Based on theR nineT roadster, BMW Motorrad's Concept Path 22 was created with theco-operation of renowned custom builder Roland Sands, artist OrnamentalConifer and famous board maker Mason Dryer. Initially built to spearhead BMW's presence at the Wheels & Waves meeting in France and currently on display at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the surfboard-hauling scrambled R nineT may well be theforerunner of a new model.
The R nineTis the last motorcycle in BMW’s line-up to retain the old 1,200 cc air/oilcooled boxer engine. It hasn't undergone any significant changes for Concept Path 22, apart from aesthetic touches like the cylinder headcovers by Roland Sands Design. The scrambler-type Akrapovic exhausts constitutethe only performance upgrade.
Work wasinstead focussed on creating a retro look, as evidenced by the conventional blackOhlins forks that replaced the S1000RR-derived gold inverted forks. The radialcalipers of the R nineT have also been replaced by a pair of older Brmbo partsas well.
To completethe scrambler look, BMW designed a set of brand new milled aluminum wheels,with a larger 19-inch front that should benefit handling over rough ground. Thetail section was shortened after removing the license plate structure and isnow hosting a stitched tan leather saddle. The headlight gets a metal grid toprotect the glass during off-road ventures and the standard clocks of the RnineT have been replaced by a digital Motogadget instrument, which, except for itsminimalistic size, seems to go against the whole concept with its high-techfeel.
The starfeature of the Concept Path 22 is the surfboard holder on the right-hand sideof the motorcycle. The aluminum contraption was specifically made by BMWMotorrad for this concept bike, designed to adapt to different board sizes thatsecure in place with leather belts. It can be easily removed when not needed,although the part that attaches to the frame can fold discretely into themotorcycle’s silhouette.
The conceptbike has received a special Wheels & Waves paintjob by the artistOrnamental Conifer, also known as Nicolai Sclater, and was equipped with twospecial boards designed by Mason Dryer of Dryer Brand. These include a 9’4longboard and a 6’8 shortboard, both made exclusively for the Concept Path 22.
The name ofthe concept bike is a reference to a beach on the Atlantic coast of southern France thatis infamous among surfers. As it is inaccessible to cars, the only way to getthere involves walking along a path marked by the number 22 – or, as BMW convenientlysuggests, a short ride on a board-carrying scrambler motorcycle.
Scramblers accountfor a large share in the custom craze sweeping the motorcycling world duringthe last few years. Triumph has met commercial success with its Bonneville-basedScrambler that’s been in production since 2006, although it was Ducati’s take onthis theme that spurred worldwide recognition and led to record profits for theItalian company. Now rumors have it that several manufacturers will announce new scramblers at upcoming motorcycles shows: Triumph is expected to unveil a new, larger capacity liquid cooled Classicseries that’ll probably include a new scrambler, Suzuki is said to be working on itsown rendition based on the SFV 650, while BMW is rumored to be planning a scrambler adaptationof the R nineT.
"TheConcept Path 22 is based on the BMW R nineT, which we see as the epitome of acustom bike. It is actually designed to be modified - customized according toindividual preferences. The idea of a BMW scrambler is not new to us. Nowseemed to be the right time to present our interpretation of this legendaryvehicle concept," says Ola Stenegard, Head of BMW Motorrad Vehicle Design.That sounds almost like a teaser, doesn’t it?
In thefollowing video BMW explains the inspiration behind Concept Path 22 and offers achance to enjoy it in action.
Source: BMWMotorrad