illuminated in the familiar blue and white colours while
driving.
Flexframe – frame-assisted steering
The
Flexframe appears as a single, integrated whole that
extends from the front to the rear wheel of the BMW
Motorrad VISION NEXT 100. Being flexible, it allows the
bike to be steered without the various joints found on
today’s motorcycles. Turning the handlebar adjusts the
entire frame, changing the direction of the bike. The
amount of strength needed to steer depends on the
situation: at standstill, the Flexframe allows a light
steering whereas at higher speeds it remains very rigid.
Powertrain – inspired by the BMW boxer engine
In the
middle of the triangle frame sits a style feature and
historical reminder: the power unit. Designed and
created in the image of the traditional BMW boxer
engine, it actually consists of a zero-emissions drive
unit. Its outward appearance changes depending on the
circumstances: when the bike is resting, the power unit
is compact, extending outwards only when the bike sets
off, to enhance aerodynamics and protect the rider from
the elements. Its polished aluminium finish confirms the
superior quality of this component.
Minimalist form, maximum quality of details
The
slender-looking BMW Motorrad VISION NEXT 100 clearly
expresses its qualities as a riding machine. The front
is minimalist in design and enhanced with high-quality
details. Integrated into the frame above the front wheel
is a large metal reflector incorporating the two
vertically positioned, U-shaped elements that make up
the daytime running light. It also acts as a wind
deflector and, in combination with the small, integrated
windshield, helps to optimise the air flows.
Body
elements such as the seat, upper frame cover and wings
are made of carbon.
Beneath
the seat shell, two fine, red, illuminated strips form
the rear light and indicators – picking up on the
typical double-C form of the rear lights on today’s BMW
Motorrad bikes – but with a new, futuristic twist.
Damping
is provided by the tyres, whose variable tread actively
adjusts to suit ground conditions and ensure the best
possible grip in any situation.
Analogue elements in the digital age
Overall,
displays, cables and buttons are a rare sight on the BMW
Motorrad VISION NEXT 100. But amid the clear forms of
its front is one element that immediately stands out: a
red rocker-switch on the right-hand end of the
handlebar. This obviously mechanical element blocks or
releases the throttle grip and is a homage to the
analogue days of original biking.
The hand
levers with their outward-facing joints are also a
reminder of days gone by.
BMW Motorrad VISION NEXT 100:
What kind of world will be home to the motorcycle of the
future?
“Normally, when we develop a motorcycle, we tend to
think 5 to 10 years in advance. On this occasion, we
looked much further ahead and found the experience
especially exciting. There are some very attractive
prospects. I firmly believe the BMW Motorrad VISION NEXT
100 sets out a coherent future scenario for the BMW
Motorrad brand,” explains Edgar Heinrich.
When
designing the BMW Motorrad VISION NEXT 100, the team was
thinking decades in advance. In tomorrow’s world,
connectivity and digitalisation will be
all-encompassing. Most vehicles will be driverless, and
life will be organised largely by digital services. More
and more of the world’s population will be living in
urban areas.
Digital technologies for an analogue experience
Building
on the benefits of the digital world, the BMW Motorrad
VISION NEXT 100 takes the analogue riding experience to
a completely new level. The unique sensation of freedom
is made possible by intelligent connectivity between
rider, bike and the outside world – a combination that
also allows the prediction of critical situations on the
roads. In conjunction with the active assistance
systems, these connected elements help keep riders of
the BMW Motorrad VISION NEXT 100 in complete control of
their ride. As well as anticipating what lies ahead and
alerting the user when action is needed, they offer
active rider protection and will consign the helmets and
body protectors of today to the history books.
“Self-balancing” – active, intelligent assistant systems
In
certain situations, the active assistance systems of the
future will also enhance stability and safety by
automatically balancing the motorcycle, both out on the
road and when stationary. Novice riders will benefit
from additional guidance in all riding situations and
from a bike that will never tip over.
The BMW
Motorrad VISION NEXT 100 rights itself while even
stationary, remaining upright when the rider has
dismounted. The balancing systems also work out on the
road to ensure a particularly agile and dynamic riding
experience with even lighter handling, which seasoned
riders will appreciate, and all the benefits of
assistance systems to enhance their capabilities even
further. The BMW Motorrad VISION NEXT 100 helps every
biker become more proficient and enjoy an even more
positive riding experience. Every trip becomes a journey
of freedom, from beginning to end.
