BMW Motorrad on June 25, 2019, unveiled the Vision DC Roadster concept. The bike is based on an all-electric powertrain and is BMW’ vision as to what the electric bike they would offer could b be like. The two-cylinder boxer engine has been around for over 90 years now and it has been a major identifying factor for BMW bikes. That being said, BMW is also a proponent of electric mobility and zero emissions and have come up with the Vision DC Roadster concept as what could be a worthy successor to the boxer.
In terms of design the concept is aggressively styled and has all cues to distinguish it as a naked roadster. The vertically fitted, longitudinally oriented battery is at the centre and the two cooling ribs on either side of the battery make the set seem reminiscent to that of the boxer engine found on the BMW R32. The cylindrical shaped motor is placed under the battery and is directly connected to the universal shaft which has exposed bits. The bike also uses Duolever forks that give the front wheel a clean and minimal look.
The U-shaped headlamp houses the daytime running lamps and two LED’s on each side which make up the high and low beam. The rear has two C-shaped Led Lamps that are integrated in the rear aluminium carrier. The design approach taken while designing this concept has clearly been minimalism while retaining certain key aspects that distinguish it as a BMW. Tyres for the bike have been designed in partnership with Metzeler.
Apart from this BMW Motorrad has designed rider equipment keeping fashion and safety in mind. This equipment series consists of a two piece riding suit with stitched in armour, and a rucksack vest which offers some storage space and is magnetised and allows for the rider to put it on and take it off quickly.
Talking about the concept, Edgar Heinrich, head of design BMW Motorrad said “The boxer engine is the heart of BMW Motorrad – an absolute stalwart of its character. But BMW Motorrad stands for visionary zero-emissions vehicle concepts, too. In view of this, one question that arises is: what would happen if we were to replace the boxer engine with an electric motor and the required battery? The Vision Bike shows how we’re able to retain the identity and iconic appearance of BMW Motorrad in distinctive form while at the same time presenting an exciting new type. After all: anyone who’s ever tried it out in practice knows very well that riding on two wheels is just as exciting when its electrically powered! The high level of torque right at set-off makes for breath-taking acceleration. This almost brutal power delivery creates a whole new experience of dynamic performance. And the BMW Motorrad Vision DC Roadster puts a face to this experience.”
BMW Motorrad has not released any specs as to what capacity battery or what motors will be used but it is nice to see the company adopting the electric future.
Words by Karan Ramgopal