The BMW Motorrad Concept 6:
Introduction
November 10, 2009 - BMW today announced the new
BMW Motorrad Concept 6, with a claimed 96 lb. ft. of
torque starting at just 2,000 RPM! The engine revs
to 9,000 RPM and it's apparently designed as a touring
engine, so we expect to see it not in this café
racer styled concept, but in the next generation of BMW
touring motorcycle.
The following is an edited version of the BMW press
release on the BMW Motorrad Concept 6, released for the
2009 EICMA show in Milan. Note that some of the
wording is rather definite that the engine will be used
in an upcoming BMW motorcycle. Whether that will
be the Concept 6 or a new tourer remains to be seen.
But one thing is certain: this is an exciting new idea
from BMW and it's great to see the resurrection of the
6-cylinder motorcycle engine!
UPDATE: December 2009 - Rumor has it that BMW will
definitely use the six-cylinder engine in an upcoming
touring bike! BMW has been searching for an iconic
engine type other than the "Boxer" flat twin, and when
you think about it, the six is a perfect answer because
BMW has a long history of building wonderful
six-cylinder engines in their cars!
wBWFlash Slide Show of the BMW Motorrad
Concept 6
The BMW Motorrad Concept 6: Engine
Six-cylinder power units have
always had particular appeal, offering not only supreme
smoothness and refinement, but also superior power and
performance as well as a truly emotional driving – or,
in this case, riding – experience.
A further point is that the typical sound of a
straight-six almost like a turbine is absolutely
incomparable, with straight-six power units at BMW
having stood for fascinating engine technology in BMW
cars for more than seven
decades.
Looking at motorcycles, inventive engineers have also
tried time and again to offer the enthusiast the
thrilling concept of a straight-six power unit.
But while a few engines in straight-six configuration
have indeed been fitted in motorcycles both lengthwise
and crosswise, the straight-six has never really made a
genuine breakthrough neither on production models nor in
motorcycle racing.
Depending on the way the engine was fitted, six
cylinders in-line inevitably made the engine either very
long or very wide, creating disadvantages in terms of
the running gear, weight distribution and the center of
gravity. A further drawback was much higher engine
weight usually setting off the benefits of extra engine
power.
The BMW Concept 6 now proves that a straight-six,
benefiting from the most advanced construction and
production technology, may offer not only unique
prestige, but also a supreme standard of riding
dynamics.
The new BMW straight-six will further expand the
K-Series in the foreseeable future. The first
model to be introduced will be an innovative and
luxurious BMW touring machine. Reflecting the
tradition of the BMW K-Series, this will of
course be a genuine top-of-the-line product.
Compact and Dynamic Six-Cylinder
Engine
The starting point for this dynamic introduction of the
straight-six in the new Concept 6 from BMW Motorrad is
of course the extremely compact form and configuration
of the engine.
The power unit is approximately 100 mm or 4" slimmer
than all former straight-six production engines and only
a bit wider than a large-capacity straight-four with
conventional technology.
The reduction in width is achieved in particular by
the slightly over-square bore: stroke ratio with
relatively long stroke and very small gaps between
cylinders.
To achieve this very compact configuration with
minimum width, the electrical ancillaries and their
drive components are positioned behind the crankshaft in
the open space above the transmission.
High-tech lightweight construction in all areas
serves to make the power unit relatively light from the
outset, important components in this context being the
two hollow-drilled camshafts and the very light
connecting rods.
The perfect
compensation of masses ensured by the configuration and
layout of the engine avoids the need for a balance shaft
and its drive elements on the new straight six, which
again means lower weight and enhanced running
smoothness.
In its layout, the straight-six featured in the
Concept 6 follows the well-known straight-four in the K
1300 model series with cylinders tilted to
the front by 55°.
This ensures not only a low
center of gravity, but also very good weight balance as
an element essential above all under sporting conditions
for precise feeling and clear feedback from the front.
A further advantage is that the tilted engine
provides extra space for the aerodynamically positioned
intake manifold directly above the engine and allows
ideal configuration of the frame profiles following the
flow of power.
