The BMW Motorrad "Concept 101"

Every year, the most impressive representatives of the mobile past and future on both two and four wheels assemble at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este for a very special get-together on the shores of Lake Como. Amid this extraordinary blend of the traditional and the contemporary, BMW Motorrad once again presented a breathtaking concept study, the BMW Motorrad "Concept 101". The name "Concept 101" indicates the capacity of the concept bike, which has its roots in the USA. The capacity of the six cylinders is 1,649 cc - approximately equivalent to 101 cubic inches, which is the American unit of measurement for cylinder capacity. So the "Concept 101" moves into a sphere that goes beyond mere horsepower and acceleration figures - all that counts is the remarkable riding experience full of power and tranquility. The enormous torque of the in-line 6-cylinder engine generates extraordinary pulling power in every situation on the road.

OneShift Editorial Team

27 May 2015

The number 101 also stands for the place where the vehicle came into being. It was not far from Highway 101, at the design studios of the BMW Group subsidiary Designworks in Newbury Park, California, that the BMW Motorrad designers got together with their Designworks colleagues to create a truly special motorcycle that would extend the limits of quality and exclusivity and reflect a whole new touring philosophy.

The consistent flow of the lines from the front to the rear symbolizes the riding experience offered by the “Concept 101”. Within the flowing silhouette, clear lines and elaborately modelled surfaces shape an athletic body. This creates a dynamic contrast between flowing movements and clearly defined lines that further emphasizes the bike's character. The horizontal subdivision into two areas of color lends greater emphasis to the overall impression of flatness. While the lower section is dark, the upper area has been deliberately designed in lighter colors so as to reflect elegance and finesse.

The dynamically designed front trim in brushed aluminium is flatly integrated into the flow of the styling. The integrated headlamp with striking double circular appearance gives the front section a distinct and highly expressive look. It also provides the point of departure for the characteristic split face which runs across the entire bike through to the rear in the form of a brushed aluminium trim section. Two striking side panels encase the front trim almost like a suit of armour, thereby creating a broad shoulder section which further highlights the power of the "Concept 101". Tailpipes on both sides, each with three outlets, visualize the number of cylinders and therefore the supreme performance and high torque of the engine.

Credits: Oneshift News Team