Autoblog

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.


[Source: Bikes in the Fast Lane]

Falling into the "maxiscooter" category, the Vectrix electric scooter has a top speed limited to 62 mph, allowing for a range of 68 miles from its 125 Volt NiMH battery. If the long-rumored all-electric Superbike from Vectrix does in fact make its first appearance on November 6th in Milan at the 2007 Eicma show, expect the speed and range to be a bit higher. Assuming that similar technology is used in the Superbike as in the scooter, the machine should feature regenerative braking by simply rolling the throttle backwards. When the bike is stationary, rolling the throttle back should move the bike slowly in reverse.

At this time, no details are available other than the teaser photo above. This machine is likely the work of ROBRADY Design, which worked with Vectrix on the design of the scooter. Vectrix has stated in the past that they plan on using lithium ion technology in the future, which would make sense in the Superbike since it will carry a higher price point than the scooter. Using lithium-based batteries would allow for higher speeds and greater range, potentially making for a very exciting all-electric sportbike indeed.

[Source: Motoblog, Vectrix]