Riding a motorcycle without a helmet is just another day for most riders on our perilous roads. But for BMW Motorrad, the motorcycle arm of the German automobile maker, it is took a tonne of innovation and engineering to create a motorcycle that they say is so safe and advanced, you don’t need a helmet. What’s more? This motorcycle is self-balancing, so forget having to place your feet on the road at every halt or have your limbs flailing every time the motorcycle loses balance.
No, this isn’t science fiction. If this motorcycle is anything to go by, then the future looks a lot safer. Greener too, because the engine is emissionless.
The motorcycle has what BMW calls a Flexframe, which appears as a single unit, and moving the handlebars makes the whole frame change shape to help with the change in direction. Power the bike up and the BMW logo lights up in its iconic blue and white hues, and the engine, which was packed tight in the frame at standstill, now protrudes from the sides. According to BMW, this optimises aerodynamics and enhances weather protection.
Doing away with the need for a helmet means more gizmos to play around with. BMW unveiled Data Glasses that ensure a direct exchange between the motorcycle and rider. When the rider looks right ahead, there is no data displayed. Look away, or lean, and it shows you the angle of lean and the ideal line to correct it too. Too slow to correct it? Fret not, the bike does it for you. By looking up or lowering their gaze, riders can access a plethora of functions like navigation, a menu, etc.
Also in the package is an advanced riding suit that can cool you down or warm you up and also helps you navigate with vibrating elements on the arms and legs to guide direction change. The neck region of the suit fills with air at high speeds, for comfortable added support.
While it will certainly be a long time before it’s commercially available, the Vision Next 100 has already got everyone drooling.
