autoevolution
 

BMW Motorrad Goes Electric with Naked Vision DC Roadster

Not many of the established bike builders have taken steps on the path of electrification, despite the growing hype surrounding electric bikes. That doesn't mean they're not thinking about it. 
BMW Motorrad Vision DC Roadster 23 photos
Photo: BMW Motorrad
BMW Motorrad Vision DC RoadsterBMW Motorrad Vision DC RoadsterBMW Motorrad Vision DC RoadsterBMW Motorrad Vision DC RoadsterBMW Motorrad Vision DC RoadsterBMW Motorrad Vision DC RoadsterBMW Motorrad Vision DC RoadsterBMW Motorrad Vision DC RoadsterBMW Motorrad Vision DC RoadsterBMW Motorrad Vision DC RoadsterBMW Motorrad Vision DC RoadsterBMW Motorrad Vision DC RoadsterBMW Motorrad Vision DC RoadsterBMW Motorrad Vision DC RoadsterBMW Motorrad Vision DC RoadsterBMW Motorrad Vision DC RoadsterBMW Motorrad Vision DC RoadsterBMW Motorrad Vision DC RoadsterBMW Motorrad Vision DC RoadsterBMW Motorrad Vision DC RoadsterBMW Motorrad Vision DC RoadsterBMW Motorrad Vision DC Roadster
On Tuesday, BMW Motorrad showed it is in this category during the #NEXTGen event in Munich, where it showed the electric Vision DC Roadster.

Parting ways with the nearly century-old boxer engine will not be an easy task for the Bavarians, yet their future success could be ensured if their products look anything like this: a bike that retains the look of a boxer-engined machine, only it doesn’t.

In the place occupied by the boxer engine, BMW fitted a vertically mounted battery, complete with cooling ribs and integrated ventilators. The motor that spins the wheels, shaped like a cylinder, is fitted underneath the battery.

Because no engine means no fuel tank, its place was taken by a tubular structure that includes the seat. To keep the weight down, light materials like carbon fiber and aluminum were used in the build.

“The Vision Bike shows how we’re able to retain the identity and iconic appearance of BMW Motorrad in distinctive form while at the same time presenting an exciting new type of riding pleasure,” said in a statement Edgar Heinrich, BMW Motorrad head of design.

“After all: anyone who’s ever tried it out in practice knows very well that riding on two wheels is just as exciting when it's electrically powered!”

No actual performance figures for the electric powertrain were released.

To match the bike, BMW also designed a two-piece suit comprising a light jacket and trousers. The suit features sewn-in protectors and lights. To round it all off, an asymmetrical rucksack vest was also created.

BMW did not say if it has any plans of turning the Vision DC Roadster into a production vehicle.
If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
press release
About the author: Daniel Patrascu
Daniel Patrascu profile photo

Daniel loves writing (or so he claims), and he uses this skill to offer readers a "behind the scenes" look at the automotive industry. He also enjoys talking about space exploration and robots, because in his view the only way forward for humanity is away from this planet, in metal bodies.
Full profile

 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories