BMW Motorrad provided a glimpse into the future of its Adventure Sport motorcycle designs with the Concept 9cento (pronounced ‘nove cento’), unveiled at the ongoing Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in the scenic backdrop of Lake Como, Italy.
“The BMW Motorrad Concept 9cento presents a smart concept for the future. It doesn’t always have to be about ‘bolder, bigger, brighter’ nowadays: this concept bike focuses on achieving a sense of balance,” says Edgar Heinrich, Head of Design BMW Motorrad, according to a press release.
“We’ve created a bike that combines the appropriate power with reliable sports touring properties and above all lots of riding fun, so it’s an attractive overall package. It brings together the best of the sports, adventure and touring segments to produce an exciting concept – in a class which has not seen this kind of model from BMW before. The BMW Motorrad Concept 9cento is our interpretation of a modern all-rounder for the new mid- range segment,” explains Heinrich.
“Functional properties such as touring capability, storage space and wind/weather protection are relevant to most motorcyclists but they’re rarely included in the design of a concept vehicle. In this year’s concept bike we’re demonstrating that all these rational aspects can be coupled with a dynamic design to create something really exciting and highly emotional.”
In terms of design, the headlight is integrated to the feline shaped front mask, and features two symmetrical lamp elements. Each has an iconic LED daytime riding light in the lower section, while two compact LED lenses on each side provide the low and high beam.
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, adds the release.
The new concept rests on the a chassis reinforced with CFRP fleece that helps the bike shed some kilos in addition to linking the the three-dimensional design of the front trim to the aluminium rear carrier.
The sporty version features striking colouring 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.
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.
