The BMW Concept Roadster is Munich’s vision of how motorcycling is much more than just perfect function. Displayed at the recent Villa d’Este Concours d’Elegance on Lake Como, the motorcycle is a typical BMW roadster with a powerful 2-cylinder boxer engine, single-sided swing arm with cardan drive and a light tubular space frame, the concept interpreting classic elements in a state-of-the-art, dynamic form.

The visual mid-point of the Roadster, the 1170cc BMW boxer engine pumps out a solid 125hp and 125Nm of torque. The compact proportions with low front and high rear form a wedge-shaped silhouette around it which accelerates the bike even when stationary. The crouching posture with a powerful focus on the front wheel and the very short rear promise agile, light-footed handling. Split colouring makes for a visual separation of the dark engine area below and the light seating area above with the fuel tank and rear section. The dark bottom section moves the BMW Concept Roadster visually closer to the road surface, thereby emphasising a road-oriented riding experience. Meanwhile the lighter coloured upper section conveys lightness and a low visual centre of gravity. Even the headlight is a modern take on the classic circular unit, fitted with matted LED light banks.

The self-supporting rear structure is fashioned from a single piece of gloss milled aluminium, thereby enabling a very reduced and finely wrought rear element. The deliberately visible milling marks create a rough, almost industrial look which contrasts with the painted and anodised surfaces. Meanwhile, a Neon Yellow accent in the lower area of the seat cushion adds a bold dash of colour contrast underneath the perforated Alcantara leather. Additional colour accents in Neon Yellow are to be found on the valve covers and on the cooling ribs inside the air inlets of the side trim, further breaking up the overall view from the side. The tubular space frame provides a visual highlight as a load-bearing element in Sparkling Racing Blue, an expressive finish that lends a touch of modern sporty style to a traditional element of a boxer-powered BMW roadster.

Form and function are innovatively combined in the engine spoiler. In the BMW Concept Roadster, it not only performs an aerodynamic function but also incorporates the entire front silencer. Along with the short, steep tailpipe of the exhaust system, the engine spoiler concentrates form and function around the engine. In doing so it emphasises the compact, dynamic statement of the side as well as the short rear. The fork tubes, rear shock absorber and brakes are set apart by their anodized colouring, giving the BMW Concept Roadster a touch of sporty flair.