BMW Motorrad, like Harley-Davidson, has jumped on the EV train of thought to try revolutionise mobility on two wheels. Unlike the Harley though, the BMW is based on an already available production model, the S1000RR superbike.
That means the BMW benefits from the availability of plenty of conventional parts from the 146kW Superbike’s parts bin, with the company only needing to research how to propel the bike using electrons and not burning dinosaurs.
The experimental eRR, was created as a special project with the Technical University of Munich, and embodies an idea of what an electric powered supersport motorcycle made by BMW Motorrad would be like.
Let’s not forget that BMW are already making strikes in the EV market, with the BMW i3 and i8 already in production in the four wheeler factory in Munich, while BMW Motorrad’s C evolution scooters proved, that zero emissions, riding fun and practicability are not mutually exclusive.
Stephan Schaller, Head of BMW Motorrad, emphasizes notes that in terms of performance, electrics have a certain edge.
“[In] acceleration, handling or top speed – the RR is setting standards. However, if acceleration on the first metres, up to 50, 60 kph, is the point, the RR’s 199 bhp have to admit defeat by another BMW product: the C evolution with its electric drive.
We asked ourselves: What happens when combining a sport motorcycle and an electric drive? The experimental vehicle eRR brings the topic zero emission and electric drive on a new, more fascinating level."
While the bike runs and rides, it is still strictly a development mule only and BMW say they currently have no intentions to mass produce the eRR.
While BMW Motorrad will announce the finer technical details of the eRR at a later date, we can assume with relative confidence that it will find its way to compete against the established EV bike makers in next year’s Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, where there are several electric motorcycle classes the eRR would be eligible to compete in.