Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/739653
VOL. 53 ISSUE 41 OCTOBER 18, 2016 P21 in motorcycling; having the VI- SION NEXT 100 ridden on-stage by a helmetless rider, emphasiz- ing their claim that in the future motorcycles will be created that are, in fact, impossible to crash. Take a moment to digest that— so technologically advanced as to be impossible to crash. It's a powerful statement. BMW, an early adaptor of ABS and advancing modern electronics, is actually presenting a new motorcycle that would make the helmet and traditional protective gear obsolete. Reinforcing the technologies being proffered that will make these declarations a reality, after the rider brought the VISION to a stop she did not put her feet down, the self-bal- ancing capabilities holding the bike upright. It was an impres- sive display that spoke volumes, immediately substantiating the seemingly far-fetched claims. Before crying foul and ac- cusing the German company of undermining the essence of motorcycling, it must be noted how ardently the BMW brass defended this technology not as a numbing of the riding experi- ence, but, in fact, ensuring it would enhance and promote the visceral thrill of being up on two wheels by virtue of allowing the bike to be ridden closer to its potential. Interesting. Despite the VISION 100's futuristic appearance, it does, in fact, share a base design flow with the legendary R32, BMW's first motorcycle, circa 1923; ba- sically a simple frame wrapped around a Boxer engine. The similarities end there. A unique composite flex-frame allows the machine to be steered without the traditional moving joints. Suspension is supplied primarily through the oversized tires, with a range of adjustability via air pressure and the unique tread patterns capable of handling a variety of surface textures and conditions. Instrumentation is provided by the head-up display/ data goggles that also serve as the bike/rider's windscreen. The modern Boxer motor actually changes shape as speed is in- creased, the cylinder heads ex- tending out to provide additional cooling. It is predicted that the VISION NEXT 100 facsimile mo- torcycles will not have clutches or transmissions, further sim- plifying the riding experience. BMW predicts that on-board connectivity will allow the bike to comprehend road hazards ahead—even around blind cor- ners—such as traffic, debris, dirt and animals, and alert the rider, going as far as to initiate acci- dent avoidance actions. There is, however, a much more provocative aspect to what the VISION NEXT 100 repre- sents than sheer technology. By producing a motorcycle that removes virtually all concerns for the risk of injury long associated with them, it makes motorcycles extremely accessible to the general public. In a world teeter- ing on near gridlock congestion in its cities—due the increasing number of autos—the versatility and ease of mobility of a motor- cycle becomes very appealing. Imagine what this represents in terms of sales. Instead of a somewhat small minority of peo- ple buying motorcycles (which is what motorcycles constitute relative to the size of the Earth's population), the masses would now be engaged. BMW calls it the democratization of motorcy- cling. They also believe that by being introduced to motorcycles as an alternative to cars, eventu- ally it will lead to more people becoming enthusiasts, utilizing the motorcycle beyond merely a smart and efficient choice for transportation and discovering the escapist fun offered by two wheels. BMW suggests that the tech- nology being presented with the VISION NEXT 100 will make two- wheel transportation less stress- ful, regardless of experience level, allowing for increased comfort, communication and even work while riding. To as- suage any fears of the magic of motorcycling being diffused by the introduction of this technol- ogy, BMW is quick to affirm their commitment to the base funda- mentals of motorcycling; promot- ing the excitement, freedom and independence that motorcycles offer… going as far as to say BMW will never produce an autonomous motorcycle. Jeff Buchanan