The straight-six featured in the BMW Motorrad Concept
6 comes with dry sump lubrication. Apart from
greater reliability even under extreme conditions, dry
sump technology serves to keep the crankcase
particularly low and fl at, with the engine being fitted
lower down and masses concentrated around the center of
gravity.
Doing without an oil sump, the engine may be
positioned far lower than on a conventional layout.
The oil reservoir is provided by an oil tank integrated
at the rear of the engine block. This avoids the
need for a separate tank, again helping to make the
entire power unit more compact and reduce weight to a
minimum.
Maximum Refinement and
Performance
Designed and laid out as a straight-six, the engine also
opens up new dimensions in motorcycling in terms of
supremacy, power reserves, performance and running
refinement.
Output of the new six-cylinder will be in
approximately the same range as on BMW’s 1.3-litre
straight-four power units. Torque, on the other
hand, will be right at the top of the range, even in
comparison with the largest motorcycle engines, such
superior power and muscle coming from engine capacity of
no less than 1.6 liters.
The engine’s power and performance characteristics
are equally impressive, offering 130 Nm or 96 lb-ft of
torque from just 2,000 rpm and at the same time revving
up almost to 9,000 rpm – a dynamic potential quite
unparalleled in the
tourer segment. This alone qualifies the engine of
the Concept 6 as the ideal power unit for a wide range
of different motorcycles.
BMW Motorrad Concept 6 Zoomified image. Scroll, drag and zoom!
Environmental Compatibility and Economy
Re-Defined
The Concept 6 shows the absolute supremacy of its
six-cylinder drive system also in ecological and
economic terms.
Fuel consumption of this six-cylinder naturally
equipped with a fully controlled catalytic converter is
lower than on a comparable four-cylinder under normal
touring conditions. The use of E-gas technology
(ride-by-wire) then offers further potentials for
enhanced fuel economy and riding dynamics throughout a
wide range of different riding modes and conditions.
And last but not least in this context, the
straight-six power unit featured in the Concept 6 offers
long inspection intervals through the use of cup tappets
controlling the engine valves.
Dynamic and Powerful Café Racer Style
Supremacy and dynamism are also borne out clearly by the
thrilling design of the Concept 6 and, as usual, this
project from BMW Motorrad is more than “just” the
attempt to develop a motorcycle of a kind never seen
before.
Working on Concept 6, the designers at BMW Motorrad
have therefore focused yet again on technical function
and quality and, in particular, the emotional element
bringing together man and machine. Their rule,
quite simply, is that
a motorcycle must not only follow the laws of
functionality, but also arouse emotion in all its
facets. In a nutshell, therefore, the machine must be
simply thrilling.
Precisely this is why the design of the Concept 6
focuses in particular on the powerful straight-six
engine as the heart of the machine.
Conceived as a mixture of classic and modern styling
elements in motorcycle construction, the Concept 6, with
its long front end and short rear, takes up the design
language of the legendary Café Racer. Powerful and
muscular, the body elements extend around the power unit
finished in a special platinum color, presenting the
engine almost adoringly from every angle.
Smooth and soft lines ensure fully organic
integration of the power unit
within the machine, while at the same time they create a
powerful, exciting and
dynamic contrast to the sharply contoured front and rear
ends.
The so-called Split Face, a well-known design element of
the latest models
from BMW Motorrad, extends smoothly from the front of
the fairing all along the
top of the fuel tank made of carbon-fiber, again confirming the high technological
standard of the Concept 6 and forming an exciting
contrast to the outer shell
in aluminum with its white layers.
The division into
three sections created by the
Split Face is further accentuated at the front by the
LED headlight integrated
longitudinally in the machine in its rod shape and by
the slender LED rear light
extending far up into the seat hump.
The powerful and supreme character of the Concept 6 is
also underscored
by the six-chamber exhaust system complete with side pipes and the strong
presence of the intake ducts again finished in platinum
look.
Aerodynamic
components such as the twin-tipped engine spoiler and
the air guide elements
derived from the design of the new S 1000 RR Supersports,
on the other hand,
bridge the gap between functional and clearly visible
technology, on the one
hand, and the soft and smooth design of other body
elements, on the other.
