The BMW Lo Rider
6-Oct-2008
Purist, powerful, naked and reduced to the absolute essentials... ah, those were the days.
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| The BMW Lo Rider |
In a brilliant marketing ploy to the impure, weak, clothed, and over-accessorised among us (yes, I'm looking at YOU), BMW have released the BMW Lo Rider, the new concept study by BMW Motorrad.
At first sight, the focus would seem to be on the creation of a
roadster with a muscular appearance, openly displayed technology and
powerful flat twin engine for pure emotion and maximum motorcycling fun.
As the Germans say. You shallow unsophisticated BIKE ME! readers would
probably miss that behind all this is in fact a completely new custom
concept.
The bike's low weight, the powerful and high-torque flat twin engine and
high-quality chassis technology give it a high level of sporty riding
dynamics, while the lowered chassis and the relaxed yet active seating
position with the broad handlebars are more of a loan from cruisers and
naked bikes. The last BMW I rode, for example, was the R1200R, and I got
tired of the number of people who would approach me and say "Nice bike.
What is its level of sporty riding dynamics?" Especially when I had to
answer "about medium". They didn't look too pleased. Maybe they were
Bavarian.
The concept of the Lo Rider is such that, for the first time, the customer
can be involved in the design to an extent which goes beyond what has
previously been possible to date. Numerous options including different
exhaust systems, seats, headlamp units and paint finish variations allow
for a level of customisation which is far greater than the familiar
individualisation by means of special equipment features and accessories.
This means that the entire character of the vehicle can be adapted to the
customer's individual taste: the customer can take full pleasure in
assembling a machine just as he wants it -- from a cool cruiser to an
aggressive muscle bike.
BMW have invented the custom bike. And it's only 2008. Historically, Bavaria is full of surprises. Did you expect THIS one? Any more than you expected the other ones, we mean.
Classic meets modern - a combination of stylistic elements from
different eras.
The study Lo Rider does not fit into any of the classic motorcycle
segments - and it is not supposed to, because you might try to compare it
to that other manufacturer that makes big twins and provides custom
options.
It combines the latest technical attributes of high performance sports motorcycles with the traditional, classic principles of motorcycle construction. State-of-the-art chassis components from sports motorcycle construction such as the powerful upside-down fork, 6-piston brake calipers with real bite and wide 17-inch tyres are combined with style defining elements of motorcycle construction from the fifties and sixties. For example, with the exhaust system in a more traditional lower position in side pipe style creates a classic roadster or cool cruiser look, while a raised exhaust system is reminiscent of legendary racing machines or typical scrambler models of days gone by. Together with a range of variously designed seat concepts, also based on styles of the fifties and sixties, as well as differing paint finish versions, the BMW Lo Rider offers the motorcycle fan a wealth of possibilities by means of which to interpret the roadster theme in a highly individual way according to his own personal taste founded on a single basic motorcycle. In fact the Lo Rider gives the creativity of its rider almost completely free rein.
According to the press release, anyway, the writer of which we doubt has ever ridden a motorcycle. And if she has, I bet it was one with a weak downside down fork instead of a powerful upside down fork.
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| The BMW Lo Rider prior to being taken by surprise |
Chassis and engine - state-of-the-art technology based on classic principles.
The mixture of classic and modern stylistic elements of motorcycle
construction combined with state-of-the-art technology is what gives the
Lo Rider its defining look from all angles. A torsionally stiff space
frame of sophisticated architecture openly displays the bike's technology
and together with the upside-down telescopic fork at the front and
Paralever rear-wheel swing arm provides the modern basis in terms of
chassis technology - just as it is to be found in some current models of
the BMW Boxer series. What is more, the chassis of the Lo Rider has been
lowered as compared to conventional roadsters.
In terms of tyre dimensions, the 17-inch wheels represent the current
state of the art for sports motorcycles, though with their chrome wire
spokes, black hubs and steel rims they ingeniously echo the characteristic
stylistic elements and flair of a past era. By contrast, contemporary
technology and a high level of riding dynamics is provided by elements
such as the high performance dual brake disk with powerful 6-piston
calipers, together with wave brake discs borrowed from motor racing at the
front and the single disc brake at the rear.
In terms of its engine, the Lo Rider also relies on technology which is
both contemporary and full of character - the legendary, highly responsive
BMW flat twin "Boxer" engine. For 85 years, the construction principle of
this engine has stood for unmistakable, authentic design, a full torque
curve and unique sound and power. In its current version with an output of
over 100 bhp, overhead camshafts, electronic fuel injection and exhaust
gas purification, the powerful response of this dynamic and distinctive
2-cylinder is simply perfect for the BMW Lo Rider.
It has a new frame but an old engine.
The customer as designer - individual designs and paint finishes.
The concept study Lo Rider is mainly focused on the two essential
component groups of a motorcycle, the engine and the chassis. Any
superfluous decoration is omitted. Instead, variable components such as
the exhaust system, seat, headlamp unit and paint finishes determine the
bike's outward appearance, at the same time defining its conceptual style.
The combination of these classic and modern components is entirely subject
to the personal taste of the customer. For example, he can initially
express the dominating character of the BMW Lo Rider through the placement
of the exhaust system, creating either a sporty style or opting for a more
roadster-like look by having it lowered.
A very sporty effect is created by the classic perch seat made of
aluminium sheet metal, while the simple single seat reduced to the
absolute minimum will appeal to purist motorcycle fans. The single seat
can also be optionally extended to include a pillion passenger module.
The specification laid down for the development team led by David Robb,
Head of Design Development at BMW Motorrad, was that all the conceivable
combination options of these components should produce different end
results but that the bike should always retain a rounded, coherent
character in itself. Whether with a raised or lowered exhaust system, with
sporty perch seat or seat bench for one or two people: the Lo Rider comes
over differently every time but always makes an impression.
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The same applies to the selection options in creating the front section of the Lo Rider. With their aggressive, modern design, the vertically arranged dual headlamps give it a touch of the streetfighter, while the classic, semicircular headlamp provides an echo of past times. Once again, the same principle applies: however different the styles thus created might be, they always have a consistent emotional appeal for the rider.
Further possibilities for individual design are available to the customer in the choice of paint finish. There are four different colours available for the fuel tank, and with the three different paint finishes for the engine casing this allows the customer to create a very distinctive, personal look, defining the character of the Lo Rider as anything from refined to sporty. These always harmonise perfectly with the deliberately classic, high-quality aluminium parts such as fuel tank trim, seat holder and wing struts. Different styles can also be created with the front and rear wings which are available either in black or chrome finish.
You can get different colours and headlights.
Finally, another element which harmonises perfectly with the overall concept of the Lo Rider is the individually adaptable range of rider equipment. This includes classic leather jackets, protector jeans, boots, gloves and authentic jet and integral helmets. This ensures that not only the appearance of the Lo Rider is perfect but that the Lo Rider has just the right look, too.
You can accessorize. Nothing wrong with that. Apparently.
