BMW unveil their R nineT GS concept

BMW Motorrad have unveiled their special motorcycle – the Concept Lac Rose – which is a modern interpretation of an iconic rally bike that takes its inspiration from the Works BMW desert racers of the mid-1980s. Based on the R nineT, the bike also features bits from the special-edition BMW R 80 GS series production bike of 1985.

The concept motorcycle has been unveiled at Wheels and Waves held in Biarritz, France. It is designed in celebration of a period of motorsport success – where Hubert Auriol won the Paris-Dakar rally in 1981 and 1983, with Gaston Rahier also victorious in 1984 and 1985.

Edgard Heinrich, Head of Design at BMW Motorrad said, “It has been interesting to take a different kind of custom menu to a nineT which explores the possibility of going beyond the tarmac, but not in a hard-core way. Off-road customisation is an interesting concept to explore and with this recipe we wanted to bring together the GS and nineT people. And because the Dakar has always been such big news in France we wanted to celebrate its heritage with this definitive French theme for Wheels and Waves.”   

The Concept Lac Rose will be powered by the same engine powering the R nineT which is the air-cooled flat twin 1170cc boxer engine that produces 110bhp at 7550rpm and maximum torque of 119Nm at 6000rpm. Changes include the colour scheme which is inspired by the works racer, a modified seat, an enlarged R nineT tank, a specially painted rear frame and tail with rear-mounted toolkit. The number 101 ‘race plate’ and the cylinder ‘fins’ pay homage to the 1985 special-edition production R 80 G/S. 

“The Concept Lac Rose gives the suggestion of an easy-going and cool roadster that’s stripped down to the essentials but with typical off-road features that allow you to turn off the asphalt and take a trail to somewhere new. It’s the possibility of discovery and fun with no real boundaries that makes this bike appealing – just like the Wheels and Waves festival," Heinrich added.

BMW Motorrad design department has also produced a BMW helmet (based on the GS series helmet) and a jacket which matches the bike’s colour scheme.