BMW Motorrad Vision AMBY: a look at design [VIDEO]

A new idea of ​​mobility on two wheels is represented by BMW Motorrad Vision AMBY, halfway between a bicycle and a motorcycle. In the film proposed by BMW Motorrad on YouTube, the focus is on the design.

Minimalist and at the same time refined lines

Julia Quentin, CMF Designer BMW Motorrad, intervenes on this occasion. AMBY indicates “Adaptive Mobility” and it is an acronym linked to the BMW Motorrad Vision AMBY and also to BMW i Vision AMBY, which constitute diversified ideas of future mobility on two wheels.
The appearance of the BMW Motorrad Vision AMBY recalls that of bicycles, but with potential attributable to the motorcycle sector. The line is slim, anticipating a dynamism that brings to mind Enduro bikes.
The heart that animates the vehicle is enhanced by the mechanical setting. The colors and materials stand out, noting for example the contrasting combination between a dark shade and a white one. The word “AMBY” appears in the area where the drive unit appears, a stylized graphic on the covering of the energy accumulator. On the left side the lettering gets additional depth from a colorful, iridescent drop shadow, while on the right it appears without shadowing. Under the battery there are also two iridescent elements. On the right side, then, you can see three small turquoise blue tubes, a detail that refers to the electrical system.

Also interesting is the association between the Pixel Technoid font and the classic Serif. On the right we return to the BMW Motorrad Design Studio in Munich, the point of origin of the BMW Motorrad Vision AMBY. On the opposite side the letters “AMBY” also appear in Morse code.
The energy storage unit and drive unit appear as a dark graphic block in the center of the chassis. The bicycle fork on the front wheel has protectors and appears massive. Also distinctive are the headlight with the BMW Motorrad U-shaped light signature and the double LED element in the rear area. As mentioned on the BMW Motorrad Vision AMBY there is an acceleration control on the handlebars and an empty weight of around 65 kg and a combined range of around 110 km according to WMTC.
In the use of materials, this concept also references the other concept vehicles on display at IAA Mobility 2021: the BMW i Vision Circular and the BMW i Vision AMBY. The material used to cover the accumulator, referred to as "floating gray polymers", is also used in the bumper of the BMW i Vision Circular. An element in recycled plastic, reintroduced into the materials cycle at the end of the product's life. For the seat, a material is also used for the seat of the BMW i Vision AMBY and in the tires of the BMW i Vision Circular. Resting on recycled plastic granulate and with a “Terrazzo” appearance, it signals the possible second existence of the materials. The seat is integrated, stands at a height of 830 mm and represents an element of the design itself.
Among the highlighted aspects are also the wheels with a large diameter: 26 inches at the front and 24 inches at the rear.

A technological vision

A developed app allows you to activate the BMW Motorrad Vision AMBY like a key, with identification options provided by your smartphone. Basic functions and status information are offered as in the BMW App. Further developments can be provided remotely via over-the-air updates. It is possible to charge the smartphone shown in the Vision Vehicle inductively onto the magnetic holder in the pilot's lower field of vision.
The available speed modes are stored in the app on the connected smartphone, manually selecting the speed level, as well as highlighting the road detection using geofencing technology, allowing automatic adjustment of the maximum speed.

Geofencing technology combined with the HERE detailed map service could provide the parameters to automatically manage speed levels and corresponding insurance coverage, as indicated. A technology that allows the vehicle to detect the type of road, cycle lane or restricted traffic zone travelled, so that the maximum permitted speed can be adjusted automatically. It would become a vehicle similar to an S-pedelec recalling the motorcycle scene. Other technological innovations are also hypothesized, an ABS system optimized to further increase safety, an automatic assistant for lighting, high beams or brake lights, a tire pressure monitoring system similar to the optional one for BMW motorbikes Group. A distance radar with a range of up to 140 meters could also be adopted, transmitting a visual and acoustic warning in the app when a vehicle is approaching from behind.
Three speed levels are highlighted: up to 25 km/h on cycle paths, up to 45 km/h on urban roads and up to a maximum speed of 60 km/h on multi-lane roads and outside the city. At higher speeds a helmet, license plate and driving license become necessary.
Speaking of BMW i Vision AMBY as a high-speed Pedelec, constant pedaling is required for the action of the electric system, in the case of BMW Motorrad Vision AMBY you act on an accelerator knob and there are also footrests instead of pedals .

Video: BMW Motorrad
Photo: BMW Motorrad – BMW Group