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BMW i Patent Introduces a Free-Floating Swingams and Carbon Belt Final Drive

Electric bikes step into a new era thanks to the BMW i patent. Working with off-road bike specialist HNF, BMW delivers Heisenberg XF1, the first i-powered bicycle, sporting a mid-mounted motor and carbon fiber-reinforced drive belt.
HNF Heisenberg XF1 5 photos
Photo: BMW
HNF Heisenberg XF1HNF Heisenberg XF1HNF Heisenberg XF1HNF Heisenberg XF1
If you take a closer look at the Heisenberg XF1 bike, you'll see that it lo longer uses a chain tensioner assembly. This is possible thanks to the complex linkage mounted in the middle of the frame. The swingarm of this bicycle mimics the dynamics of a motorcycle one, though only down to a point.

A full-suspension off-road bike that feels different, and in a positive way

Still the XF1 is a full-suspension bike, and its swingarm has 150mm (6") of travel, but the best is yet to come. Unlike in the case of traditional electric-assist bikes, the Heisenberg XF1 feels consistent in all scenarios. Full traction and grip is maintained in all riding situations, without any stiffening sensation of the swingarm.

Even when treading on extremely uneven terrain, the BMW i patent-powered HNF Heisenberg XF1 will offer smooth and efficient pedaling. And because the mid-motor and the rear hub are part of the same drive system, the belt tension and alignment are also perfect and without deviations.

The perfect integration of the motor in the frame also eliminates pedal recoil and offers close-to-perfect axle distribution. Even more, the BMW i patent drive unit can be integrated with a wide variety of frames providing total freedom in designing the chassis of the two-wheeler.

It will be interesting to see what new bikes will be incorporating the BMW i patent.
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