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BIKE TO THE FUTRE

BMW unveils self-balancing concept motorcycle unveiled that stays upright even at a standstill

The Bavarian motoring giant claims bikers will be able to get all the the thrills with none of the spills on their new Tron-esque Motorrad Vision Next 100

MOTORCYCLISTS will be be able to bike to the future on BMW's new concept motorbike which they claim is so safe riders can cruise without a helmet.

The Bavarian motoring giant said bikers will be able to get all the the thrills with none of the spills with their new Tron-esque Motorrad Vision Next 100.

The futuristic new ride has self-stabilising technology which allows it to remain upright at a standstill
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The futuristic new ride has self-stabilising technology which allows it to remain upright at a standstillCredit: Getty Images

The German automaker unveiled the sleek, self-balancing prototype the company released as part of its 100th anniversary celebrations, which are being held today in Santa Monica, California.

The zero-emissions bike has self-balancing wheels designed to stand upright even at a complete stop, stability that the company says will allow riders to ditch their helmets.

Edgar Heinrich, the design director of BMW's motorcycle division said: "Its self-balancing system will help protect the rider at any time.

The BMW Motorrad VISION NEXT 100 concept motorcycle was unveiled today in Santa Monica, CA
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The BMW Motorrad VISION NEXT 100 concept motorcycle was unveiled today in Santa Monica, CACredit: Getty Images
A rider demonstrates how the bike stays standing with her feet still in the riding position even when static
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A rider demonstrates how the bike stays standing with her feet still in the riding position even when staticCredit: Getty Images

"Any late reaction from the driver will trigger and the vehicle will balance out.

"In the future, motorcycle riders will be able to enjoy riding without protective gear."

The world's top producer of luxury vehicles has also premiered this year a futuristic BMW sports car with a flexible body, as well as a self-driving Rolls-Royce and an electric Mini model.

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Company representatives said that riding without a helmet remains a fantasy for now, though as many safety conscious countries, including the UK, demand bikers wear protective gear when out on the road.

But the German manufacturer says - although the self-balancing technology is still in it's developmental stage - if the latest concept vehicle becomes a reality riders could be helmetless by 2030.

The bike is ridden into the room with a rider wearing just a visor and no helmet
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The bike is ridden into the room with a rider wearing just a visor and no helmetCredit: Getty Images
BMW CEO Hadald Kruger speaks during the unveiling of the BMW Motorrad VISION NEXT 100 concept motorcycle
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BMW CEO Hadald Kruger speaks during the unveiling of the BMW Motorrad VISION NEXT 100 concept motorcycleCredit: Getty Images
Head of BMW Motorrad Design, Edgar Heinrich said:"Its self-balancing system will help protect the rider at any time, any late reaction from the driver will trigger and the vehicle will balance out."
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Head of BMW Motorrad Design, Edgar Heinrich said:"Its self-balancing system will help protect the rider at any time, any late reaction from the driver will trigger and the vehicle will balance out."Credit: Getty Images

Despite its contemporary features the bike will not be fully autonomous, the company said.

"We do not envision autonomy on motorcycles," said Heinrich, as the driverless autopilot system has faced global scrutiny following fatal crashes in northern China in January and in the US state of Florida in May.

In September, a Tesla electric car crashed into a tourist bus on a motorway in northern Germany, after the driver who was the only one slightly injured claimed he had activated the autopilot system.

A new engine design is seen on the newly unveiled Tron-like bike
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 A new engine design is seen on the newly unveiled Tron-like bikeCredit: Getty Images
The bike is totally emission free but BMW doesn't expect the technology to be commercially available until 2030
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The bike is totally emission free but BMW doesn't expect the technology to be commercially available until 2030Credit: Getty Images

BMW aims to commercialise fully autonomous vehicles by 2021, a company spokesman told AFP.

The Munich-based group has been collaborating with US computer chip giant Intel and the Israeli technology firm Mobileye to develop self-driving cars.

Last year, the Munich-based group also joined forces with its German rivals Daimler and Audi, the luxury subsidiary of Volkswagen, to buy the Here digital mapping service from Nokia to assist in the effort.

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