BMW has just unveiled its Concept Roadster at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este on the shores of Lake Como. This picturesque tourist town on the Italian Riviera plays host to some of the world’s most exotic vehicle unveilings, which is hardly surprising considering that its residents comprise of some of the wealthiest automotive enthusiasts in the world. And, contrary to what the brand and name might indicate, the concept isn’t an open-top sportscar but a contemporary motorcycle. In the last few years, BMW has become the master of this annual unveiling with automotive concepts like the Gran Lusso Coupé, BMW Zagato Coupe and the just-revealed Mini Superleggera Vision.
BMW Motorrad previously unveiled the Concept Ninety at this very same place, which later went on to become the R NineT production motorcycle without too many radical changes. So we definitely hope that this concept also enjoys the same treatment and makes it to the showroom floor in most of its present glory. Because, by God, this is thing is gorgeous!
BMW Motorrad’s offerings has all been extremely well-made without exception, but their design language has always been a bit of a hit-or-miss. While always distinctive and radical, you either fell in love with them at first sight or hated them outright. But there’s no way it will come to grow on you later, as it does with some other motorcycles.
No worries on that front with the Concept Roadster. This is pure automotive lust personified. As opposed to to the retro Concept 90, this naked bike looks minimalist and ultramodern, with every brushed and anodized part serving a function rather than just being there for design kicks. The LED headlamp assembly looks stealthy and almost indistinguishable unless lit, while the free-flow 2-into-1 growler exhaust looks properly menacing. A single CNC aluminium piece serves as the seat and tail section, contrasting nicely with the swoppy fuel tank and the cardan driveshaft system.
In its current form the Concept Roadster employs BMW’s classic two-cylinder boxer engine displacing 1170ccs, and producing 125 PS and 125 Nm of peak power and torque respectively.
The Concept Roadster has been designed by Edgar Heinrich, who you may remember as being the designer of the Bajaj Pulsar 200NS before his return back to the firm with which he started his career. Although there are certain elements of this concept that are too far-fetched to make it into series production – like that iPhone-style instrument console – it certainly doesn’t hurt to dream.
NICE
big DADDY fallen … !! Awessomee one !!
wicked!