Exclusive: BMW Motorrad x Krautmotors C evolution
In Europe, maxi scooters are everywhere, and electric power is heading for the mainstream. So it was only a matter of time before we saw an OEM-sanctioned custom, and here it is: a radical BMW C evolution drag bike from Rolf Reick of Krautmotors.
With its stealth bomber looks and low-riding stance, it?s light years away from your typical plastic-swathed step-through?and we?d put it in the Bike EXIF garage in a shot.
A little background: The C evolution has been sold in Europe since 2014, and recently hit US showrooms with a sticker price of $13,750. The latest version uses battery modules from the BMW i3 car and has a range of 100 miles between charges.
Most intriguingly, it puts out a stonking 72 Nm (about 53 ft lbs) of torque?the same as a Harley-Davidson Sportster 883, but instantaneous.
It?s easy to see why BMW tapped Rolf Reick (above) for this job, and he?s delivered in spades. His background is in industrial design, and when he?s not building customs, he heads up a school for product design and multimedia in Mannheim.
Rolf likes to go down ?the road less traveled,? and has long wanted to customize an electric vehicle. ?It?s about taking away people?s reservations about electric vehicles. I?m showing them what they already know: an exterior with an old-school look, but built around new technology.?
The exposed powertrain does look ?old? in a retro-futuristic Millenium Falcon way, but the front end looks like it?s come straight out of the future?like a sectio...
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May is Motorcycle Awareness Month
07-05-2024 08:33 - (
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