BMW has revealed a concept single cylinder bike known as the Stunt G 310, which despite numerous modifications for stunting may indicate a lightweight, small displacement production single is on its way.
The following press release describes a “newly developed 1-cylinder engine” whose “special feature is the cylinder which is inclined towards the rear and the cylinder head which is rotated by 180 degrees.” Stunt champ Chris Pfeiffer contributed to the design. Here is the press release from BMW:
Munich/São Paulo. With the world premiere of the BMW Concept Stunt G 310 at South America’s largest motorcycle show, BMW Motorrad is presenting a completely new side: the uncompromising interpretation of an aggressive and agile stunt bike based on a single cylinder study.
Thanks to his experience as a four-times World and European stunt riding champion, Chris Pfeiffer, contributed to the realisation of the BMW Concept Stunt 310. “Stunt riding is a demanding and multi-faceted sport. Ideally you need a compact, agile bike which is also stable and robust at the same time. You have to achieve the ideal balance between aggressiveness and control”, explains Chris Pfeiffer.
Compact proportions, highest-level agility.
The BMW Concept Stunt G 310 combines all these qualities and makes clear at first sight: the newly developed 1-cylinder engine allows for very compact proportions thanks to its innovative concept. The special feature is the cylinder which is inclined towards the rear and the cylinder head which is rotated by 180 degrees. This permits optimum placement of the engine in the motorcycle and a short wheelbase in spite of the long swinging arm thereby making the motorcycle very agile. The low-slung front and the raised tail section promise fast and nimble changes of direction as well as dynamic riding. By shifting the intake area towards the front while also moving the exhaust system towards the rear it was possible to place the rear silencer in an upright standing position underneath the seat between engine and spring strut. In this way the silencer is optimally protected and does not limit the stunt rider’s freedom of movement. Even though you may hardly see it, you will not overhear it. Once started, the sound of the BMW Concept Stunt G 310 is sure to attract attention.
Emotional surface design in typical BMW Motorrad style.
The emotional side view of the Concept Bike is characterised by the powerful three-dimensional design of its surfaces. The precise lines and the expressive interplay of the contours create a sense of movement and speed even when the bike is stationary. What is especially striking in this respect are the side wing contours of the fuel tank which significantly emphasise this effect. All lines seem to generate a sense of movement towards the front wheel and underline the playful ease of handling of the BMW Concept Stunt G 310. Simultaneously the bike’s surfaces create a compact and distinctive silhouette emphasising the favourable centering of masses around the engine block.
The slim front view of the BMW Concept Stunt G 310 also draws attention to its high level of agility. The expressively modelled surfaces of the fuel tank result in a broad shoulder section which is underscored further by the design of the front facia. Similar to its front, the raised, filigree tail promises playful cornering and handling. It shifts the visual centre of gravity to the front even further and in combination with the engine spoiler emphasises the front wheel even more.
Extensive stunt modifications.
The numerous modifications are typical for a stunt bike; in making them Chris Pfeiffer brought his many years of experience as a stunt professional to bear in cooperation with the BMW Motorrad Design Team. Their single aim is to provide the best possible handling properties for the stunt rider’s feats on the asphalt. The lockable throttle ensures constant propulsion even when the rider’s hand has to let go of the throttle grip. In addition a slightly altered gear ratio secures greater propulsive force to the rear wheels at low engine speeds while the intentionally oversized rear wheel brake ensures reliable deceleration in every situation. A second, even larger rear wheel brake allows the rider to brake the rear wheel using only his middle finger, in case his right foot is not on the footrest in certain stunts. The additional brake lever is specially placed on the left side of the handlebars and can even be operated at the same time as the clutch. So-called axle pegs on the front axle and in the seat area give the rider additional options for placing his feet which go way beyond the possibilities offered by normal foot rests. The distinctive red crash bars provide additional protection for the engine. A special highlight on the BMW Concept Stunt G 310 is the “stunt tail” which was specifically developed by BMW Motorrad and which has not been seen in this shape on a stunt bike. It is milled from solid aluminium and features an opening in the centre, which offers the stunt rider a hold for his foot. Together with the non-slip seat, the aluminium component also ensures a stable seating position when riding thanks to its shape.
Modern colour and material design.
The colour concept features the classic BMW motorsport colour white as the base colour as well as red and blue in combination with the national colours of the Brazilian flag in a modern interpretation. The spectacular neon green and yellow colour and material design is certain to attract attention. The bright neon colours extend along the entire body thereby emphasising the dynamic lines and surfaces of the bike. The core of the bike, the drivetrain, features darker colours and moves the visual centre of gravity even lower. Edgar Heinrich, Head of BMW Motorrad Design sums up: “The BMW Concept Stunt G 310 is a real eye-catcher. Everything on this concept seems to be shouting out to ride it and defy the laws of gravity.”
