BMW 9cento Concept will get the similar traits as from the S1000XR and will be far more sportier to ride then F/GS bikes and compete with the KTM’s and Ducati which rule this segment
At this year’s Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, the BMW Group provides a look ahead to what an exciting new Adventure Sport model might look like: The BMW Motorrad Concept 9cento (pronounced ‘nove cento’) combines emotion and performance with an adventurous spirit, agility and riding fun to create the ideal sports touring bike. Whether motorways, Alpine passes, narrow alleyways through remote villages or simply seeing and being seen in front of the café on the market square – the BMW Motorrad Concept 9cento is the perfect choice for a spontaneous trip to Lake Como – as well as for the surrounding landscape and far beyond.
With its compact silhouette, the BMW Motorrad Concept 9cento conveys agility and lightness at first sight – its proportions simply make you want to get on and ride off. The basic sporty configuration with lots of volume near the front wheel and a short high rear promises riding fun and agile handling. The striking styling of the fairing, fuel tank and frame further highlights the focus on the direction of travel.
Here, the three-dimensional modelling of the fuel tank area especially comes into its own as a result of the paint finish with a reflective chrome effect. The hovering side panel in Pure Metal Silver is typical of the Adventure Sport segment and is highly recognizable. On all aluminum parts such as the central tank cover, the rear carrier, and the footrest holder, the milling is directed towards the front wheel. This finely grooved surface structure is only apparent on close inspection and has the effect of a topographical elevation relief.
The suspension is designed to be ideal for touring. A long spring travel ensures ride comfort and gives the bike a sense of light-footedness. Meanwhile, the windshield and fairing ensure excellent wind and weather protection. The ergonomic controls and relatively low, upright seating position are two additional key factors that contribute to perfect riding fun over long distances.
The frame triangle of the BMW Motorrad Concept 9cento is reinforced with CFRP fleece: it not only reduces the bike’s overall weight but also links the three-dimensional design of the front trim to the aluminum rear carrier. The latter is milled and likewise geared consistently to weight reduction, consisting solely of the required support structure. The visible opening between the frame triangle and seat further highlights the lightweight construction principle.
One particular highlight of the BMW Motorrad Concept 9cento is the innovative storage space concept comprising a clip-on case element. The double case not only offers storage space, it also extends the seating area for the passenger. It is hooked into the rear carrier from above if required, and there is a powerful electromagnet that attaches the element securely to the lower section of the rear carrier. This system makes it possible to have two functional versions of the same bike. Without a case, the BMW Motorrad Concept 9cento has the maximum agility and perfectly meets the rider’s needs in terms of riding fun; with the cases, the concept bike is transformed into a touring motorcycle that is also well equipped to carry two people. The case system is harmoniously integrated in the concept bike’s styling, reflecting the high-quality, holistic approach of BMW Motorrad design.
The narrow front silhouette likewise promises maneuverability and agility. Here, the distinctive front section of the BMW Motorrad Concept 9cento deliberately echoes features drawn from the Adventure Sports segment, interpreting them in its own characteristic way. The headlight features two symmetrical lamp elements. Each of the two elements has an iconic LED daytime riding light in the lower section with a flat, dynamic U shape, while two compact LED lenses on each side provide the low and high beam. This creates a hallmark lighting design that makes the concept bike instantly recognizable as a BMW motorcycle – both during the day and at night.
The rear lights are just as distinctive in design as the front lights: the two LED elements are integrated underneath the seat and feature the familiar BMW Motorrad design motif of the two C shapes facing each other in a technical look. This means they fit perfectly in the narrow, well-defined rear silhouette, capturing the essence of the BMW Motorrad Concept 9cento in a nutshell.
Two motorcycling jackets have been developed to go with the BMW Motorrad Concept 9cento. They each reflect the concept bike’s properties with their refined mixture of leather and Kevlar fabric: Sport and Touring. The sporty version features striking coloring in black, blue and white. The protectors integrated in the shoulders are particularly prominent. They are produced by means of 3D printing. The second jacket is light grey and reflects a style geared more towards urban chic, featuring a very soft leather with a high-quality feel. Both jackets bear the “9cento” signet clearly visibly, thereby rounding off the presentation of the BMW Motorrad Concept Bike at the Concorso d’Eleganza 2018.
The BMW Motorrad Concept 9cento has the potential to expand today’s notion of a modern sports touring bike by adding smart functionality. Practical properties are interpreted in an emotional design, though without neglecting agility and riding fun.
