Tag Archives: BMW motorrad

BMW ConnectedRide Smartglasses make bike riding safer with integrated HUD display

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Smart head-up display to beam vital information in the peripheral view makes complete sense for motorists, ever more so for two-wheeler riders who are more at risk. With Apple indicating the smart glasses niche to be the future of how we all interact with our applications, the $3,500 Vision Pro headset is still beyond the reach of the general masses.

BMW Motorrad looks to have taken a leaf out of the Cupertino giant’s handbook as they’ve announced a pair of smart glasses for bike riders. Christened the ConnectedRide Smartglasses, the accessory displays all the real-time information in the field of view, ensuring the rider doesn’t take his/her eyes off the road.

Pros:

  • Safer riding for motorcyclists
  • Projected HUD does not obstruct the view
  • Display elements can be adjusted
  • Look like normal sunglasses
  • Can be paired with prescription lenses
  • Operating temperature from 0° to 50° C

Cons:

  • High price tag
  • Battery life could be better

Designer: BMW Motorrad

The augmented reality glasses pair with any smartphone to project the current speed, engaged gear, speed limit and navigation details in the integrated display. Everything right from the positioning of visual data to the detail of navigation elements can be toggled by the rider either on the app or if you have a modern BMW bike, this can be done with the multi-controller on the handlebar. According to BMW, the glasses are designed to fit several helmets and face shapes, making them highly practical and stylish accessories to own.

These smart glasses in Anthracite color come with two separate sets of certified UVA/UVB lenses – tinted and 1x 85 percent transparent ones. Those on prescription glasses can order the RX adapter too. The users get to choose from medium and large frame size option for the glasses.

On a single charge, the goggles provide HUD for ten hours before needing another recharge. In real-world settings, you would need the smart glasses only in unfamiliar territory for navigation and other aids. Otherwise, the battery should be good to get you through a day’s driving. Everything set aside, having a battery in smart glasses that look like any normal goggles is a feat on its own.

All the tech that is stuffed into these cool pair of glasses is bound to carry a premium value. Thus, the price tag of €690 for the European market isn’t startling. According to BMW Motorrad, the smart glasses will arrive in the US in the latter half of 2023. So, are you still rooting for the Apple Vision Pro or willing to get started on your AR journey with the BMW Motorrad ConnectedRide Smartglasses?

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BMW CE 04 Vagabund Moto Concept for Gen-Z has storage for hauling a surfboard

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Graz-based automotive design motorheads at Vagabund Moto like BMW bikes as their preferred choice as the starting point. The custom BMW R nineT and custom BMW R100R created by them gravitated enough attention from designers over at BMW Motorrad.

As a result, the custom shop’s efforts over these years finally culminated in a collaboration with the dedicated motorcycle brand of BMW, for a multifunctional two-wheeler based on the BMW CE 4 electric scooter.

Designer: Vagabund Moto and BMW Motorrad

What we see here is a multifunctional and stylish e-scooter for urban mobility keeping in mind the individual needs of users. Dubbed BMW CE 04 Vagabund Moto Concept, the fully electric scooter combines refreshing design, functional elements, and peppy color schemes to attract young riders who crave a sporty aesthetic in their electric scooters. There’s plenty of storage space to cater to every users needs, and for surfers, there’s a dedicated surfboard with an integrated transport system.

According to Paul Brauchart, founder and managing director Vagabund Moto, the vision behind the creation is to focus on the function while keeping overall looks in mind. As he very passionately puts it forward, the overall design draws synergy between “functionality and aesthetics” to suit a wide variety of uses in daily life. The color scheme highlighted by beige and dark green on the contrasting black and white colors has been spot on by the two camps.

There’s a smiley face emoji on the front wheel hub and the glass on the indicator lights. Interestingly, with the surfboard loaded on the scooter, it looks like a part of the two-wheeler when viewed from the side profile. According to BMW, the peculiar addition is a “metaphor for a sustainable urban lifestyle.”

Apart from these changes to the standard CE 04, the e-scooter has virtually the same technical specifications. The electric motor churns out 31 KW (42 hp) maximum output to hurl it to a respectable top speed of 50 mph in just 2.6 seconds. BMW CE 04 Vagabund Moto Concept should get around 130 km of range on a single full charge. The charging time of 65 minutes to juice up the electric battery from 0% to 80 percent, and the time can be brought down significantly with the optional fast charger.

The creation for now is a pure concept meant for design and aesthetic inspirations in BMW Motorrad’s future creations. Whether or not a production version of the BMW CE 04 Vagabund Moto Concept will make it through is unclear now.

