Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/743349
www.PowersportsBusiness.com MOTORCYCLE Powersports Business • November 7, 2016 • 29 Following the BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce Vision Vehicles, the BMW Group has now revealed its next progressive solution, this time for the world of motorcycling: the BMW Motorrad VISION NEXT 100. It was unveiled on Oct. 11 at the "Iconic Impulses. The BMW Group Future Experience" exhi- bition in Los Angeles. "The BMW Motorrad VISION NEXT 100 embodies the BMW Group's vision of biking in a connected world — an analog experi- ence in a digital age. Motorcycling is about escaping from the everyday: The moment you straddle your bike, you are absolutely free. Your bike is the great escape," said Edgar Heinrich, head of Design at BMW Motorrad, outlining the core principles underlying his brand's Vision Vehicle. The BMW Motorrad VISION NEXT 100 stands for the ultimate riding experience. Liberated from the need to wear a helmet and protective clothing, the rider is able to enjoy the forces — acceleration, wind and nature, as in touch with the surrounding world, savoring every moment. The design of the BMW Motorrad VISION NEXT 100 represents the essence of the motorcycle: the perfect synthesis between human and machine. Every detail is of the highest qual- ity, and the design incorporates all the most striking visual aspects of BMW Motorrad bikes across the ages. These elements, how- ever, have a contemporary twist, both visu- ally and in terms of function. The iconic elements in the BMW Motor- rad VISION NEXT 100 make it immediately recognizable as a "genuine BMW" and include the black frame triangle, white lines and clas- sic, boxer engine forms. The bike itself, how- ever, is powered by a zero-emissions solution. The BMW Motorrad VISION NEXT 100 unites the past of the BMW Motorrad brand with its future and is a powerful expression of both. The Flexframe appears as a single, inte- grated whole that extends from the front to the rear wheel of the BMW Motorrad VISION NEXT 100. Being flexible, it allows the bike to be steered without the various joints found on today's motorcycles. Turn- ing the handlebar adjusts the entire frame, changing the direction of the bike. The amount of strength needed to steer depends on the situation: at standstill, the Flexframe allows a light steering whereas at higher speeds it remains very rigid. In the middle of the triangle frame sits a style feature and historical reminder: the power unit. Designed and created in the image of the traditional BMW boxer engine, it actually consists of a zero-emissions drive unit. Its outward appearance changes depending on the circumstances: when the bike is resting, the power unit is compact, extending outwards only when the bike sets off, to enhance aerodynamics and protect the rider from the elements. Its polished alumi- num finish confirms the superior quality of this component. In certain situations, the active assistance systems of the future will also enhance stabil- ity and safety by automatically balancing the motorcycle, both out on the road and when stationary. Novice riders will benefit from additional guidance in all riding situations and from a bike that will never tip over. The BMW Motorrad VISION NEXT 100 rights itself while even stationary, remaining upright when the rider has dismounted. The balancing systems also work out on the road to ensure a particularly agile and dynamic riding experience with even lighter han- dling, which seasoned riders will appreciate, and all the benefits of assistance systems to enhance their capabilities even further. The BMW Motorrad VISION NEXT 100 helps every biker become more proficient and enjoy an even more positive riding experience. Every trip becomes a journey of freedom, from beginning to end. Information exchanges between rider and bike take place largely via the visor. This essentially consists of a pair of data glasses that extends across the wearer's entire field of vision. As well as providing wind protec- tion, it shows relevant data in one of four designated display areas. These are controlled by the rider's eye movements: Looking up or down changes the content that appears, and looking straight ahead switches the infor- mation off completely, leaving the rider to focus even more fully on biking experi- ence. Information is only projected onto the visor on request, or to alert the rider to the fact that action is needed. PSB BMW showcases self-balancing motorcycle BMW's VISION NEXT 100 bike is self-balancing, and it remains stationary, even when the rider has dismounted.