Is BMW’s Electric Motorcycle Closer To Reality?

• Patent images show the motorcycle’s electric motor and battery box acting as a structural member.
• The electric motorcycle is expected to borrow frame components from BMW’s F800 range.
• The electric motor’s performance is expected to be in the region of 100PS.

While BMW Motorrad has in the past showcased futuristic electric motorcycle concepts like the Vision Next 100 and Vision DC Roadster, nothing concrete came of them. The closest BMW came to creating a production electric motorcycle was an electric version of its S 1000 RR superbike. However recent patent images show a more practical and plausible electric motorcycle which could soon turn into reality. 

Also read: Harley-Davidson LiveWire Unveiled In India 

The new patent images might show just the skeleton of an electric two-wheeler but it is enough to fairly interpret what it might turn out into. For one, the higher battery positioning suggests this will be an electric motorcycle. Then the battery pack and motor itself seem to be a structural member of the frame. BMW has earlier taken this approach with its C Evolution electric scooter. Even the large battery pack and motor combination seem similar to the C Evolution’s powertrain. Then we have the suspension components. 

Also read: Zero Motorcycles Brings Us The World’s First Electric Adventure Tourer

The upside-down forks, monoshock, handlebar and wheels are similar to the F800R. The single-sided swingarm, though, could be from the F800GT’s parts bin. Going by these observations, it appears that BMW is working on an F800R sized naked electric motorcycle. 

Also read: Harley-Davidson LiveWire: 5 Things To Know 

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Building an electric motorcycle along the lines of the F800R would put it in the crosshairs of the Zero SR/F and Harley-Davidson LiveWire. Now, these motorcycles offer power outputs in the region of 100PS so we expect BMW to deliver similar outputs with its upcoming electric motorcycle. It should not be difficult for BMW given its experience with electric drivetrains. 

 While not much has been revealed, we expect BMW to reveal a working prototype next year. 

Source: Bennets