BMW reveals self-balancing bike

AS PART OF its vision of motorcycling in the future, BMW has revealed its latest concept bike – the self-balancing Vision Next 100, which BMW says stands for the ultimate riding experience.

Being a concept bike, the Vision Next 100 is replete with eccentric and innovative sounding design, the most obvious of which that sweeping, striking black triangle frame, which is intended to be a deliberate reference to BMW’s first bike, the R32. Curiously, it’s flexible and meant to allow the bike to be steered without the traditional headstock system found on most bikes – so turning the bars adjusts the whole frame.

And if you wondered where the suspension is, well, damping is taken care of by the tyres - the variable tread actively adjusts to suit ground conditions and provide the best grip. 

It’s self-balancing too, so at a standstill, there’s no need to put a foot down. BMW says the bike’s balancing systems will also work to ensure a light and agile ride.

The engine might look like the boxer lump we’ve come to associate with BMW but it’s a zero emissions electric engine. The engine also changes form as the bike moves and appears more compact when the bike is at a standstill, and larger once moving.

Information is given to the rider via a set of data glasses, controlled by the rider’s eye movements and the bike will give the rider alerts when action is needed.

BMW says it’s looking into the future more than ever before and its latest concept is designed to address what it believes people’s needs will be in about 30 years from now, based on the assumption that mobility will become ever more multifaceted and connected.

BMW says the Vision Next 100 will liberate riders from the need to wear a helmet and protective clothing so the rider can be in touch with his/her surroundings, which will mean ‘perfect synthesis between human and machine’.