BMW’s Vision DC Roadster Is A Futuristic Electric Motorcycle

BMW has used its #NEXTGen event to unveil the Vision DC Roadster.

Designed to preview what future electric motorcycles could look like, the Vision DC Roadster is a stylish sport bike which uses lightweight materials such a carbon fiber and aluminum.

While the engine is typically the highlight of a motorcycle, it’s been replaced by a large battery pack which features metallic cooling ribs and two fans which are mounted on the sides of the bike. Designers also created a three-dimensional surround for the battery pack and this helps to make it look more interesting than the battery used on the Harley-Davidson LiveWire.

Under the battery is a cylinder-shaped electric motor which sends power to the rear wheel via an exposed universal shaft. While the company didn’t mention performance specifications, BMW Motorrad’s Head of Design, Edgar Heinrich, said the electric motor delivers a “high level of torque right at set-off” and this “makes for breathtaking acceleration.” He went on to say “This almost brutal power delivery creates a whole new experience of dynamic performance.”

Besides the electric powertrain, the bike has a milled aluminum frame, brushed aluminum accents and a minimalist digital instrument cluster. There’s also a stylish seat with integrated LED brake lights.

Also Read: Harley-Davidson’s Electric LiveWire Bike Has 110 Mile Range, Costs $29,799

Speaking of lights, the concept has a distinctive U-shaped LED daytime running light. The model also has two compact LEDs that function as the high and low beams.

The lighting technology doesn’t end there as the bike has special Metzeler tires which feature five integrated fluorescent elements which are each about the size of a postage stamp. Besides highlighting the bike’s motion, they improve safety as fluorescent elements make the motorcycle easier to see at night.