Would love to see the spec sheet on this, and an comparo to the 390 Duke. KTM has proven that there is a niche for small displacement bikes with decent power and road manners. Bring on the competition.
It would have to be built in India. The adolescent market that it is aimed at cannot afford BMW prices. Plus, don’t stunters usually buy beat up supersports that have been dropped multiple times?
What makes this a stunt bike? Don’t stunt bikes have a seat pad on top of the tank and a really big rear sprocket? Maybe they just made sure the oil pickup is constantly submerged in the sump even at vertical angles.
“What makes this a stunt bike?”
Marketing engineers.
No beak? What’s up?
That will come as standard equipment with the G 310 GS version.
Perhaps BMW is preparing to compete with the KTM Duke and RC 390s. As far as the styling of this bike goes, the headline says it all, CONCEPT. We might expect more conventional RT and GS production versions.
I wonder about the origin of this engine. Current and previous BMW singles have not been made in Germany. At first in Italy (Aprilia), now in Taiwan. Maybe this bike will be built outside of Europe, like the Indian built KTM 390s.
No doubt a concept, but trick “stunt” bits aside, that looks to be a very production-ready package.
Probably they’re gonna be manufactured in India, due to the TVS/BMW agreement.
I am pretty sure that this bike isn’t aimed at the US market. There isn’t a huge market for teeny bikes in the US, but the call for them in the rest of the world is huge. BMW’s idea of a basic transpo bike isn’t sane, but it is very BMW.
“There isn’t a huge market for teeny bikes in the US”
I don’t know Wendy… KTM, Honda, Kawasaki and Yamaha seem to think there is a solid market in the US for these little guys. Interest in the North American and (I assume) European markets for these bikes seem to be driving 300cc+ displacements. It definitely increases their practicality in the US market.
If this envolved I too a reasonably priced dual sport or GS it would be interesting.
The amount of money time and effort the German manufacturers of vehicles, high end consumer products and machine tools invest in development of products is astounding. Since the end of WWII American manufactures were ruled by cost accountants who begrudged every dollar spent just trying to make old products and development of new ones was always reactive.
Not that they are perfect. See VW. Germany was also in a sweet spot via the adoption of the Euro. They were only winner in that regard and the losers, starting with Greece are a disaster. Without the Euro the German currency would be much stronger thus hurting their exports and putting a crimp on the likes of BMW.
What a load of claptrap! Reversed heads and rearward-inclined cylinders have both been done before (?Yamaha). This is a freak bike, hideous in all aspects and puffed to the sky by marketing men/ladies who need their medication changed. If BMW need to do this sort of stuff to get attention, perhaps all is not well in the bavarian motorworks!
Hey, don’t sugarcoat it. How do you REALLY feel about it?
🙂
I like the looks of this but 310cc won’t cut it in the USA. Honda tried and is moving to a twin. This segment is heading towards 400 – 500cc engines. If this was a 450 – 500cc single it would be competitive.
I wish Honda would just bring the Super four (400cc) to the US. I’m sure the next 350cc from Honda will be a twin.
I really don’t know how many of those little CBRs Honda sells, but I do see quite a few of them. Maybe the extra cylinder just isn’t that big of a deal for this segment. Or maybe the reason we are looking at a concept right now is because BMW got leap-frogged by the market during the design process and are working out the best way to punch/stroke this thing out some more.
Neat little bike. Can’t wait to see the production version.
Hey, a clown bike.
Oh c’mon, you know you were thinking it lol
I was wondering if a red ball on the end of my nose would match the bike.
Honk honk
Just envision those wheels viewed from the side as the bike is rolling, would be mesmerizing like a kaleidoscope (if you know what that is lol)
“mesmerizing like a kaleidoscope (if you know what that is lol)”
Duh. I have an app for that!
you young guys have apps for everything. We had a tube that you peered into a tiny hole in one end while twisting the other end.
LOL.
Finally someone had gourds to but the induction in the front and exhaust out the rear of the head.
While it’s probably not practicable on anything over two cylinders (to much heat), it sure makes sense in this application.
Kudos to BMW for producing (?) such a unique ride.
Can a trials version be far behind ?
Cannondale MX bikes had that arrangement.
Yamaha four-stroke MX bikes have used this layout for several years now. I don’t think that heat would be an issue on a liquid cooled multi, but the width of the top end intruding on the riders knees might.
Suck it, Grom