The Digital Companion – Connected. Ubiquitous. Discreet.
When
combined, the BMW Motorrad VISION NEXT 100 bike and the
special rider’s gear that has been designed to accompany
it form a single functional unit: a Digital Companion
that provides the situational information and active
support the rider needs. But because biking is
essentially about the experience, the Digital Companion
remains in the background: though constantly active, it
works away unnoticed until required to issue an alert
via the user interface or provide active assistance, for
instance. Unless the rider or circumstances require it,
the Digital Companion remains silent.
“A key
point with the BMW Motorrad VISION NEXT 100 was to make
sure the constant digital presence doesn’t undermine the
analogue riding experience. The display and operating
concept works so subtly that the rider can enjoy an
entirely natural biking experience, trusting the bike
completely and enjoying complete freedom and ease. As
interface designers, our job is to deliver the right
amount of the right information at the best possible
time and place,” explains Holger Hampf, Head of User
Experience at the BMW Group.
The visor – the right information at the right time
Information exchanges between rider and bike take place
largely via the visor. This essentially consists of a
pair of data glasses that extends across the wearer’s
entire field of vision. As well as providing wind
protection, it shows relevant data in one of four
designated display areas. These are controlled by the
rider’s eye movements: looking up or down changes the
content that appears, and looking straight ahead
switches the information off completely, leaving the
rider to focus even more fully on biking experience.
Information is only projected onto the visor on request,
or to alert the rider to the fact that action is needed.
“The bike
has the full range of connected data from its
surroundings and a set of intelligent systems working in
the background, so it knows exactly what lies ahead. By
collating the data it has gathered, it can suggest ideal
lines and banking angles, or warn riders of hazards
ahead,” Hampf continues. When suggesting lines and
angles, the Digital Companion appears in the lower third
of the field of view, represented by an upturned
triangle from which two horizontal lines extend
outwards. Like the display in an aeroplane cockpit, this
symbol indicates the current banking angle and ideal
lines. If the bike’s current position does not match
what is suggested, the rider can correct it as
necessary. If he or she responds too late or not at all,
the bike will correct itself. The Digital Companion’s
advice not only helps novices to learn more about what
they and their bikes can do. It also supports
experienced riders by allowing them to challenge
themselves and continuously improve their skills.
Looking
upwards activates the rear-view function in the visor,
allowing the rider to see what is going on on the road
behind. Lowering the eyes to normal levels opens a menu
from which the rider can select an option by pointing a
finger. Looking further down opens the map view showing
the rider’s chosen route.
Smart. Active. Flexible – rider’s equipment
The
rider’s gear accompanying the BMW Motorrad VISION NEXT
100 is integral to the unique overall experience. In
classic black and white, the airy suit enhances the
sense of freedom and is both fashion statement and
weather-wear. Depending on conditions, it warms or cools
the user. While the diagonal zipper across the chest is
reminiscent of traditional motorcycle clothing, the
flexible, banded structure of the suit and shoes is
inspired by the muscle areas of the human body and
provides body support and relief whenever needed.
At higher
speeds, the neck section inflates to provide extra
support for the upper vertebrae and improve overall
comfort. Variable openings offer additional ventilation.
Unlike present-day suits, however, the futuristic outfit
for riders of the BMW Motorrad VISION NEXT 100 offers no
safety features, because the bike’s intelligent
assistance systems make them superfluous. Instead,
sensors in the suit keep track of the wearer’s pulse
rate and body temperature and provide the right level of
heat or cold. The suit also delivers navigation
instructions via the vibrating elements in the arms and
legs, and alerts the rider when the banking angle is
becoming critical. Rider and machine form a single
functional unit to offer a more intense riding
experience than ever before. Edgar Heinrich sums up:
“The BMW Motorrad VISION NEXT 100 unites the best of
both worlds – digital and analogue – for the ultimate
emotional experience: The Great Escape.”
Any corrections or more information on these motorcycles will be kindly appreciated.