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BMW Motorrad’s Vision Next 100 is a self-balancing, augmented-reality motorbike

The BMW Motorrad Vision Next 100 motorcycle, revealed today, is the fourth vehicle in a series of concepts designed to celebrate the company's centenary.


Said to be inspired by the company's first motorcycle, the R32, the shape of the Vision Next 100's frame is said to provide as much protection from wind and rain as a regular full-size fairing.

While the R32 had a horizontally opposed two-cylinder engine, the Vision Next 100 is powered by an electric motor, although Motorrad has yet to provide any power, torque or performance figures for the concept bike.

Unlike a conventional bike, the Vision Next 100 has a joint-free "flexframe" that "adjusts" itself as the handlebar is turned.

You'll note that in the supplied images, the rider of the Vision Next 100 motorcycle isn't wearing a helmet or any body protectors. That's because the concept bike is fitted with a self-balancing system that, it's claimed, prevents the vehicle from ever tipping over, even when it's stationary.

According to BMW, the Vision Next 100's self-balancing system ensures "a particularly agile and dynamic riding experience" with a lighter handling that "seasoned riders will appreciate".

The company proudly proclaims that the accompanying body suit "offers no safety features, because the bike’s intelligent assistance systems make them superfluous". Rather, the suit focuses on rider comfort instead.

An integrated heat and cooling system is designed to keep the rider at a comfortable temperature, while the neck area inflates at high speeds to give extra support to the upper vertebrae.

Vibrating elements embedded into the suit's leg and arm sections can deliver navigation instructions, and can also warn the rider if their banking angle is in serious need of adjustment.

Information is displayed to the rider via the bike's matching pair of data glasses. In addition to providing wind protection, these glasses can display ideal cornering lines, banking angles, safety information, and vision from the bike's rear-facing camera.

The glasses' various functions are turned on or off via eye movements. For example, looking down slightly brings up the menu, while looking up enables the rear-vision camera.

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