BMW presents ‘9cento’ concept

BMW Motorrad has established a tradition of unveiling new concept motorcycles at the annual Villa d’Este concours on the shores of Lake Como in Italy. Recent concepts have included the retro-inspired ‘R 5 Hommage’, futuristic ‘Vision Next 100’ scooter, ‘Concept 101’ bagger and the R90S-inspired (and R nineT-based) ‘Concept Ninety’ café racer that was created in collaboration with Roland Sands.

This year, BMW Motorrad unveiled a concept that points the way to what a future adventure sport model might look like – the ‘9cento’. Pronounced ‘No-vay Chen-toe’, the name translates as ‘900’ and while no detail was provided on the concept’s powerplant, speculation has already pointed to the 9cento previewing a smaller 900cc version of BMW’s existing S 1000 XR sports tourer.

BMW’s Head of Design, Edgar Heinrich, says the 9cento is a “smart concept” for the future, combining the ability to cruise freeways, mountain passes and narrow alleys with functionality, touring capability and riding fun.

"It doesn't always have to be about 'bolder, bigger, brighter' nowadays: this concept bike focuses on achieving a sense of balance," Heinrich said.

"We've created a bike that combines the appropriate power with reliable sports touring properties and above all, lots of riding fun. It brings together the best of the sports, adventure and touring segments to produce an exciting concept – in a class which has not seen this kind of model from BMW before.”

'Forward’ Style At first glance, the 9cento appears to combine a streetfighter back end with a touring bike’s front end. This is deliberate on BMW’s part, as the 9cento is designed to function as both a sporty solo ride and a two-up tourer, with some clever features incorporated to serve both roles.

BMW says the configuration of the design – with all the visual weight towards the front – promises “riding fun and agile handling”. At the front end, the lighting is a dual LED set-up in a style broadly similar to the S 1000 XR and using the established BMW practice of having high and low beam lights in separate housings.

Beyond the lights, the fairing design and windshield are claimed to offer excellent wind and weather protection. The large ‘blade’ side fairings are a distinctive feature and appear to hover clear of the rest of the bodywork. Finished in ‘Pure Metal Silver’, these blades also serve to deflect airflow around the rider, while giving the 9cento more of a sports look.

The fuel tank, described as being 3D-modelled, is combined with large side cover pieces that link the front end to the minimalist seat unit. Both the side covers and tank are painted in what BMW calls a chrome effect paint.

Also on the tank is an aluminium panel that surrounds the fuel cap and sweeps back toward the rider. This panel, along with a similar panel under the seat and the side mounts for the pegs and pedals, features finely-milled grooves designed to create a visual ‘flow’ to the front wheel.

Carbon and Clever Under the distinctive skin of the 9cento is a frame reinforced with what’s said to be carbon fibre ‘fleece’. In pictures taken of the concept during its development, the frame appears to be a conventional beam type, using the engine as a stressed member, but closer to an F 850 GS than a S 1000 XR in configuration and size.

The subframe is all-new, but the swingarm appears to be lifted directly from an F 850 GS. The concept is chain driven, while the suspension consists of USD front forks and a monoshock rear. Both units are said to offer long travel to suit touring use.

At the rear of the 9cento is one of its most interesting features. While most pannier or saddlebag systems sit below the seat line, the 9cento’s design has them flush with the seat. With padding on top, this arrangement offers a broader space for the pillion to sit, while sculpted front sections cater for leg room.

One of this concept’s most interesting and clever features, the panniers clip on at the top, with a “powerful electro magnet” holding them in place underneath. Actual capacity of the panniers isn’t listed, and while they’re small, they don’t appear to be compact to the point of irrelevance.

The rear aluminium milled panel that supports the panniers also holds the concept’s tail lights, which are compact, boomerang-shaped units. BMW says the tail lights feature familiar design motifs, but they look more like those on the ‘Vision Next 100’ concept from 2016 than any production model in BMW’s current range (the 9cento’s milled panels were also explored on this concept) and are arguably one of the most “concept” parts of the entire project.

Matching Gear Along with the actual concept bike unveiled at Villa d’Este, BMW presented riding apparel to go with it. Two different jackets – Sport and Touring – were created to reflect the dual nature of the 9cento.

Made from a mix of leather and Kevlar fabric, both jackets feature ‘9cento’ branding, with the Sport version incorporating 3D-printed shoulder protectors and a bold black, blue and white colour scheme, while the Touring jacket, with an all-over grey finish, is subtler and designed to be stylish for off-the-bike use.

While the 9cento concept remains exactly that, don’t be surprised if some elements of the design make their way into future models in BMW’s sports and adventure touring range.