Six-cylinder power units have always had particular appeal, offering not only supreme smoothness and refinement, but also superior power and performance. A further point is that the typical sound of a straight-six almost like a turbine is absolutely incomparable.
Looking at motorcycles, inventive engineers have also tried time and again to offer the enthusiast the thrilling concept of a straight-six power unit. But while a few engines in straight-six configuration have indeed been fitted in motorcycles both lengthwise and crosswise, the straight-six has never really made a genuine breakthrough neither on production models nor in motorcycle racing.
Depending on the way the engine was fitted, six cylinders in-line inevitably made the engine either very long or very wide, creating disadvantages in terms of the running gear, weight distribution and the centre of gravity. A further drawback was a much higher engine weight usually setting off the benefits of the extra engine power.
The BMW Concept 6 now proves that a straight-six, benefiting from the most advanced construction and production technology, may offer not only unique prestige, but also an unequalled standard of riding dynamics.
The new BMW straight-six is intended to further expand the K-Series in the foreseeable future. The first model to be introduced will be an innovative and luxurious BMW touring machine. This will of course be their top-of-the-line product.
Design
Working on the Concept 6, the designers at BMW Motorcycle focused on technical functions and quality as well as the emotional elements.
The design of the Concept 6 focuses in particular on the straight-six engine as the heart of the machine. Conceived as a mixture of classic and modern styling elements in motorcycle construction, the Concept 6, with its long front end and short rear, takes up the design language of the legendary Café Racer. Powerful and muscular, the body elements extend around the power unit finished in a special platinum colour, presenting the engine proudly from every angle.
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