BMW Motorrad Vision K 18
A clear view forwards: With the Vision K 18, BMW Motorrad is reinterpreting a central element of its history – the passion for drive systems with an unmistakable character. Since the early days of the Bayerische Motoren Werke, the engine has always been the core focus. In the Vision K 18, a newly developed six-cylinder engine with 1800 cc is resolutely bringing this heritage into the future. The drive system and design are closely intertwined, resulting in a clear sensation: full force forward. The development team give insights into the origins, concept and creative process of the vision vehicle.
The Vision K 18 stages performance as an experience for all the senses.
”The origins of the vision
The concept of the Vision K 18 lies at the heart of the vehicle. Before the lines, surfaces and proportions were defined, a conscious decision was made: to make the drive system the core of the entire concept. “The six-cylinder in-line engine has been hard-coded into the BMW DNA for decades” explains the development team. BMW has been putting six-cylinder engines at the heart of legendary vehicles since 1933. With its turbine-like running properties, the six-cylinder in-line engine celebrated its début in the world of motorcycles in 2010 and has been influencing BMW Motorrad’s Tourers ever since. It is precisely this long-standing tradition that became the starting point for a conscious change of perspective. “We wanted to rethink the vehicle from the ground up”, said the team. “It was important for us to celebrate the impressive powertrain, which in turn, meant exposing the technology.” A decision that became a statement of design. This attitude allowed for the creation of the Vision K 18’s engine. “Power and luxury, paired with motorsport DNA, are what drives our Vision K 18 full speed ahead – with more displacement than ever before.” A newly developed six-cylinder in-line engine with 1800 cc, which brings the concept and technology together with conviction.
This vision is also reflected in the form of the vehicle. “Our six-cylinder models are currently found in the Touring field and are therefore designed for long distances”, the developers explain. A design reference that extends far beyond motorcycle engineering was developed from the basis of this dynamic character. “We often see this approach in long-distance air travel”, said the team. “Some of these aircraft have a very two-dimensional hull, with only the technically essential elements protruding from it.” In terms of inspiration, the developers point to iconic supersonic aircraft, known for their aerodynamic precision, clear lines and visionary design. “We applied this concept decisively throughout the design of the Vision K 18.” This resulted in a conscious contrast between complex technical components and expansive body panels with graphical sections. The technology took the lead with precision, without disturbing the serenity of the form. The large-scale body sections also opened up new possibilities for the developers in terms of line design. “We had the freedom to create very long lines across the entirety of the vehicle.” “The primary body language of the motorcycle evokes a sense of ascent, like a plane taking off.” This perception is supported by the alignment of the engine block and the carefully designed proportions. “In order to strengthen this effect, we have pushed the rear down as far as possible.” “As a result, the motorcycle looks like a sprinter in the starting blocks, even when it’s at a standstill.”
Power you can see
Power you can see
The direction can also be seen clearly from above. “The Vision K 18 has an arrow-shaped silhouette, much like the wings of a jet,” the developers explain. “Everything is designed with a forward-looking orientation.” “Everything about the Vision K 18 is extreme”, including the clear design. “By switching the positions of the airbox and tank, we were able to keep the backbone as flat as possible.” This is cleverly juxtaposed by the rear. “The carbon-encased rear with six tailpipes is extremely broad.” The front also reflects this expression of power and dynamism. “The design of the intake guides air to the central air filter via six pipes”, the team explains. “It evokes a sensation of pure power.” As such, the Vision K 18 unites long-distance performance and design to make a clear statement: full force forward.
Perfected by hand
Perfected by hand
The visionary vehicle will celebrate its première at the Concorso d’Eleganza in May; a conscious choice, as the Concorso is, as the team says, “known for unique vehicles, rarities and unusual prototypes, but also for the craftsmanship behind them”. That’s why the decision was made to “hone the entire aluminium body by hand”. The two-metre-long seamless side trim panel in particular is “anything but commonplace in motorcycle engineering”.
This is contrasted by the dark forged carbon parts, which are “placed over positive forms and refined by hand”. Even the exhaust system follows this vision: an artful design, made of stainless steel “in a flame-spraying process and coated with liquid aluminium, reminiscent of the old Formula 1 manifolds”. The technical highlights include “the exposed intake, the chassis that can be hydraulically lowered when at a standstill and the actively cooled sextuple headlights”. According to the developers, the biggest challenge was “striking the right balance between precise technology and master craftsmanship”. However, it is precisely this tension that forms the core of the Vision K 18, and also explains why its début will be at the Concorso d’Eleganza.
With the BMW Motorrad Vision K 18, we are demonstrating how we have reinterpreted performance, luxury and emotion in a new, extremely confident way.
”Markus Flasch
CEO of BMW Motorrad