Innovative Suspension Technology and
Equipment
The suspension of the BMW Motorrad Concept 6 is built
around a light-alloy
bridge frame as well as Duolever and lightweight
Paralever arms holding and
guiding the wheels front and rear. Seventeen-inch HP
forged wheels as well
as the extra-large brake system with its six-piston fixed
calipers emphasize the
sporting look of the new machine and its high level of
technology.
The outstanding supremacy of the Concept 6 and its
drivetrain is also reflected
by details such as the instrument panel intentionally
kept in minimalist design
but nevertheless completely equipped with all the
instruments and gauges
required.
While a digital display performs its usual
function of clearly presenting
road speed, there is intentionally no rev counter on
account of the supreme flow
of power at all speeds. So instead of a conventional rev counter, a LED display
shows the rider at all times how much torque is readily
available whenever
required.
Comments are ordered from most recent to oldest.
Not all comments will be published (details). Comments may be edited for
clarity prior to publication.
From "H.P." (09/10): "Today's
hi-tech world the bikes are crammed with electronic
wizardy. This isolates the rider from the feel of
the machine. Feel is everything...the very reason
we ride bikes.
BMW even with its super hi-tech has to struggle a lot to
keep up with the Japanese in terms of all out
performance. The Japanese do it with half the
displacement and a lot less weight ! Don’t get me
wrong, I own a BMW R100R since last 12 years and haven't
thought of any other bike since. Its part of my
life now.
What the "new age" Beemers lack is the feel. Now
the 6 cylinder. Honda CBX-6 springs to mind AND a
benchmark for other 6 cylinder roadsters. The
BMW-6 looks, in my opinion, just a computer
designed gadget. The cylinder's front is covered
with a radiator, you can't see the exhaust pipes which
could have bends like a musical instrument.
The cylinders are inclined waaay down. Yamaha had
walked the same road with 4cyl FZRs and reduced the
cylinder bank to 35 deg to get more clearance at front
wheel. Also the shape of the cylinder looks...mmm...un-artistic.
But well, so does the bodywork!"
Editor's Reply: Remember, it's only
a design exercise... Regarding BMW vs. the
Japanese, ask any S 1000 RR owner about all-out
performance. Most reviewers say the bike is so far
ahead of the Japanese that it will be years before they
can catch up.
From "D.G." (1/10): "I ride a BMW
K-bike. The first time I saw a article on the
Concept 6, I said to myself 'There is my next bike' "
From "S.R.A." (1/10): "I have been
waiting for an improvement on the existing K bikes.
To have the performance of a high end boxer and a place
to plunk the wife down would be an instant purchase. I
would trade my RT1200RT in a heart beat for this new
design."
From "P.A." (12/09): "There’s a
“truism” among musicians – the more eye appeal an
instrument has, the more likely one is to pick it up and
play it. And if it also performs well, it will
capture your heart. The same applies to
motorcycles. Certainly eye appeal and performance
contribute greatly to pride in ownership – key
ingredients to why we ride. This is not to
underrate the fascination with new technology and thrill
of riding a bike with turbine-like power, glass smooth
mechanics and a unique sound.
All I can say about the new BMW Concept 6 (not to
mention most of BMW’s most recent offerings) is that
they continue to stray further and further away from my
mind’s concept of a beautiful motorcycle. This
bike is nothing but butt ugly! I’m confident it
will ride like a dream, but I definitely would not spend
my hard earned cash on this monster (do you think that
the flat “2 x6” board seat would really be comfortable
over the long haul?).
However, if the jagged lines of the Stealth bomber
are any indication, it probably will not show up on
radar. Call it what you like, it looks like a high
price crotch rocket – I’m confident the competition is
smiling. I’m sticking with the smooth curves and quiet
power of my 2003 K1200RS – one of BMW’s best looking and
smoothest performing bikes – at least in my mind.
By the way – I still can’t imagine why BMW doesn’t
offer a “retro” bike as does Triumph, Ducati, Honda,
etc. If they would build an R100RS “look alike”
with all the modern mechanics, bells and whistles, they
would not be able to manufacture enough to satisfy
demand.
Editor's Reply: There's another
saying: "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder". I
think the Concept 6 looks great!
As mentioned in the article, the bike is a design
concept only, it will not be produced, so not to worry!
