BMW’s motorcycle division is entering the electric bike fray, unveiling this, the Vision DC Roadster.

Designed to invoke the look of the company’s traditional motorcycles, a vertically fitted, longitudinally oriented battery replaces what would previously have been the engine. For cooling purposes, two side elements protrude with cooling ribs and integrated ventilators.

The cylinder-shaped electric motor is positioned underneath the battery and is directly connected to the universal shaft. Instead of the fuel tank, there’s a flat tubular structure that is shaped and moulded to integrate the seat.

Materials such as carbon fibre and aluminium reduce the overall weight of the bike and there are some cool-looking touches everywhere – including red contrast elements and brushed aluminium at selected points on the battery and frame.

There are no performance specs for this beauty as yet but the Roadster, while a concept, looks ready to take to the streets. There are now plenty of electric motorcycle models either on the drawing board or being built and it seems inconceivable that BMW Motorrad won’t join the electric bike charge.If this is what they’re going to deliver, the future looks pretty good for motorcycle enthusiasts out there who want a piece of the electric-vehicle action.

Source: Motor Trader E-Magazine (July 2019)

8 Jul 2019