The
motorcycle of the future is so safe riders can cruise without a helmet
and never fall off, giving all of the thrills with none of the danger,
according to BMW.
The
German automaker unveiled its Motorrad Vision Next 100, a sleek,
self-balancing prototype the company released as part of its 100th
anniversary celebrations.
The
zero-emissions bike has self-balancing wheels designed to stand upright
even at a complete stop, stability that the company says will allow
riders to forgo riding a helmet.
The self-balancing BMW Motorrad Vision Next 100 concept motorcycle is
unveiled on the last of four international stops of the 'Iconic
Impulses' event, celebrating 100 years of BMW. The zero-emissions bike
has self-balancing wheels designed to stand upright even at a complete
stop, stability that the company says will allow riders to forgo riding a
helmet
'Its
self-balancing system will help protect the rider at any time,' said
Edgar Heinrich, the design director of BMW's motorcycle division.
'Any late reaction from the driver will trigger and the vehicle will balance out.'
'In the future, motorcycle riders will be able to enjoy riding without protective gear.'
According to BMW, the 'flexframe' extends from the front to the rear wheel of the BMW Motorrad Vision Next 100.
This means the bike can 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 bike also rights itself while even stationary, remaining upright when the rider has dismounted.
The balancing systems will ensure a particularly agile and dynamic riding experience with even lighter handling.
'Motorcycling is about escaping from the
everyday: the moment you straddle your bike, you are absolutely free.
Your bike is The Great Escape,' said Mr Heinrich.
A 'Digital
Companion' provides the situational information and active support the
rider needs, while remaining in the background.
The
system is constantly active, but remains silent until required to issue
an alert via the user interface or provide active assistance.
The rider a can interact with the bike through a pair of data glasses, that cover the wearer's entire field of vision.
As well as providing wind protection, the glasses show relevant data in four designated display areas.
What
they see is 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, leaving the rider to focus on the
biking.
Looking upwards activates the rear-view function in the visor, allowing the rider to see what is going on on the road behind.
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.
The
world's top maker of luxury vehicles has also premiered this year a
futuristic BMW sports car with a flexible body, as well as a
self-driving
Rolls-Royce and an electric Mini model.
BMW is celebrating 100 years of the brand with these forward-looking concept vehicles.
Company representatives said riding without a helmet remains a fantasy for now, though.
Many
countries mandate the protective gear and self-balancing technology is
still in the developmental stage - if the latest concept vehicle becomes
a reality, it likely won't be before 2030.