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BMW Motorrad x NVIDIA electric bike has swappable modules for flexibility of use

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While BMW Motorrad is cooking up interesting bike designs of the current generation, NVIDIA is at the pinnacle of microchip technology delivering class-leading Graphics Processing Units. Do they have anything in common, well, presumably not?

This is where the realms of the design world make us believe in things unfathomable and outrightly defying logic. So, how about a BMW Motorrad electric bike powered by NVIDIA guts?

Designer: Aaryaman Mistry

Just like you’d have the freedom to upgrade your PC with a new GPU or other hardware, the idea of swapping old motorbike parts with a new one sounds adventurous. Aaryman has created an NVIDIA-powered architecture for electric motorcycles of the future that caught my attention. Of course, the level of standardization for each of those parts will be a herculean task on its own, and whether or not all automotive manufacturers will comply with the idea is still a looming query. If hypothetically everything goes to plan, the scope for modularity, personalization and upgradability will be immense.

Users can reflect their personality with custom parts, and even 3D print those parts or buy them. When these parts have served the purpose they can be swapped with newer components rather than changing the electric two-wheeler. Just like on this BMW x NVIDIA bike with the option to swap battery console, saddle, microchip or body frame components. A good example is toggling the handlebar section for racing or city riding configuration. This will give motorbike enthusiasts the flexibility of having different two-wheelers for a specific purpose without having to buy a new one. The swapping will be effortless and as easy as changing a toddler’s diaper.

The bike’s core houses the advanced GPU and CPU which can adapt to the ide’s current configuration. There are high-end cooling systems by NVIDIA that keep the electric battery at the optimum operating temperature for peak performance. Everything about this bike seems very balanced without any overpowering elements while maintaining a sci-fi persona of a highly agile set of wheels. The designer has opted for a mix of familiar BMW Motorrad aesthetics and colors fused with the geeky look of NVIDIA-powered PCs.

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This BMW Motorrad superbike radiates those sick Iron Man helmet vibes

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A café racer built for the kill with a definitive sense of balanced beefy look. This superbike concept is a good reference point for future BMW Motorrad bikes, and for Marvels to ponder over a cool two-wheeled machine for Tony Stark to save the world from the clutches of evil without much fuzz!

Iron Man is one of the most happening superheroes who lives life in the fast lane while dealing with wicked terrorist groups. All that fame, charmer’s appeal, and rides of choice like the Audi R8 go well with Tony Stark’s image. So, how about adding a dapper two-wheeled ride to the collection?

Designer: Sabino Leerentveld

This drop-dead gorgeous café racer designed by Sabino Leerentveld instantly sparks the visuals of Tony taking on the bad guys in sublime style. The ability to snake through the crowded city streets in hot pursuit, or simply show off the sublime style quotient arriving at the next big Stark Industries meeting. Complementing the Iron Man helmet when it comes to life, the BMW Motorrad CH4 superbike has Tony Stark influence written all over it. Right from the aerodynamic geometric shape to the big fat wheels meant for a high-speed adrenaline rush.

The dual-toned bike comes in cool white & black combo for weekday commutes, while the striking metallic silver and yellow combo is a god sent for the weekend fun. Sabino keeps the rear half and side body of the bike exposed – revealing the muscular character of the hunky ride. Just look at that dual wishbone suspension, reinforced swingarm, big exhaust pipes, and the drive motor giving it the luring appeal modern bikers will find hard to resist.

If you ask me, this motorbike is an instant attention grabber. Who wouldn’t want to take this one for a high-speed stint on an open highway? The BMW Motorrad clan identity is instantly identifiable with the subtle contours mated to the sharp looks. CH4 is rightfully the Chris Bumstead of the superbike world – just look at those contrasting body parts shaped like toned muscles!

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LEGO’s BMW M 1000 RR set is functional design destined for every bike lover’s garage shelf

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The LEGO M 1000 RR scale model is the next best thing to the real bike, and also a gesture of honor for this cult favorite model that the biking community respects so much!

BMW Motorrad launched the first-ever M series motorbike, the road-legal homologation M 1000 RR powered by the 212 HP engine last year. Only 500 units of the limited edition motorcycle were produced, and that speaks volumes about its exclusivity in the BMW Motorrad line-up. Most certainly, this is not the easiest bike to lay your hands on (that’s if you have a fat bank account and the willpower to acquire one) so Berlin-based automotive giant joined forces with LEGO Technic team to create a highly detailed 1:5 detailed model of the BMW M 1000 RR.

