BMW’s sensational 6 cylinder concept

Added on Thursday, November 12th, 2009 by Carole Nash Editor | No Comments

BMW sprung a big surprise on the Italian motorcycle industry yesterday at Milan, with a six cylinder concept model, reports Alastair Walker.

BMW had a cafe racer styled sportbike on show, featuring an in-line six cylinder engine, which looked extremely svelte. The engine has tiny cylinders, which BMW say are set very, very close together, utilising an oversquare bore/stroke ratio. What that means in everyday language is that the pistons are fairly wide and they don’t travel too far within each cylinder. The concept six has a theoretical peak power output at 9,000rpm say BMW, presumably to help keep the engine temperature down and extend the overall engine life.

Clues like the design of the radiator and the air scoops set next to the engine also suggest that BMW have considered how to keep this monster cool in hot weather. The word from BMW is that the big 1600cc six will be the powertrain of a flagship future BMW touring bike. A six pot motor would offer uncanny smoothness and effortless torque for two-up riding.

The concept bike features the Duolever and Paralever/shaft drive rear end, with a twin-spar alloy frame, suspending the engine at a 55 degree angle. Tipping the motor forwards was a design touch Honda employed with its six cylinder CBX1000 back in 1978, as it helps place weight on the front end of the bike and keeps the overall mass of the bike set nice and low.

With its tiny mirrors, single seat, beautiful cast alloy wheels and sleek styling, the BMW concept machine looks almost road ready, except for the swoopy exhausts, which don’t appear to have an catalyser fitted. The official statement from BMW is that the concept is just that, it won’t go into production, but the engine looks set to power K-series tourers of the future.

Great engineering from BMW, a viable touring engine for the future and real publicity coup for the German company at Milan. There’s no word on whether the six will make an appearance at the Carole Nash backed International Motorcycle Show at the NEC later this month.

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