BMW Vision K18 Showcases its Six-cylinder In-line Engine

• One-off concept motorcycle
• 1,800cc inline six-cylinder engine

BMW Motorrad has revealed the Vision K18 as a one-off concept motorcycle putting the brand’s ultra-smooth inline six-cylinder engine at the centre of this bagger-dragster thingy. The concept will be shown publicly for the first time at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este on Lake Como, Italy.

Built around a 1,800cc inline six-cylinder engine, BMW says the engine shapes the whole motorcycle. The bodywork, proportions, stance, intakes, exhausts and lighting have all been designed to pull attention to the six-cylinder layout. BMW has used six intakes, six tailpipes and six LED headlights to reflect the architecture of the inline-six. The front intake sends air through six tubes to the central air filter, whilst the rear section is wide and framed in carbon to house the six exhaust outlets.

The Vision K18 is taking inspiration from high-speed aircraft design for its prominent long and low shape. Its silhouette takes cues from machines such as the Concorde. The overall form leans forward preparing to take off. Some aluminium body panels are hand-formed, including a seamless side panel more than two metres long. The bodywork uses large, smooth surfaces broken by exposed mechanical parts, cut-outs and vents.

The concept also gets hydraulic suspension, an actively cooled headlight, forged carbon elements and special surface treatments. There are flame-sprayed structures that create a bright metallic finish inspired by classic Formula 1 exhaust headers. And no, these details will never reach production, but we love the design direction BMW wants to explore for high-end performance touring motorcycles.