BMW Motorrad Concept Link interprets the connection between rider, vehicle and environment for urban use

At the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este 2017, the BMW Group presents its vision of zero-emission urban mobility on two wheels: BMW Motorrad Concept Link. Inspired by BMW Motorrad Vision Next 100, the design study combines digital connectivity with the needs of urban mobility on two wheels, and treads new paths, moving beyond traditional conventions, both in terms of design and technology.

The low, elongated body and flat seat, together with the rising front section, create a modern yet distinctive silhouette. Everything is emphasized even more by the use of colors: the front finish in Liquid Metal Titanium contrasts with the rest of the bodywork in semi-matt black. The colors are oriented diagonally to underline the dynamic potential of BMW Motorrad Concept Link.

Its architecture, new and decidedly aimed at functionality, provides a high level of driving pleasure thanks to the E-drive. BMW Motorrad Concept Link is perfectly suited to the needs of modern urban mobility thanks to fast acceleration and ease of maneuvering. With its relatively low height, climbing on it is easy both from the side and from the rear. A gearbox with reverse ensures easy maneuverability, perfect for parking in very small spaces. The saddle can be adjusted in length to meet every need. The proportions also create new storage space. In the central section, under the seat, a luggage compartment offers good loading possibilities. The motorcyclist can access it quickly and easily at any time using a sliding door. With its new architecture, BMW Motorrad Concept Link combines riding pleasure and functionality in an ideal way.

Seen more closely, you can see how the clear lines, large surfaces and simple, precise shapes underline the cutting-edge look of the BMW Motorrad Concept Link. The two-tone design further enhances this aspect. A large matt black surface, the technical heart, gives shape to the core of the concept. It extends from front to rear and, in addition to the tires and headlights, also integrates the powertrain and suspension elements. The two iconic LED headlights are characterized by a minimalist design. Their arrangement and subtle contours accentuate the modern and futuristic visual appeal of the front. The expressive contours of the side panels frame the dark central core of the vehicle, optimize aerodynamics and also offer protection against wind and adverse weather conditions. The sides of the wheels are completely covered, thus underlining the totally contemporary visual appeal.

Contrasts are used deliberately, together with the clear shapes of BMW Concept Link, to give it a powerful and striking appearance. The orange cables connecting the battery and motor on the right side contribute to the high-impact effect. Their diameter underlines the power of the engine.
The saddle also highlights the functionality and aesthetic appearance of the motorcycle, with the flat surface of the seat separated from the body of the vehicle. This emphasizes the lightness of the lateral aspect, thus underlining its agile handling nature. The saddle allows you to glimpse the underlying aluminum structure. It can be adapted in various ways to meet different needs. It can become either a single sports seat or a seat that can accommodate two passengers, or something in between, which gives the vehicle a distinctive character both visually and functionally. Further customization options, such as side panels in different colors or a different windshield allow the motorcyclist to express his personality, making BMW Motorrad Concept Link the ideal companion for any situation.

Drawing inspiration from BMW Motorrad Vision NEXT 100, BMW Motorrad Concept Link interprets the connection between rider, vehicle and environment for urban use. It keeps the motorcyclist connected while driving, thus expanding his virtual mobile world and offering new possibilities. Furthermore, the vehicle already knows the motorcyclist's travel plan and therefore also his next destinations. As a result, it can plan the fastest or most scenic route, as well as the most suitable music, if desired.

The goal is also to be able to enjoy driving without distractions. The classic instrument cluster has been eliminated. Speed, navigation and battery information are instead projected directly onto the windshield in the motorcyclist's field of vision. Secondary information is transmitted on the large panel that fits perfectly into the design and is located under the handlebars. This panel allows a large number of configurations to interact with the outside world and to communicate with other vehicles. The touch screen surface on the large panel presents and controls many infotainment, connectivity and route information. Programmable as desired, the touch buttons on the handlebars allow the motorcyclist to access his favorite and most used functions without having to take his hands off them.

The interaction between vehicle and rider offers many possibilities regarding safety, comfort, functionality and riding experience. On board the BMW Motorrad Link, the rider's equipment is also connected to the vehicle. To highlight this connection, a gesture on the jacket sleeve opens and closes the sliding luggage compartment door. A stitching on the sleeve indicates the active area. The motorcyclist's clothing is also characterized by fashion and is deliberately not recognizable as a specific garment. Lightweight elbow and shoulder protectors have been integrated into the jacket made of water-repellent loden. However, they are not visible in the modern cut of the garment. Combining zero emissions, dynamic handling, a new design language, connectivity and functional and fashionable rider equipment, BMW Motorrad Concept Link represents BMW Motorrad's vision for the future of urban mobility.