The futuristic Vision Next 100 concept bike just made it’s official debut as part of BMW’s yearlong centennial celebration. This hot new motorcycle is the very last in a yearlong series of concept vehicles that were unveiled for the brand’s anniversary, starting with the cutting-edge BMW Vision 100 concept car, that was first introduced in March of this year. According to BMW Motorrad, motorcyclists of the future will have no need for protective gear, a helmet, or even experience riding. Just imagine a motorcycle that would be so safe all you would need are the keys.
The designers of this bike say that in spite of the Motorrad Vision Next 100 utilizing a plethora of avant-garde technology, the true objective is to offer the rider a sense of simplicity and straightforwardness. The Head of Design for BMW Motorrad, Edgar Heinrich said, “Motorcycling is for the soul. We want to give customers the same experience that people had in the early days of motorcycle riding.”
The rider of this sleek-looking bike has no need for protective gear as the Motorrad Vision Next 100 concept prevents any accident before it even happens. The Head of Design for the entire BMW brand, Adrian van Hooydonk said “We (referring to the people at BMW) imagine that through technology, we can avoid accidents in different ways than [by] covering the driver.” One of these ways is by using a self-balancing system that employs gyroscopes to keep the bike straight-up through difficult on the road situations, it also helps to keep it up when you come to a stop or when parked. One more way is by using the bike’s accompanying visor, which serves as a virtual representation of your surroundings, as it displays the ideal riding line upon the road. Hooydonk said, “this provides beginners with feedback on their progress, as well as challenges experienced riders.” This jaw-dropping concept bike’s matching suit is very breathable and extremely lightweight, with additional support in vital areas around the body as to lower exhaustion. Heinrich also adds, that the future of protective gear for riders “will be more of a fashion statement.”
The Vision Next 100 concept bike’s black triangular structure and white lines honor BMW’s first production bike, the striking R32 that was released in the 1920’s-1930’s. The bike substituted a front fork and traditional suspension in exchange for a flex frame that’s connected precisely towards the front wheel. And this let the designers create new steering movements. To improve aerodynamics, a fabric-like fairing adjusts it’s shape depending on speed and the steering angle of the bike.
Even though the BMW Motorrad Vision Next 100 concept is only theoretical at the moment, Heinrich says some of the technology may even appear in future bikes. Heinrich also added that “We love to do these kind of exercises. If you ask the customer, ‘What do you want? [They will say] more speed, more comfort, and more horsepower. But, this is not what drives visionary things. We like to look at the future. [This bike] looks beyond what we usually do. Usually we look four, five, six years into the future. This is like 30 years, which is crazy.”
For more information on BMW’s Motorcycles visit: bmwmotorcycles.com
