Meet The BMW Motorrad Concept 9cento

At this year’s Concorso d Eleganza Villa d Este, BMW Motorrad introduces a new concept. Dubbed Concept 9cento (pronounced ‘nove cento’), the experimental motorcycle presents a smart concept for the future, with a combination of sportiness and performance, and touring capabilities.

“It doesn’t always have to be about ‘bolder, bigger, brighter’ nowadays: this concept bike focuses on achieving a sense of balance,” says Edgar Heinrich, Head of Design BMW Motorrad. “We’ve created a bike that combines the appropriate power with reliable sports touring properties and above all lots of riding fun, so it’s an attractive overall package. It brings together the best of the sports, adventure and touring segments to produce an exciting concept “ in a class which has not seen this kind of model from BMW before. The BMW Motorrad Concept 9cento is our interpretation of a modern all-rounder for the new mid-range segment,” explains Heinrich, and he adds: “Functional properties such as touring capability, storage space and wind/weather protection are relevant to most motorcyclists but they’re rarely included in the design of a concept vehicle. In this year’s concept bike we’re demonstrating that all these rational aspects can be coupled with a dynamic design to create something really exciting and highly emotional.”

The BMW Motorrad Concept 9cento features basic sporty configuration with lots of volume near the front wheel and a short high rear promises riding fun and agile handling. The striking styling of the fairing, fuel tank and frame further highlights the focus on the direction of travel. Here, the three-dimensional modelling of the fuel tank area especially comes into its own as a result of the paint finish with reflective chrome effect. The hovering side panel is painted in Pure Metal Silver. On all aluminum parts such as the central tank cover, the rear carrier and the footrest holder, the milling is directed towards the front wheel. This finely grooved surface structure is only apparent on close inspection and has the effect of a topographical elevation relief.

Meanwhile the windshield and fairing ensure excellent wind and weather protection. The ergonomic controls and relatively low, upright seating position are two additional key factors that contribute to perfect riding fun over long distances.

BMW also makes use of the lightweight CFRP which not only reduces the bike’s overall weight but also links the three-dimensional design of the front trim to the aluminum rear carrier.

One particular highlight of the BMW Motorrad Concept 9cento is the innovative storage space concept comprising a clip-on case element. The double case not only offers storage space, it also extends the seating area for the passenger. It is hooked into the rear carrier from above if required, and there is a powerful electromagnet that attaches the element securely to the lower section of the rear carrier. This system makes it possible to have two functional versions of the same bike.

The headlight of the Concept 9cento features two symmetrical lamp elements. Each of the two elements has an iconic LED daytime riding light in the lower section with a flat, dynamic U shape, while two compact LED lenses on each side provide the low and high beam.

The rear lights are just as distinctive in design as the front lights: the two LED elements are integrated underneath the seat and feature the familiar BMW Motorrad design motif of the two C shapes facing each other in a technical look.

Two motorcycling jackets have been developed to go with the BMW Motorrad Concept 9cento. They each reflect the concept bike’s properties with their refined mixture of leather and Kevlar fabric: Sport and Touring. They are produced by means of 3D printing. The second jacket is light grey and reflects a style geared more towards urban chic, featuring a very soft leather with a high-quality feel.

Both jackets bear the “9cento” signet clearly visibly, thereby rounding off the presentation of the BMW Motorrad Concept Bike at the Concorso d Eleganza 2018.