Florida-based motorcycle restorers and modifiers NMOTO has taken a vintage BMW concept and turned it into a reality. Back in 1934, the German automotive company debuted a streamlined, futuristic-looking concept motorcycle: the R7. The model was never brought into production, but later inspired the iconic R5 and R17 models. While most thought the R7 had been lost in BMW’s archives over time, NMOTO has dug the design back out and constructed its own highly-accurate recreation of the ‘34 speedster.
Using a modern BMW R nineT Scrambler, the NMOTO team scrapped most of it down and rebuilt the R7 from the ground up, staying true to every small detail on the bike. From the headlight-integrated speedometer up front, through to the wire wheels holding the bike up, and then to the rear with the fish-fin exhaust pipes and cut-out fenders; the team has painstakingly made sure that the recreation is 100% R7 in its original 1934 glory. Of course, building off of a modern bike also means technical upgrades for the beast: the 1170 CC engine generates 110 horsepower with a top speed of 140 mph, and there’s also newer tech on it too: keyless ignition, a multifunction display, and LEDs for its headlight, taillight, and indicators are all incorporated.
For the vintage motorcycle enthusiast, you can now get your hands on a never-before-released NMOTO BMW R7 Nostalgia by providing your own BMW R nineT along with a customization price of $39,500 USD. Head over to NMOTO’s site to learn more.
For motorcycle aficionados, there will always be a special place for old BMW Motorrad models like the BMW R7 Concept from 1934 that Florida-based motorcycle modifiers NMOTO came out with last week. This year’s Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in Italy saw a different kind of ode to the heritage of vintage BMW bikes: a new Concept R18 wrapped in old parts.
The BMW Motorrad Concept R18 merges the past with the present to offer up a bike that has the rustic finish of vintage bikes, complemented with parts that meet today’s technological needs. Reaching through its archives, BMW has dusted off historic characteristics like the universal chrome-plated driveshaft, a round-edged cradle frame and exposed fuel tank and brought them back to life. All of its bare and exposed components harken back to a design similar to that of a classic R5.
In a press release, BMW has described the motorcycle as a “forward projection of a 1960s boxer engine” with all the aesthetic design elements of a classic BMW Motorrad icon. The bike comes with a ’60s-inspired two-cylinder 1.8-liter boxer engine packed with 1800cc, except with the latest air and oil cooling as well as a larger displacement. Along with its belt guard and valve covers, the transmission and engine block are made up of glass bead-blasted aluminum that comes hand-polished. Finishing touches like its black and pin-striped paintwork, staggered wheels, retro leather seat, Solex dual carburetors, a distinctive shaft that extends to the rear hub and hand-applied lines on the fork add an air of nostalgia to the latest two-wheeler.
It seems lately BMW has been looking quite far back through its heritage of old automobiles, like the Concept R18 motorcycle that appeared in the recent Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este show. And with all the autos showcased at the event, one particular four-wheeler peaked extra interest among attendees for its unique history — the Garmisch, which mysteriously disappeared 49 years ago, has finally been brought back.
First unveiled at the 1970 Geneva Motor Show, the Garmisch was a unique spin on the German automaker’s “Neue Klasse” line and was commissioned by the famed designer Nuccio Bertone. The concept car graced the floors mid-sized, sleeker and more futuristic than its other “Neue Klasse” counterparts at the time. Its interiors also bore unusual design elements: a sizable mirror in the glovebox and a radio placed upright at the center console. According to Bertone’s former design head, Marcello Gandini, the vehicle was made as a surprise show car in order to strengthen ties between the design company and BMW.
Soon after the show, the car was packed up and sent off to be delivered to BMW’s headquarters in Munich. It disappeared. Till this day, no one knows where it went. And besides Gandini’s memory of the car, barely any documentation of it was available, except for a few black and white pictures.
BMW’s new Garmisch, with its retro-futuristic design, is a reimagination of the lost prototype. First etched out with a digital 3D design plan, the concept car was molded into a life-size model to fine tune the proportions. Its vintage exterior and interiors were headed by Gandini to bear the closest resemblance to the original model. The coupe sees an angular front with thin headlights, complemented by two diamond shaped grilles at the bumper. Its back glass is covered by a geometric cage with a trunk that slopes down subtly. Silver trim detailing and textured rims accent the rest of the yellow exterior. As a finishing note, premium leather lines the interiors in cream-colored tones ranging from light beige to hazel brown. In respect to the earlier model, the new Garmisch was put together in the same way the 1970 car was — by hand on a BMW 2002 Tii chassis in Turin.
Scroll through the gallery above for a look at the newly reimagined BMW Garmisch.
In other related news, Brabus equips the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S with 800 BHP and a carbon fiber bodykit.
BMW has announced that its E-Scooter will be released later this year and has revealed all the specifications for its personal transportation device.
Packed with a rear wheel-mounted 150-watt motor powered by a lithium-ion battery, the BMW E-Scooter will be capable of speeds up to 12 MPH and has a 7.5-mile range. The BMW machine was designed to be space-saving and was produced alongside Micro — the inventor of the Micro Scooter — who together made the scooter fold into itself for easy transportation when not in use.
The E-Scooter’s battery takes just two hours to reach full capacity and the entire unit weighs in at just 9kg. BMW also kept the scooter true to its automotive design language by giving it a minimal look, painting it in matte black and adding a single protruding front and rear light. Completing the design is the signature BMW blue and white badge adorning the front.
The BMW E-Scooter will be available in Germany as of September 2019 for $895 USD and will be launched alongside two scaled-down versions — the City Scooter and the Kids Scooter. These two scooters are manually powered and are priced at $225 USD and $135 USD respectively.
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