BMW Motorrad Vision DC Roadster: the new electric motorcycle from the Bavarian brand arrives

The BMW Motorrad Vision DC Roadster arrives as a concept and anticipates the design language of future BMW motorcycles.

BMW has just unveiled its new electric motorcycle. It is called BMW Vision DC Roadster and is a concept electric motorcycle that advances the electrified history of the Bavarian brand after the radical BMW Vision Next 100 shown about three years ago.

This shake-up comes as the German brand accelerates its electrification programme, promising up to 25 models across its business by 2023.

The BMW Vision DC Roadster is a standard-style motorcycle. Everything starts with the engine, but special attention must be paid to the battery pack. The enormous longitudinal battery block replaces the typical boxer engine block, with the electric motor placed underneath. The two ‘cylinders’ are in fact radiators with cooling fans, which retract when the motorcycle is parked.

These not only give the bike the look of a boxer engine but also keep those ‘cylinders’. Despite its modern features, BMW has retained some elements of a traditional design.

The rear has a racing-style inclination, while power is delivered to the ground through a fully BMW shaft drive unit. The headlights are sculpted and stylised.

BMW Vision DC Roadster, a very classic electric

The frame is milled from aluminium and gives a lightweight appearance. The rest of the motorcycle is developed around the central battery section and over beams which, according to BMW, “make it look as if the elements are floating”.

Safety is another fundamental aspect of BMW’s new electric motorcycle. The tyres have been manufactured by Metzeler and are developed to include fluorescent elements that glow in the dark. The Bavarian brand has also created a riding suit with almost invisible protection, as well as light-emitting elements to attract the attention of other road users. In addition, it has also produced a magnetic backpack.

For the moment this is a concept, but with BMW’s determination, it is possible that the battery and even the motor could be fitted to a production model in the short term. Besides electrification, BMW would also bet on the next generation of autonomous driving as well as a new digital ecosystem that will connect all its vehicles.

Edgar Heinrich, head of design at BMW Motorrad, has announced that “the boxer engine is the heart of BMW Motorrad, an absolute devotee of its character. But BMW Motorrad also represents visionary concepts of zero-emission vehicles”.

“In view of this, a question arises: what would happen if we replaced the boxer engine with an electric motor and the necessary battery? The Vision Bike shows how we can preserve the identity and iconic look of BMW”.

“After all: anyone who has tried it in practice knows very well that riding on two wheels is just as exhilarating when powered electrically! The high level of torque at start-up makes acceleration effortless. This almost brutal delivery of power creates a completely new dynamic performance experience. And the BMW Motorrad Vision DC Roadster embodies this experience.”