BMW introduces LO Rider motorcycle concept
Click above for high-res gallery of the BMW LO Rider concept
UPDATE: New gallery of high-res images added
BMW has been out of the cruiser market since it stopped building its R 1200 C models a few years back. The market shift towards ever-larger engines was what prompted the German marque's withdraw, as the firm's latest Boxer engines just can't be bored or stroked nearly enough to compete with some of the V-Twin behemoths that currently fill the market. Lately, though, there has been a new segment emerging, and it could be described as custom standards. Sure, placing a torque-rich motor into a standard-style frame isn't anything new, but bikes like the Moto Guzzi Griso, Suzuki B-King and the latest Yamaha VMax prove that there is a revival in that particular niche. BMW could definitely fit into that category with its latest concept bike.
Introduced at the EICMA Show in Milan, the BMW LO Rider concept uses a variation of the standard Boxer theme, stripped down to its bare essentials. Up front, the traditional Bavarian Telelever fork has been replaced with a beefy USD telescopic fork holding twin wavy disc brakes. Two projector-style headlamps add some urban flair to the front of the bike while a single saddle seat marks the bike's minimalist design. Twin high-mount tailpipes, which do an excellent job of exposing the single-sided swingarm, complete the look. Rumors indicate that BMW is seriously testing public reaction to the new concept and could put the bike into production in very short order if demand is there. We say go for it.
Gallery: BMW LO Rider concept
[Source: Bikes in the Fast Lane]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
2004m3driver 12:28PM (11/04/2008)
At first I liked it, but after second thought the exhaust tips like that look horrid. They should have done something stealthier.
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Kotse 7:26PM (11/04/2008)
Looks like a German translation of a Confederate bike...
Dave 11:04AM (11/05/2008)
I could see this being on the market for maybe 3-5 years before being discontinued.
BMW should stick to what it does best - touring and dual sport bikes and leave the rest alone.
Wally 12:29PM (11/04/2008)
That exhaust pipe will probably be comfortable against your inner thigh...
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Falcom 12:46PM (11/04/2008)
exactly
Jeremy Korzeniewski 1:02PM (11/04/2008)
High-mount exhaust systems have been around forever. Yes, you can get burned a few times, but you learn to move around them pretty quickly. Side pipes on cars burn plenty of people's ankles too, but they are still used.
Wally 1:06PM (11/04/2008)
@ Jeremy:
Those systems normally hug the lower section of the bike and then turn up after clearing the rider's leg area. Look at the picture, the rider's left inner thigh would be cooked even if he/she didn't contact the pipe.
Torqued 1:12PM (11/04/2008)
@ Wally, Jeremy's knows what he's talking about. These have been used for quite some time:
http://www.vintagebike.co.uk/Bike%20Directories/Honda%20Bikes/images/Honda-CL350-1971.jpg
http://www.triumph.co.uk/images/scrambler_overview_main_2008.jpg
Wally 1:16PM (11/04/2008)
Yes, those vintage scrambler systems have been around for a while but those aren't "High-mount" systems. I was probably nit-picking there, sorry about that. It still doesn't make them comfortable though.
Jeremy Korzeniewski 2:34PM (11/04/2008)
Yeah, I agree the placement isn't the best for practical purposes. Looks cool though!
JK
drbyers 12:39PM (11/04/2008)
I have a new object of two-wheeled lust and thy name is BMW LO Rider. Freakin' awesome.
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John 12:41PM (11/04/2008)
Yes Please!
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John Johnson 12:42PM (11/04/2008)
The perfect bike for people without legs.
Hi, guys. Anatomy plz. You can not place an exhaust pipe there :p
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Kitko 12:44PM (11/04/2008)
BMW traditionally makes better bikes than cars, better looking and more reliable. But I'm not sure about the looks of this one....
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tuna 1:02PM (11/04/2008)
Better looking? LOL. That's questionable.
easyrider425 3:40PM (11/04/2008)
Better looking?? Maybe since the Bangle era, but have you seen this?
http://www.rentamotorcycle.co.uk/The_Bikes/r1200clleftfront.jpg
Torqued 1:12PM (11/04/2008)
What a badass concept. Looks like a Grisso's punk rocker little brother.
I love the radical bits. Crazy exhaust exit, Terminator 2 headlight, cropped tail...
Love the classic throwback elements too. Not sure I've ever seen spoked wheels on a SSSW - it looks amazing. The wrap-around, scrambler-style exhaust has always been a favorite of mine. Practical on a street bike? Not really. But I'm pretty sure BMW isn't targeting the practical crowd with this one.
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Dean 1:06PM (11/04/2008)
I think my lack of knowledge about motorcycles will come through here in this question, but isn't that exhaust routing a little close for comfort? I realize you don't ride wearing shorts, but it looks like it would get really hot, really quickly, even with heat shielding. Can anyone who rides explain this one? Thanks ahead of time.
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Wally 1:14PM (11/04/2008)
A few times in my riding career I have accidentally stepped backwards against the pipe and even the slightest contact immediately bonds your flesh to the pipe. Even with racing leathers on, you can burn yourself pretty bad just touching the pipe. Heat shields help but idling in traffic would be thoroughly uncomfortable on this bike just because of the proximity to your leg.
Sometimes that's the price of riding a sexy bike though...
havoc 1:27PM (11/04/2008)
dude, it hink i just filled the cup!
i'm sure they took the placement of the pipe into consideration, afterall these things are made by engineers and design students/experts... not ABloggers
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