BMW Motorrad, which is the motorcycle division of BMW, is not usually in the business of making heavy cruiser bikes, but at this year’s Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este the German manufacturer showcased a rather impressive concept. The bike is called the “Concept 101” and it looks like the cruiser or bagger motorcycle of the future. The name “Concept 101” indicates the capacity of the concept bike, which has its roots in the USA. The capacity of the six cylinders is 1,649 cc – approximately equivalent to 101 cubic inches, which is the American unit of measurement for cylinder capacity. So the “Concept 101” moves into a sphere that goes beyond mere horsepower and acceleration figures – all that counts is the remarkable riding experience full of power and tranquillity.
The enormous torque of the in-line 6-cylinder engine generates extraordinary pulling power in every situation on the road. The number 101 also stands for the place where the vehicle came into being. It was not far from Highway 101, at the design studios of the BMW Group subsidiary Designworks in Newbury Park, California, that the BMW Motorrad designers got together with their Designworks colleagues to create a truly special motorcycle that would extend the limits of quality and exclusivity and reflect a whole new touring philosophy. There is no confirmation on production yet, but we like the direction in which the company is heading with this concept.