BMW is not some run of the mill company. It has one of the most prestigious history books, and for nearly a century, they have been making impeccable products that beam innovation and technological acumen. Started as an aircraft engine manufacturer, BMW started manufacturing two-wheelers in 1923 with the R32 that made use of the iconic flat-twin boxer configuration engine.

100 years down the line, BMW Motorrad still uses this boxer engine to power the finest of the finest motorcycles. To commemorate this heritage, BMW has offered us a sneak at how its next 100 years is going to be by showcasing the BMW Motorrad Vision Next 100 at the “Iconic Impulses. The BMW Group Future Experience” exhibition in Los Angeles.

After giving us saliva bubbles with its vision of the future through the MINI, Rolls-Royce and the BMW concepts, BMW now gives us the BMW Motorrad Vision Next 100, a motorcycle that is an entirely radical concept of the traditional machine on two wheels today. Almost like being officiated at the altar of Utopia, this is “the essence of motorcycling and a symbol of the ultimate riding experience of the future” according to Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design.

DESIGN

It will completely liberate you from the need to wear a helmet or protective gear. I know most of you would chuck one eyebrow at this and question its idiocracy, but don’t forget that this is the future we are talking about. A future where the motorcycle is not running in a dangerous world filled with idiots but in a world where technology keeps us safe from such dumbness.

Then you get a singular frame that integrates all the pieces together from the front wheel all the way to the rear. Evoking the R32 itself, the carbon fiber/textile frame seems like it follows the wheels. Like witchcraft being performed, the frame aka ‘Flexframe’, will steer the bike by adjusting and flexing itself. Most importantly, the body will be flexible during low-speed maneuvers and stiffen itself for that high speed hankering.

Out front, you will find minimalistic form and maximum quality of details. A U-shaped element is integrated into the frame which acts as daytime running LEDs’. The same also serves as a wind deflector and with additions of a few small bits and pieces, will turn into a windshield to help optimize air flow.

Like a heads-up display, you will get every information right into your data glass that extends across the rider’s entire field of vision and also gives you wind protection; for your eyes only though. This visor will be connected to the ‘Digital Companion’ which will provide you information of the whole universe within your sight. It will provide the rider situation information such as the weather, terrain and motorcycle health. All of which can be controlled by the rider’s eyebrow and eye movements. What kind of wizardry is this ?

RIDE

The ergonomics and seat position are set up just like on any BMW roadster. Body components like the seat, the upper frame cover and the front-wheel cover are, by obvious, made out of carbon-fiber and the twin red light fixtures below the saddle are the tail-light cluster.

You will also get a self-balancing motorcycle that makes the side stand become mundane and mute. It promises to enhance the stability of the motorcycle when on the move too and balances the bike when in stationery. We think it makes use of a gyroscope to do this magic. Even when the rider unmounts the motorcycle, it will remain upright and always provide a positive feel for the rider.

Moving this extravagant piece of machinery move is yet another extravagant piece of rubber technology that can actively adjust its three-dimensional patterns to accommodate changing road conditions for the maximum grip and safety. This will totally make any suspension units feel like a waste in existence.

Quashing all forms of riding protective gears of today will be the intelligent and multi-functional riding suit that can constantly monitor the rider’s physical conditions. Micro-openings in the suit provide better ventilation, and specialized vibrating pads will alert the rider of critical navigation clicks that can help the rider stay concentrated throughout the ride.

POWERTRAIN

To suit its pompous figure, the powertrain on this monumental figure is made out of a legend inspired by the history of the company. In the middle of everything happening on the motorcycle is the historical reminder of what the greats used to move on: a traditional looking zero-emission drive unit.

Fitted in a traditional Boxer setup, the electric drive unit has metal plates move around this powerhouse depending on the circumstances. These ornaments extend outwards while on the move, providing the rider protection from elements, and to enhance the aerodynamics of the already chiseled celestial being. Exuberating polished aluminum in this area highlights the high-quality vibe of the motorcycle

CONCLUSION

This is what motorcycling in the distant future will look like. Thinking that it can even come now is just plain stupid. It will crash and burn before even it travel a mile. It is meant for a time when everything urban will be organized by digital services like proximity sensors, guided by infra-red modules, satellites, radar, lasers and technology that has still not been envisioned in the brains of anybody.

This concept is a literal meaning of ‘blow your mind’ level. With no official statements about its production, availability or costs, it is half a century early to say anything much about this concept. In the next century, BMW hopes that experiencing the environment with all your senses will be a more literal meaning than what it already is with the helmet and your (now feeling) cheap riding gear. This makes a fashion statement instead of being in a heavy, bulky and hard boulders feeling.

This beam of notion is not just a motorcycle, but is a diverse form of an interconnected bundle of time, technology, innovation, emotions, sugar, spice and everything nice.