The sizeable LEGO interpretation of the M 1000 RR measures a little under 18 inches long and 10 inches tall. The set is made up of 1,920 individual LEGO pieces which in itself will be a satisfying exercise to put together. This LEGO Technic set – the largest ever bike set – will be nirvana for model building enthusiasts and biking affectionate owing to the extent of realism that’s mirrored. There are functional intricate components, including the 4 piston engine, three-speed gearbox, steering wheel, upside-down fork with the rear swingarm suspension, and the dashboard with three display options. That’s further honed by the red, white and blue color scheme and iconic BMW branding, gold-colored drive chain, paddock stand and a pit board for the genuine racing flair. This LEGO model is a clear testament to the two companies’ state -of the art vision.

According to Samuel Tacchi, designer at the LEGO Group, they had fun getting under the skin of the BMW M 1000 RR and what they finally achieved will be a “ winner like its real-life namesake.” The LEGO Technic BMW 1000 RR is going to be available in LEGO stores worldwide and can be purchased online too starting 1 January 2022. The LEGO set will be up for grabs at other retailers from 1 March 2022. It’s cost $300 which will be anyways minuscule to the price of the real BMW 1000 RR. We’ll be buying this LEGO set for sure, how about all you motorheads?

Designer: LEGO Group

Click Here to Buy Now!

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BMW Motorrad R9T iD:2 stylized for the Gen-Z uses matte black to raise the bike’s aesthetic appeal!

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A true testament to the BMW Motorrad brand, this is the R9T iD:2 – based on the iconic R nineT which is an example of a classic motorcycle build combined with sublime craftsmanship – all set to turn eyeballs.

The BMW Motorrad concept envisioned by Jeroen Claus, Design Director at FRANK Industrial Design, this racing beast shaves off the fat muscle (nothing demeaning though) for a sleeker look apt for the Gen-Z riders. As Jeroen himself defines it as a chopped-off BMW R9T custom motorcycle design. The side fenders flow into the front of the bike, covering off the headlight section, giving it a stealth bomber-like persona.

The original BMW R nine T has a bit exposed side profile to show off the intimidating firepower inside. This remake though drapes some of that with the side body kit that flows elegantly with the aerodynamic build of the motorbike. Right where the bike’s saddle ends on the rear there is a peculiar array of lights right above the brake lights. That’s most probably to add another braking light section to grab the attention of motorists behind on a busy highway. The old-school tachometer display gives way to a more modern digital display, and Jeroen has flattened the fuel tank area to go with the slimmer theme.

The sleek profile of the R9T iD:2 flows in balanced proportions from the front to the rear with an almost edgy-lined aesthetic that young riders will take note of. The sexy body is matched with the perfectly tuned color balance done right in black, grey and blue hues. And of course, the shiny metal rod frame on the sides to protect the shell from damage. Add to this upmarket personality, the BMW Motorrad and R9T Aero branding, and we’ve got a machine that automotive enthusiasts will appreciate from the bottom of their hearts!

Designer: Jeroen Claus

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Meet BMW and BMW Motorrad’s Vision AMBY models and their thoughtful design process

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BMW is on a path to redefine our vision of what automotive design looks like with their BMW Group keynote 2021. Focusing on their two-wheeler concepts that blur the boundary between bicycle and motorbike, meet the BMW i Vision AMBY and the BMW Motorrad Vision AMBY.

These are two of five different concept vehicles that the BMW Group will use at the IAA Mobility 2021 in Munich to showcase its vision of individual mobility in and around the urban setting. The theme of the event focuses on electric mobility, digitalization, and sustainability, these concepts provide a diverse range of solutions designed to encourage every type of user.




Sleek, modern, and distinctly edgy (the battery pack seems to take a suspicious inspiration from the angular design trend made popular by Tesla Cybertruck) – the BMW i Vision AMBY takes its role to inspire the design world seriously. The pedelec defies the standard dominant hues of black, blue, and silver for a refreshing metallic gold finish that is sure to turn heads.

AMBY stands for ‘Adaptive Mobility’ and each of these designs has its own interpretation of the adaptive user behavior. Both vehicles are electrically powered with three-speed levels for different types of road. The drive allows up to 25 km/h on cycle paths, up to 45 km/h on inner-city roads, and up to a top speed of 60 km/h on multi-lane roads and out of town. A helmet, insurance license plates, and a relevant driving license are required when you want to travel at higher speeds.

BMW i Vision AMBY

Speaking of the design of the BMW i Vision AMBY, the team explains, “The design of the BMW i Vision AMBY is defined by visual lightness and powerful athleticism. And every detail promises that it is capable of more than a regular e-bike. The frame structure is larger and the impression is one of greater strength and stability in every respect. The modern frame geometry feels like a mixture of a racing bike and a sporty e-bike. The upper frame tube, crafted from four sculptural aluminum profiles, represents an expressive and modern statement of intent – and not only in visual terms. A slightly rising sweep to its design underscores the dynamic intent. The space between the profiles also offers a storage room for a backpack or laptop bag. Located just before the handlebars is the smartphone integration pad, which holds the device safely in place using magnets and ensures it is highly visible.”

