Some concept motorcycles make you wonder how and why. And some concept motorcycles have made it to dealerships, consumers, and the road. It is always interesting to see what designers' imaginations can come up with from year to year.
Not all concept motorcycles make it to the dealership floor and the open road. When they do, it is an amazing feat. Consumers are very excited to see the end results of designers and engineers. Of course, each manufacturer wants to be the biggest and the farthest ahead on concept motorcycles. Even with concept motorcycles, there is a huge competition between manufacturers.
While some concept motorcycles are just too far out there to make production. There are some that we can’t wait to arrive in dealerships.
15 BMW R1200RS ConnectRide
BMW designers and engineers came up with a motorcycle that basically drives itself. The panniers and tail bag contain the “brains” to the motorcycles self-driving controls. BMW thought that a motorcycle that can start, stop, turn, accelerate, and react to traffic situations put before it, would be a bonus for riders.
But most riders ride a motorcycle to be in charge and do as they wish with the bike. It will be interesting to see how riders welcome this model into the riding community.
14 Yamaha OR2T
A motorcycle with four wheels? Now that is giving extra traction in the corners and curves. The OR2T is a step up from the Yamaha Tesseract. The OR2T is more technologically advanced and offers even more traction for corners. And it appears ready to hit the road as soon as Yamaha decides to release it.
13 Yamaha MWT-9
Looking at it from the side, the Yamaha MWT-9 looks like any sport touring motorcycle. That is where the similarity stops. Looking at it head-on, the MWT-9 is actually a three-wheeled motorcycle with two wheels and four forks on the front.
The reasoning for the dual front wheels, to give the rider greater control and handling in corners. Rumors have been flying for a number of years that the 850 cc bike will be hitting dealerships floors soon.
12 Alta Motors Street Tracker Redshift ST
Alta Motors Street Tracker Redshift ST was created as an electric option to flat track racing motorcycles. Two models were made, one being the Supermoto (SM) variation. And the second the Motocross (MX) variation.
The bike is lightweight at 250 pounds, and easy to get around a track or around town. And the best part is these motorcycles are already on the market for riders to purchase and try out.
11 BMW Motorrad Concept Link
BMW’s deep interest in concept motorcycles enticed them to create their own lineup, the Vision Next 100. The Concept Link is the fifth model in this futuristic lineup. The electric Concept Link is a scooter that follows some of the same design lines as the BMW C 650.
There is more storage space on the Concept Link since there is no need for an engine or fuel tank. An informational touchscreen replaces the typical instrument panel. The touchscreen can also be controlled by buttons on the handlebar. Information is displayed on the windscreen and the goal is to have this information displayed on the helmet visor.
10 BMW Motorrad Vision Next 100
The BMW Vision Next 100 is definitely a futuristic motorcycle. BMW's designers felt that future vehicles would be driving themselves. Instead, they wanted riders of the Vision Next 100 to stay in control.
Riders wear a Companion Suit and glasses called the Visor. The Companion Suit supports the rider’s body and keeps the rider warm, or cool, as surroundings change. The Visors display data such as lean angle, destination map, and a rearview mirror function.
9 Husqvarna Vitpilen 701 Aero
The Husqvarna Vitpilen 701 Aero is the result of a collaboration of Husqvarna and KISKA, and Austrian design agency, to come up with a sportbike concept. Unveiled at the EICMA in 2018, the Vitpilen 701 Aero is a sleek machine ready to hit the track, or the street.
After winning numerous awards, like the “Best of Best Automotive Brand Contest” in 2019, maybe Husqvarna is one step closer to putting this concept motorcycle in dealership showrooms.
8 Aprilia RS 660
Aprilia had planned to launch the 2020 RS 660 at the Aprilia All-Stars Event in early May 2020. The world’s turn of events and COVID-19, the event was canceled and the RS 660launch has been put on hold.
The lightweight RS 660 was to get Aprilia’s foot back in the door of the mid-size segment. The aluminum frame and swingarm are factors in keeping the bike’s weight low, at 372 pounds dry. Powered by a 660 cc tilted forward parallel-twin, it produces 100 horsepower.
7 Honda CB125X
The CB125X concept that Honda first revealed in 2018 at the EICMA appears to be getting steps closer to production. The mini adventure bike, ADV, has futuristic lines and styling and uses Honda's existing CB125R platform. Seemingly a bit small for an ADV for power, the CB125X could make a great commuter and ADV bike in the overseas market.
6 Honda Self Balancing Motorcycle
Honda engineers created the Honda Riding Assist for their electric concept motorcycle. The Riding Assist device is positioned above the front wheel, assessing the motorcycles positioning and self-adjusts the handlebars accordingly.
Honda created the Honda Riding Assist to make slow-speed riding less of a challenge. For example in heavy commuter traffic constantly stopping, starting, and having to put your feet down. Along with self-balancing, the motorcycle also has the capability to follow its rider.
5 BMW R Nine T Aurora
The BMW R Nine T is a popular motorcycle due to its originality in customizations. Turkish designer Mehmet Doruk Erdem took this one futuristic step further coming up with the BMW R Nine T Aurora.
The BMW R Nine T Aurora is a low, aggressive, and sleek steed. Mehmet took ideas from drag and salt flat bikes to create the street version Aurora. Can’t wait for this one to hit the BMW dealerships.
4 BMW R 18
When you first look at this cruiser style motorcycle, BMW does not come to mind. BMW Motorcycles are simply not known for cruiser-style motorcycles. The R 18 is an 1800 cc boxer engine, the largest BMW has built.
The First Edition model is set for release in 2021, with deposits and reservations being taken. Special designing the R 18 First Edition with double white pinstriping, First Edition badges, and plenty of chrome. Won’t be long now before riders see this once concept motorcycle a reality at BMW dealerships.
3 Victory CORE
The Victory CORE idea started out as scribbles on scrap paper. The name CORE came from the concept this bike would have the core elements of a motorcycle. The frame, wheels, and engine. The Victory design team got to work creating a model and then the actual motorcycle.
There were two frames made from 356 aluminum. One being used to completely build the motorcycle. The one-and-only CORE was displayed at motorcycle shows in 2009. Then off to the Sturgis rally to ride. That was the only Victory CORE ever built. Ideas from the CORE were carried over to the Victory Octane.
2 Newron Motors EV-1 Wood Motorcycle
Imagine an electric motorcycle that mixes sci-fi, environmental consciousness, with a little bit of nature. Newron Motors EV-1 Wood motorcycle hits the mark. Resembling a sculpture, the futuristic sweeping fairings are made of real wood. Some of the special order choices include oak, red cedar, ebony, and white ash.
This unique EV-1 is able to hit 100 km/hr in less than 3 seconds, with a top speed of 220 km/hr. A DC fast charger gets you back on the road in 40 minutes with three-quarter battery life. The 7kW charger gives a fully charged battery in 2.5 hours. The EV-1 is rumored to be available in 2021 for $65,000.
1 Fuller Moto 2029 Electric Motorcycle
Fuller Moto created the 2029 Electric Motorcycle for the Haas Moto Museum & Sculpture Gallery’s collection. Its inspiration, the torpedo style1929 Majestic. Jump ahead 90 years and the 2029 is a reflection of futuristic technology. The electric concept motorcycle has an enclosed aluminum body, clear polycarbonate wheels, and 3D printer created titanium parts.
The 1929 Majestic saw almost 100 units produced, so we could see more of the hub-centered steered 2029 motorcycles produced in the future.
Sources: newatlas.com, hypebeast.com, tractionlife.com, bmwmotorcycles.com, carbiketech.com, rideapart.com