This KTM x Red Bull bike envisions riders using brain machine interface for a 2035 Moto-GP race

Posted on 04/08/2021 by Gaurav Sood

The bike’s design envisions a Brain-Machine Interface (akin to Elon Musk’s Neuralink) connecting the machine with the racer’s brain making the flow of command and interaction almost seamless.

Let me confess; I was mildly intrigued with Moto-GP until I attended my first race ever in Twin Ring Motegi, Japan, in 2017 – the sound of those bikes racing is etched in my memory. I discovered a newfound respect for the biker’s skill and courage while getting soaked to my bones in an unrelenting drizzle! Unfortunately, this was the event where I had to watch the legend Valentino Rossi, crash at Turn 7 on the sixth lap while running in ninth place – and if there is a way to make these machines safer, I am all for it!

Taking a vision of the future into consideration, automotive design student Minhyuk Seung has penned a jaw-dropping Moto GP concept carrying the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing livery. The technology showcased in this design should be available by 2035 for the conceptual KTM RC – F35.

Unlike other racing concepts that picture a future of autonomous racing on the speedy circuits, Minhyuk believes that the human element will always be there. I totally agree with him as emotions, sudden situations, and racing strategies seen in this sport are human at heart. However, we cannot discuss the future without AI, and the bike incorporates an AI-enabled self-balancing technology. This neat piece of technology means the racer can concentrate on the race while maneuvering tight turns.

In addition, the design boasts an exciting tilt motor (located on the top and bottom) driving system for aggressive cornering. The bike’s connects to the racer using the BMI technology (Brain-Machine Interface), making the flow of command and interaction almost seamless. The BMI tech, if realized, seems like the neural connection between the Avatar’s Na’vi and their creatures – forging a bond where human-machine interaction goes beyond the screens we see every day.

This Moto GP concept takes inspiration from the Icarus’s wing, while the visual design takes cues from the Swallow, the national bird of Austria. What we love the best is how the design balances stunning aesthetics with thoughtful functionality. Overall the KTM RC – F35 concept feels like it could turn real with ease, especially given the strides with Elon Musk’s Neuralink. Elon, we have some inspiration for you and hope you are listening!

Designer: Minhyuk Seung

Husqvarna enters the electric scooter category with the heavy-bodied Vektorr concept

Posted on 07/05/2021 by Sarang Sheth

Building on its vision to reinvent urban mobility by ushering it into an emission-free future, Husqvarna just launched the Vektorr, an electric scooter concept with an almost BMW Motorrad Concept Link-inspired heavy-body design that projects confidence and dominance on the road.

The launch of the Vektorr comes just days after Husqvarna announced the E-Pilen electric motorcycle, and one can even notice a homogeneity in their design language. The Vektorr embodies Husqvarna’s agile, edgy design aesthetic while still judiciously using tight curves to create an automobile that looks sinewy and muscular. The e-scooter relies on a familiar silver, black, and lemon yellow paint-job as seen in the E-Pilen, and has the iconic circular headlight that’s signature to the Husqvarna brand.

The electric scooter comes outfitted with a 4kW motor that gives it a top speed of 45 km/h and a claimed range of 95 km. Designed keeping the urban traveler in mind, Husqvarna said, “The Vektorr Concept is the first electric scooter ever produced by Husqvarna Motorcycles and is aimed squarely at the urban commuter who demands a compact, stylish and effective personal transport solution to fit their busy lifestyle.”

Husqvarna is expected to begin production of the Vektorr in 2022. Customers can get an exclusive glimpse of the Husqvarna Vektorr Concept at the PIERER Mobility AG special exhibition in the KTM Motohall in Mattighofen, Austria. Partially owned by India-based Bajaj Auto through its 48% acquisition of KTM, the Vektorr will be manufactured at Bajaj’s factory, as part of the Bajaj-Pierer Mobility plan.

Designer: KISKA for Husqvarna

This KTM Light Adventure bike with detachable battery packs has got the looks

Posted on 02/03/2021 by Gaurav Sood

KTM brought the E-XC Freeride electric motorcycle to cater to the niche segment of clean energy-powered off-road dirt bikes back in 2018. This was their maiden venture into the electric bike segment, and the cool ride has resonated well with its prospective buyers. To give the existing KTM Freeride E-XC a major bump-up in performance styling and functional aesthetics – transportation design student Julien Lecreux has penned the idea of a lightweight KTM adventure bike inspired by the E-XC Freeride.

Aptly dubbed the KTM Light Adventure Concept, Julien reimagines the electric bike with a sturdy x-shaped frame and a slightly frontal leaning position. The front headlights and the windshield have got a very ultra-modern appeal matched with the dark orange and matte black color theme. The lightness of the bike comes courtesy of the dual mono swing arms and the custom addition of detachable bags shaped like a jerrycan extended the battery range further. These extra battery bags can be fixated on the front alongside the frame. Remove them for a short stint of performance run and the bike turns into a flying machine, ready for a dirt track challenge pulling off tricks like none other.

The overall design aesthetics of KTM Light Adventure Concept follow a very edgy theme – perfect for urban riders who prefer a good-looking ride as their accomplice. The high riding position makes it ideal for rough roads and the lightweight aesthetics mean it is agile enough for a twisty race track or the open freeway!

Designer: Julien Lecreux

The hoverboard’s big daddy

Posted on 06/10/2015 by Sarang Sheth

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The future’s a really great place for concepts. The future holds no restrictions on how you think, which is why some of the craziest ideas get termed as futuristic. The KTM Monodrive is in this aspect, truly futuristic. Debunking the two wheel drive with the rider in the middle, the Monodrive relies on a one-wheel approach with the rider in a skateboard-esque stance. However, to make sure that the experience isn’t completely alien, the driver is provided with handlebars with the ability to accelerate and brake. To steel, simply lean in any given direction.

Now at first glance, the most obvious hazard is the fact that a rotating tyre is exposed to the driver’s forearms and face. Probably a guard of some kind would do some good. Aside from that, I’d fancy seeing this become an entertainment sport of some kind, rather than a mode of communication of course. The perfect vehicle for the daredevil motorhead!

Designer: Laura Lang

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