BMW Concept Roadster
The symbol of “how modern and emotional a boxer-powered BMW roadster can be”, says BMW Motorrad of the machine, which has a light tubular space frameBMW Motorrad has chosen the same event – the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este on the shores of Lake Como – where it unveiled the Concept Ninety last year to showcase another “emotional” machine in 2014 – the Concept Roadster.
The Concept Ninety was eventually released in watered down production guise in the form of the R Nine T (standby for a full review on the R Nine T), and it seems the Concept Roadster could also be on the way to showrooms with its 1170cc Boxer engine (125hp, 125Nm), single-sided swing arm and a light tubular space frame.
"The BMW Concept Roadster shows that as far as BMW is concerned, motorcycling is about far more than just perfect function. This concept bike is a symbol of how modern and emotional a boxer-powered BMW roadster can be,” explains Edgar Heinrich, Head of BMW Motorrad Design.
The Concept Roadster is all about compact proportions, with the low front and high rear forming a wedge-shaped silhouette “which accelerates the bike even when stationary”.
The rear end is undoubtedly the most striking element of the Roadster, including the integrated single seat, steep rear section made of gloss-milled aluminium and the exhaust system. The self-supporting rear aluminium structure is fashioned from a single piece, and the deliberately visible milling marks create a “rough, almost industrial look which contrasts with the painted and anodised surfaces”.
In addition to the tail piece, there are other milled aluminium parts, including the lateral air intakes and valve covers.
Meanwhile, the “future-oriented” engine spoiler not only performs an aerodynamic function but also incorporates the entire front exhaust silencer with a view to meeting future noise prevention requirements. The fork tubes, rear shock absorber and brakes are anodised.
"The BMW Concept Roadster embodies the powerful essence of a BMW roadster. It is exciting to look at and at least as exciting to ride. This roadster will make motorcycling a little more revolutionary again for BMW," says Head of BMW Motorrad Vehicle Design Ola Stenegard of the BMW Concept Roadster.
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