BMW HAS just done its usual trick of unveiling a future production model as a concept, this time the 'Concept Stunt G 310' seen above.
Revealed this afternoon at a bike show in a Brazil, it's clearly a preview of the much-anticipated small-capacity model the firm has been developing in partnership with Indian manufacturer TVS.
Codenamed the K3, the BMW/TVS project has long been thought to be around 300cc, and spy shots earlier this year revealed it had an unusual back-to-front cylinder, with the exhaust exiting from the rear - as has this concept.
BMW is expected to produce several models based on the K3 platform. The firm said as early as 2013 that it would develop a range of sub-500cc bikes.
See our full gallery of pictures of the Concept Stunt G 310 below and expect the production version to appear at the Eicma Milan show next month.
BMW's press release said: 'BMW Concept Stunt G 310 – Street. Style. Stunt.
Munich/São Paulo. With the world premiere of the BMW Concept Stunt G 310 at South America’s largest motorcycle show, BMW Motorrad is presenting a completely new side: the uncompromising interpretation of an aggressive and agile stunt bike based on a single cylinder study.
Thanks to his experience as a four-times World and European stunt riding champion, Chris Pfeiffer, contributed to the realisation of the BMW Concept Stunt 310. “Stunt riding is a demanding and multi-faceted sport. Ideally you need a compact, agile bike which is also stable and robust at the same time. You have to achieve the ideal balance between aggressiveness and control”, explains Chris Pfeiffer.
Compact proportions, highest-level agility.
The BMW Concept Stunt G 310 combines all these qualities and makes clear at first sight: the newly developed 1-cylinder engine allows for very compact proportions thanks to its innovative concept. The special feature is the cylinder which is inclined towards the rear and the cylinder head which is rotated by 180 degrees. This permits optimum placement of the engine in the motorcycle and a short wheelbase in spite of the long swinging arm thereby making the motorcycle very agile. The low-slung front and the raised tail section promise fast and nimble changes of direction as well as dynamic riding. By shifting the intake area towards the front while also moving the exhaust system towards the rear it was possible to place the rear silencer in an upright standing position underneath the seat between engine and spring strut. In this way the silencer is optimally protected and does not limit the stunt rider’s freedom of movement. Even though you may hardly see it, you will not overhear it. Once started, the sound of the BMW Concept Stunt G 310 is sure to attract attention.
Emotional surface design in typical BMW Motorrad style.
The emotional side view of the Concept Bike is characterised by the powerful three-dimensional design of its surfaces. The precise lines and the expressive interplay of the contours create a sense of movement and speed even when the bike is stationary. What is especially striking in this respect are the side wing contours of the fuel tank which significantly emphasise this effect. All lines seem to generate a sense of movement towards the front wheel and underline the playful ease of handling of the BMW Concept Stunt G 310. Simultaneously the bike’s surfaces create a compact and distinctive silhouette emphasising the favourable centering of masses around the engine block.
The slim front view of the BMW Concept Stunt G 310 also draws attention to its high level of agility. The expressively modelled surfaces of the fuel tank result in a broad shoulder section which is underscored further by the design of the front facia. Similar to its front, the raised, filigree tail promises playful cornering and handling. It shifts the visual centre of gravity to the front even further and in combination with the engine spoiler emphasises the front wheel even more.
Extensive stunt modifications.
The numerous modifications are typical for a stunt bike; in making them Chris Pfeiffer brought his many years of experience as a stunt professional to bear in cooperation with the BMW Motorrad Design Team. Their single aim is to provide the best possible handling properties for the stunt rider’s feats on the asphalt. The lockable throttle ensures constant propulsion even when the rider’s hand has to let go of the throttle grip. In addition a slightly altered gear ratio secures greater propulsive force to the rear wheels at low engine speeds while the intentionally oversized rear wheel brake ensures reliable deceleration in every situation. A second, even larger rear wheel brake allows the rider to brake the rear wheel using only his middle finger, in case his right foot is not on the footrest in certain stunts. The additional brake lever is specially placed on the left side of the handlebars and can even be operated at the same time as the clutch. So-called axle pegs on the front axle and in the seat area give the rider additional options for placing his feet which go way beyond the possibilities offered by normal foot rests. The distinctive red crash bars provide additional protection for the engine. A special highlight on the BMW Concept Stunt G 310 is the “stunt tail” which was specifically developed by BMW Motorrad and which has not been seen in this shape on a stunt bike. It is milled from solid aluminium and features an opening in the centre, which offers the stunt rider a hold for his foot. Together with the non-slip seat, the aluminium component also ensures a stable seating position when riding thanks to its shape.
Modern colour and material design.
The colour concept features the classic BMW motorsport colour white as the base colour as well as red and blue in combination with the national colours of the Brazilian flag in a modern interpretation. The spectacular neon green and yellow colour and material design is certain to attract attention. The bright neon colours extend along the entire body thereby emphasising the dynamic lines and surfaces of the bike. The core of the bike, the drivetrain, features darker colours and moves the visual centre of gravity even lower. Edgar Heinrich, Head of BMW Motorrad Design sums up: “The BMW Concept Stunt G 310 is a real eye-catcher. Everything on this concept seems to be shouting out to ride it and defy the laws of gravity.”'
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