The main goal of the project was to focus on customisation: "The customer can be involved in the design of the BMW Lo Rider 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: from a cool cruiser to an aggressive muscle bike.

Rumors indicate that BMW is testing public reaction and could put the bike into production in about two years.

Design

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.

Customer can choose a raised or lowered exhaust system, with sporty perch seat or seat bench for one or two people.

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 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 street fighter, 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 fi nishes for the engine casing this allows the customer to create a very distinctive, personal look, defi ning the character of the Lo Rider as anything from refi ned 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.

Finally, BMW has planned an individually adaptable range of rider equipment. This includes classic leather jackets, protector jeans, boots, gloves and authentic jet and integral helmets.

Technical Features

The engine is the BMW flat twin “Boxer” unit, that in this version delivers over 100 bhp and features overhead camshafts, electronic fuel injection and exhaust gas purification.

The chassis has been lowered as compared to conventional roadsters. A torsionally stiff sophisticated space frame openly displays the bike’s technology.

The 17-inch wheels have chrome wire spokes, black hubs and steel rims that echo the characteristic stylistic elements of the past.

Additional highlights include upside-down fork, Paralever rear-wheel swing arm, high performance dual brake disk with 6-piston calipers and front wave brake discs.

(Source: BMW)