Design motorcycle

The aim of this thesis project was to create something, that has never been there before in motorcycle design. A new, deep collaboration between the future generation of riders and their bikes. It should create a whole new riding experience. And this experience should be inspirational and new to several fi elds of transportation design besides motorcycling. The process started with the research and inspiration fi nding. It continued with form exploration through sketching, ergonomic tests and photoshop sketches. The whole process was based on an interdisciplinary working method. Being in touch with modelers, engineers, generative designers, color and trim designers was an essential part of the project. The interdisciplinary work continued digitally, with many different types of software. Creating the 3D visualisation of the project required the use of Alias, Cinema 4D, Rhino, Grasshopper, Fuse, Speedform, Maya and VRED. Frequently reviews on the current project status and taking part in technical meetings, along with responsible designers at BMW, in combination with weekly reviews with the university, structured the time plan throughout the whole project. As well as fl ying to the university for check-ups and presentations. BMW Spirit provides a revolutionary experience for future motorcycle riders. Focusing on the interaction between the rider and the bike, it creates the opportunity to build a deep relationship. Since AI becomes more and more important in our daily lives developing ways of human-machine interactions will be crucial for our future. The concept is focused on the opportunities it could bring to combine an Artifi cial Intelligence with motorcycling. BMW Spirit creates a human-machine symbiosis and is controlled like an extension of the human body, with intuitive movements. The built in Artifi cial Intelligence is the rider’s companion and develops its own character and consciousness over time. It learns and grows together with the rider and adapted to the rider. Growing trust enables more possibilities to push the limits and enjoying the power of this unique riding experience.

This paper focuses on the aspects of safety for the user of a motorcycle, why and how we ride, and how one can impact the general interest in motorcycles among a younger generation in Sweden today through design and technology. Further it stands to represent my own thoughts on the matter regarding what is the key element of attraction in a motor vehicle among young people today. This paper has worked as the base for my research during my bachelors’ thesis and also includes some of my personal thoughts surrounding my design process which ultimately resulted in a motorcycle concept aimed at the younger generations.

This project has investigated how to reshape two-wheel mobility in a more functional driven way, without losing the thrill of riding a motorcycle. The intitial cue was offered by the current rise of electric powertrains in the market. The opportunity of finding new spaces in the existing motorcycle architecture that could increase it's functionality and safety served as inspiration for this project. By achieving these steps this project wishes to envision a product that can attract new audiences whilst making two-wheel mobility more accessible. The process involved a variety of techniques that range from concept creation to 3D visualisation. During the ideation phase digital and analogue sketching techniques were combined after benchmarking existing products and visualising through animations possible solutions. In a later step the design was refined using digital painting in addition to polygon modelling. It has been helpful to evaluate the product in VR through various steps of the process, this provided a better understanding of the volumes and enabled a more accurate design of certain components. The result of the project is Flux. Combining unusual materials, like silicone, with a new layout offered the possibility of creating a simple yet advanced solution that provides various benefits to riding in everyday life. These benefits range from an enhanced cargo capability to an easier way to swap or recharge the batteries. In addition, it features some seamlessly integrated technology improvements that are vowed to make riding safer, without compromising on the experience.