BMW Motorrad has unveiled a new concept vehicle at the Wheels and Waves festival. This very unique concept vehicle, dubbed Lac Rose, meaning pink lake, draws its inspiration from the brand’s rich history of success at the Dakar rally. However, this isn’t merely a modified GS, but instead is based upon the R nineT, and has a decidedly French flair.
The vehicle which influenced the Lac Rose’s design, was the R80 G/S, the vehicle which created the adventure bike segment. More specifically, the R80 G/S Paris-Dakar limited edition model, meant to commemorate several victories over the challenging terrain that comprises the Dakar rally. Since the R80 G/S’ introduction in the 80s, the GS range has grown into, not only the standard and pinnacle of adventure bikes, but also encompasses some of the brand’s best selling models.
In the case of the Lac Rose, the basis for this new concept is the R nineT, rather than the GS, to emphasize the R nineT’s extremely customizable nature. Too, the R nineT of today is closer to the original R80 G/S, in terms of proportions, making for an aesthetically appealing tribute vehicle. When describing what this concept vehicle conveys, its intended perception, BMW Motorrad’s Head of Design, Edgar Heinrich, explained, “it’s about the simple pleasure of going out and having fun riding with friends on a cool road bike with a suggestion of off-road potential – rather than a purpose-built rally replica.” Heinrich later added, “While the modern liquid-cooled boxer does everything in a top performing way, this bike is more about style.”
What the Lac Rose concept achieves is a unique interpretation of the brand’s history, not through the mere appreciation of its models from the past, but is an imaginative re-interpretation of the brand’s heritage through one of its modern offerings. The result, a concomitantly distinctive and inspiring amalgamation of old and new, demonstrating how celebrating the past in modern form can be such a beautiful thing.
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