According to the company, the black frame triangle of the BMW Motorrad VISION NEXT 100 is a deliberate reference to the first ever BMW motorcycle, the R32, made in 1923.
The arrangement of surfaces is designed to protect the rider from wind and weather as effectively as a full fairing. Integrated into the frame above the front wheel is a large metal reflector incorporating the two vertically positioned, U-shaped elements that make up the daytime running light. It also acts as a wind deflector and, in combination with the small, integrated windshield, helps to optimise the air flows.
The Flexframe appears as a single, integrated whole that extends from the front to the rear wheel. Being flexible, it allows the bike to be steered without the various joints found on today's motorcycles. Turning 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.
Body elements such as the seat, upper frame cover and wings are made of carbon.
Damping is provided by the tires, the variable treads of which actively adjusts to suit ground conditions.
Active Assistance
"Normally, when we develop a motorcycle, we tend to think 5 to 10 years in advance. On this occasion, we looked much further ahead and found the experience especially exciting. There are some very attractive prospects. I firmly believe the BMW Motorrad VISION NEXT 100 sets out a coherent future scenario for the BMW Motorrad brand," said Edgar Heinrich, head of design at BMW Motorrad.
Heinrich explained that in certain situations, the active assistance systems of the future will enhance stability and safety by automatically balancing the motorcycle, both out on the road and when stationary.
"A key point with the BMW Motorrad VISION NEXT 100 was to make sure the constant digital presence doesn't undermine the analogue riding experience,” said Holger Hampf, head of user experience at BMW Group. “The display and operating concept works so subtly that the rider can enjoy an entirely natural biking experience, trusting the bike completely and enjoying complete freedom and ease. As interface designers, our job is to deliver the right amount of the right information at the best possible time and place.”
The VISION NEXT 100 Visior
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 protection, 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 information off completely. Information is only projected onto the visor on request, or to alert the rider to the fact that action is needed.
"The bike has the full range of connected data from its surroundings and a set of intelligent systems working in the background, so it knows exactly what lies ahead. By collating the data it has gathered, it can suggest ideal lines and banking angles, or warn riders of hazards ahead," Hampf explained.
If the bike's current position does not match what is suggested, the rider can correct it as necessary. If he or she responds too late or not at all, the bike will correct itself.
Looking upwards activates the rear-view function in the visor, while lowering the eyes to normal levels opens a menu from which the rider can select an option by pointing a finger. Looking further down opens the map view showing the rider's chosen route.
Unlike present-day suits, the outfit for riders of the BMW Motorrad VISION NEXT 100 offers no safety features, because the bike's intelligent assistance systems make them superfluous, according to the company. Instead, sensors in the suit keep track of the wearer's pulse rate and body temperature and provide the right level of heat or cold.
The suit also delivers navigation instructions via the vibrating elements in the arms and legs, and alerts the rider when the banking angle is becoming critical.
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