The purpose of a design exercise like the Concept 6
is to get attention -- which it did. This strategy
is used all the time in the motorcycle and automotive
industry. The engine is what is important
here and it will be used by BMW in an upcoming tourer.
By the way, BMW says the age of their average
customer is increasing and not buying new BMWs.
Sales have been flat and the company has been surpassed
by newcomers like Triumph in many markets. So the
BMW strategy is to try and attract a new demographic
with new and different designs.
While not everyone may agree with the direction the
company is headed, their negative to flat growth over
the last 10 years or so means they have to do something.
Retro bikes are cool, and I'd love to see them do one,
but they are typically niche sellers with very little
profit and probably attractive only to existing owners
of BMWs.
Personally, I think they're headed in the right
direction with bikes like the S1000RR and I wouldn't
mind seeing the Concept 6 produced either!
From "J.T.K." (11/09): "Great looks
and oozing with the highest technology aside, a
motorcycle has to be fun to ride (Mega-buck choppers
with " under 1,000 miles " are all over the place for
pennies on the dollar). And it has to be somewhat
affordable, and that means production numbers have to
reach some defined critical mass.
While this one is hardly an old (lady) in a new
dress, previous in-line 6 cylinder bikes fell victim to
the laws of both physics and practicality, becoming
novelty items in the process. I hope BMW escapes
this fate."
From "G.M." (11/09): "I read this
press release with more than usual interest. There
is something magical about a 6 cylinder motorcycle, the
Honda and Benelli versions of the seventies garnered
great interest and admiration. We all love the
truly unique technological advances. Yes, I did
check to be sure today wasn’t April 1 (didn’t somebody
run a 6 cylinder Moto Guzzi article a while back?), but
since it’s not, I waded into the article.
The bike is a visual work of art, surely eligible for
the Guggenheim exhibit, if it is still touring.
Some comments in the press release jumped out at me.
First, the comment that “a straight six offers more than
prestige”. Ok, the straight six I once owned was
in my 1964 1/2 Mustang, but that straight six relegated
my car to ho hum, even though it was the very first
model year for the Mustang. Everyone wanted the
V8. But that’s cars, not motorcycles.
I also noticed how many times the article mentioned
“supremacy”. Got to love those Germans!
Surely they have achieved supremacy over the French bike
manufacturers, and others will fall under their boot
heels and alloy wheels. The author stated that the
machine was required to be “simply stunning”, which
indeed it is, but if you roll into the local MC bar and
describe your bike that way, you’re liable to get beat
up a lot.
I think it’s great when MC manufacturers dare to be
different (even the Honda Fury and the DN-01), and
accept technological challenges such as this. I am sure
the first production six from BMW will be a great bike
most of us would love to own, and that it will cost more
than my first house. But hey, that’s why God
invented inflation."
From "J.G." (11/09): "GREAT!
Another Japanese wan-a-be from BMW! Having ridden
the newest offering, the 1300GT, this 6 banger looks
like just more of the same.
There is nothing unique about the newest BMW's, apart
from the roundel.
You can find the same technology, to a great extent,
on any other bike!
BMW lost their way when they discontinued what was
arguably the best cruiser in the world, the R1200CL, in
2003. This was a truly unique machine in style and
innovation, with ALL the creature comforts like cruise,
anti-lock brakes, CD, Heat, etc., at a time when the
competition basically had a key and some tires!
The 2 cylinder R engine was simple, reliable and
in-expensive to maintain and UNIQUE in all the
motorcycle world. Had they not de-tuned it, this
configuration would have led the segment for years with
only minimal refinements!
Since then, against all logic, they have produced
only hopped up dirt bikes and Japanese knock-offs!
My understanding is that cruisers are a majority of
all bike models sold and yet all BMW has is the HUGE,
HEAVY, EXPENSIVE K1200LT to offer, that looks and feels
like a Goldwing!
Until they rethink their strategies and actually
produce a model similar to the venerable R1200c and CL,
that suits the needs of the AVERAGE middle age rider,
(the ones who have the disposable income), they will
remain just a niche player in the market, no matter how
many complicated, over engineered, cylinders they cram
into a rocket frame!"