The battery is positioned in the center of the bike frame with its 2,000 Wh capacity enabling a range of up to 300 km (186 miles). The design of the handlebar stem includes a slim, horizontal LED light strip that is integrated into the wide handlebars and underscores the cutting-edge, technical look of this frame section. Being a pedal-driven device, the design automatically becomes a zero-emissions design, keeping in tune with the circular economy messaging for the BMW i Vision Circular.

“The frame can be clearly recognized as being made from the same anodized secondary aluminum as the main body of the BMW i Vision Circular. Added to which, parts of the handlebars and battery cover are manufactured from “floating grey polymers”, a recycled plastic also employed in the bumpers of the Vision Vehicle. These materials can be fed back into the BMW Group materials cycle more easily once the product has reached the end of its life. An oil derived from rapeseed is used as brake fluid. And the BMW Group was also careful to ensure the components of the BMW i Vision AMBY were produced locally in Germany and – with the supply chain in mind – transportation distances for them were kept to a minimum.”

BMW Motorrad Vision AMBY

A completely new concept between bicycle and motorbike, the concept focuses on the emotional connection between the user and the vehicle, taking it beyond a simple machine to a ‘partner in crime’. With its graphic yet dirtbike-like design, the sleekness of the concept focuses on the bicycle-like aesthetics with the functionality and soul of a BMW Enduro motorbike. It is this balancing act that makes it the perfect urban bike as well as a design that can go farther/longer ahead with you when you need it to.

“The BMW Motorrad Vision AMBY takes us into new territory. For us, the focus is on user behavior – the question is: how will customers want to get around in the future? What will they expect their vehicle to be capable of? This was precisely the starting point of our deliberations. Our aim was to develop an extremely emotional vehicle for smart mobility in and around the city that offered maximum freedom. The BMW Motorrad Vision AMBY really does enable our customers to experience urban life in a whole new way, cover distances more flexibly and “break free” of the city from time to time, too. At the same time, BMW Motorrad is consistently pursuing its electromobility strategy for urban conurbations. It’s a fascinating introduction to the world of BMW Motorrad that also promises maximum riding pleasure,” explains Edgar Heinrich, Head of Design BMW Motorrad.

“In keeping with the unexpected, self-assured character of the BMW Motorrad Vision AMBY, its two sides have deliberately been designed distinctively. On both sides, the white “AMBY” lettering catches the eye above the light-colored drive unit, making a striking statement as a stylized graphic on the trim of the energy storage unit. While the lettering on the left gains additional visual depth from a colorfully shimmering, iridescent drop shadow, the inscription on the right appears deliberately without a drop shadow. Below the energy storage unit, there are two iridescent elements that add a further accentuation. On the right-hand side of the vehicle, three small turquoise blue tubes visibly emerge from the silhouette, clearly alluding to the electric heart of the BMW Motorrad Vision AMBY. Next to this is a quote by Markus Schramm, Head of BMW Motorrad: „Electro-mobility will be very significant for the future of motorcycling.

Both the designs focus on using your smartphone as a Digital Key and geofencing to keep your rides safe. The focus on this entire experience is to cement BMW’s position as a game-changer, as a design brand that is staying true to its promise to sustainability and also shows that being sustainable is not a compromise. We are eagerly awaiting to experience these designs!

Designer: BMW and BMW Motorrad

BMW Motorrad Concept CE 02 is a skateboard-inspired stylized urban e-bike for Generation Z!

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I have a hard time breaking it to the average millennial, but your time is over. The BMW Motorrad Concept CE 02 bike is aimed at the Generation Z crowd and this design encapsulates that futuristic feel in an instant!

With the backing of some exceptional concepts in the past, the German manufacturer is now turning its attention towards stylish electric vehicles, and this one is the perfect beginning. BMW Motorrad has announced the mini-bike ahead of its debut at IAA Mobility 2021 in Munich next week!

Being more than just a mere cool toy, this electric two-wheeler is a futuristic yet simple solution for urban mobility, focusing on city tours to be precise. According to the head of vehicle design, BMW Motorrad, the bike is a skateboard on wheels, developed for anyone who likes to be mobile and independent. The Concept CE 02 has a very minimalist footprint and a low center of gravity – in line with the company’s aspiration to bring a level of design innovation honed by the emotional element, and most of all, the riding fun.

