Latest BMW Concept Motorcycle is a Futuristic Solution to Urban Mobility
The BMW Motorrad Concept Link is an electric urban motorcycle concept unveiled at Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este 2017, presenting BMW Motorrad's vision for what city two-wheeled transport could look like when connectivity, zero emissions, and intelligent design replace the mechanical complexity of traditional motorcycles. It follows the Vision Next 100 concept and signals a direction for BMW's urban mobility division that eventually became the production CE 04 scooter.
Why the Concept Link Matters for Urban Motorcycling
BMW Motorrad designed the Concept Link around the real friction points of city commuting: restricted parking, constant connectivity needs, luggage carrying, and the unpredictability of traffic. The electric powertrain eliminates exhaust emissions and reduces mechanical noise. The flat battery pack integrated into the underbody of the bike keeps the centre of gravity low and allows the bench seat to be set low enough for almost any rider. Reverse drive, a first for this category of vehicle, lets the rider manoeuvre out of tight parking spaces without lifting or shuffling the bike. These are not showroom flourishes; they are direct solutions to the frustrations of daily urban riding.
Connected Riding: Jacket Gestures, Windscreen HUD and Calendar Sync
The Concept Link's connectivity system works across three surfaces. The windscreen doubles as a heads-up display, projecting speed, navigation, and battery status without the rider needing to look down. A touch panel below the handlebars handles input for navigation, music, and phone. The bike can connect to the rider's calendar and anticipate the next destination, suggesting routes based on real-time conditions. Gesture control in a connected jacket allows the rider to open the luggage compartment with a sweep of the sleeve, keeping both hands on the bars. The cargo compartment is integrated into the tail of the bike and opens via a sliding door.
Design: Orange Details, Long Bench Seat and Aerodynamic Contours
The Concept Link carries an aggressive post-modern silhouette with bright orange as the accent colour throughout: the windscreen coating, cable runs, and seat stitching all carry the same neon orange signature. The side contours of the bike are shaped for aerodynamic performance in urban speeds, protecting the rider from wind at the lane positions and speeds typical of city traffic. The electronically adjustable seat accommodates different rider heights without tools or hardware adjustment. The flat, elongated profile is deliberately unlike any existing BMW Motorrad production model, signalling a product category rather than a styling evolution.
Electric Motorcycles Available Now
For riders who want to act on the Concept Link's vision rather than wait for it, TheArsenale stocks production electric motorcycles with similar ambitions. The Arc Vector Angel Edition is a high-performance electric motorcycle with a connected suit and helmet as part of its ecosystem, taking the Concept Link's connected-rider idea into production. The DAB 1-Alpha TheArsenale Edition is an electric motorcycle exclusive to TheArsenale built for urban style and performance. The FUELL Flow Electric Motorcycle by Erik Buell takes a more practical approach to electric urban riding with extended range. Browse the full TheArsenale motorcycles collection for the complete electric lineup.
Sources
BMW Motorrad's official press release from Villa d'Este 2017 provides the full design brief and technical explanation: BMW Motorrad Concept Link: The Reinvention of Urban Mobility on Two Wheels. Designboom's coverage of the concept digs into the design language and Edgar Heinrich's creative direction: BMW unveils design for zero-emission Motorrad Concept Link.