The CE 02 ebike comes with an 11kW belt-driven motor that hurls the two-wheeler to a maximum speed of 56 miles per hour and a range of 90 kilometers on a single charge. According to BMW Group, the bike weighs 265 pounds in total which is lightweight and maneuverable for city riding fun.  The seat on this one is designed to give the rider the freedom to drive it in an upright or leaning forward position. In between the free space between the seat and the frame is space to keep small things secured by elastic bands. Also, the bracket under the batteries stores a skateboard and doubles as a footrest.

To display all the vital telemetry like speed or remaining battery life, the bike has a colored screen on the handlebars. To keep the minimalist theme, BMW Group chooses small black colored headlights having four LED lighting elements for enough illumination during the nighttime.

Among all this, we have to remember, this is still a concept electric bike and when it will actually be commercialized into production is not known yet. If it does, will it look like what we are seeing is also uncertain. Nonetheless, the BMW CE 02 is an urban commuter worth every rider’s time.

Designer: BMW Group




This BMW-inspired café rider predicts that batteries will dominate the design language of future e-bikes

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BMW Motorrad concepts have caught our eye in the past for their absolute design prowess and futuristic appeal. Think BMW Vision Next 100. Such is the weight of the brand that industrial designers are drawn towards BMW Motorrad namesake for their two-wheeled inspirations. The KF33 electric motorcycle by Rodrigo Magro Mañas is a cyber bike that gives a purview of the automotive industry a decade into the future. Rodrigo provides the motorbike with a fat belly to accommodate all the mechanical parts and, of course, the battery. 

Looking at this bike, the first thought that struck my mind was the above-mentioned battery/motor compartment. It is humongous! Given that the designer intended it to be a  café racer, I’d imagine the “fuel tank” to be much smaller. You will need the bike to bounce from one café to another with plenty of time in between to charge it, while you hang out with your café buds (or bud-lights). Given the availability of rapid battery chargers already, I’m sure an arrangement can be made to compromise the form of the tank. 

A concept bike typically encapsulates a unified design and a strong silhouette. The bike looks too front-heavy compared to the section from the rear swingarm and beyond. Just scroll down to the second picture below and cover the rear half with your hand to see what I mean. Given our love for BMW-inspired futuristic bike designs, Rodrigo’s imagination of an evolved café racer is a hit and miss. His focus also lies in a bold design since the motorcycle is envisioned for a future where reliable electric rides will dominate the industry. Of course, it will be a performance motorbike because who wouldn’t want one? Hence the sleek body encapsulates a powerful engine and a high-performance battery. The combination of power and performance means a lot of heat is generated. As a solution, Rodrigo has reinterpreted the famous BMW boxer engine shape for heat dissipation where the body cover is designed to release heat, with the telescopic fork and the Cardan cover protection also assisting in heat dissipation. The designer has imagined separate sections for the battery and engine while having a wishbone front fork and the Cardan integrated with the body. 

With some tweaks, this could be a BMW cyber bike that could become the design inspiration for a future BMW Motorrad café racer, and we are excited to see it come to life!

Designer: Rodrigo Magro Mañas

Custom BMW S1000RR ‘Phantom’ is the most unreal looking motorcycle you’ll see today!

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It’s almost as if the Motorcycle Gods speak through Mehmet Doruk Erdem’s work. If you’ve seen any of Erdem’s custom designs before, they’re best described as otherworldly, bordering on celestial. Erdem has a tendency to visualize forms and surfaces quite unlike any other designer, creating modern monsters instead of motorcycles. Each of his custom BMW bikes have a distinct persona and features a front-heavy design that almost looks like the torso of a jungle cat leaping towards its unassuming prey. Seat yourself on top and you almost feel like He-Man riding his majestic and ferocious Battle Cat (a slightly outdated yet absolutely perfect analogy).

The Phantom is one of Erdem’s more recent works, surfacing on his portfolio page just a few days prior. Designed using the BMW S1000RR superbike as its base, the Phantom builds on the sinister appeal of the bike, amplifying it to almost a ‘cyberpunk executioner’ level. The bike comes with a crouching stance, sticking to the ground as much as possible. There’s hardly any ground clearance on the front, but most of Erdem’s bikes fall within the ‘salt flats racer’ category, making it a non-issue, really. The bike comes with some spectacular panel-work that looks Cybertruck-esque, with its edgy angular design. Designed more in the vein of a moving sculpture than a production bike, the Phantom doesn’t really sport a dashboard, rear-view mirrors, or even a seat! However, for what it lacks in functional details, it definitely makes up with its bold, brutish design!

Designer: Mehmet Doruk Erdem