While the BMW Motorrad Heritage models, the BMW R 18 and the BMW R 12 nineT, are the main focus of the global customizing scene due to their exceptional craftsmanship, innovative ideas, and creative spirit, the bike maker’s Austrian division has recently created a new project based on the BMW CE 02 electric two-wheeler. The BMW CE 02 x Vagabund is a chic eParkourer based on the BMW CE 02 for urban settings that was developed by the Design & Makers Studio VAGABUND in Graz, Austria in association with BMW Motorrad Austria in Salzburg.
Explaining the philosophy behind the project, Paul Brauchart, founder and managing director of Vagabund Moto GmbH, said: “We were immediately in love when we saw the CE 02 for the first time at the BMW Motorrad Days in Berlin. The overall design of the CE 02 was simply a ‘perfect match’ for us, as we at VAGABUND are always trying to break new ground and reinterpret existing products in our own way. In this project, we would define the general design approach as a “retro-future.” We tried to combine the very futuristic original design with some retro vibes and thus give the viewer a familiar feeling.”
The custom made-in-Austria EV has a unique, futuristic design along with various functional ‘retro’ elements, which were designed in a modern, fresh way and with a focus on a young target group. For example, the musical integration of the ‘OB-4 Magic Radio’ from ‘Teenage Engineering’ underlines the young and creative philosophy of custom bikes. The ‘electric exhaust’ serves as a practical style element and visual highlight. This offers space for an umbrella. Design elements such as the running board with skateboard grip tape reflect the sporty, urban eParkourer style. What’s more, the custom bike’s 3.6-metre tall packaging is part of the overall concept.
As is known, BMW CE 02 EV’s platform has been jointly designed, developed and built by TVS Motor Co and BMW Motorrad. It is the second jointly developed platform after the 310 series which has spawned the BMW G 310 R, BMW 310 GS, BMW G310 RR, along with TVS’ flagship motorcycles, Apache RR 310 and Apache RTR 310. The stock 132kg BMW CE 02 develops 15hp, travels 90 kilometres on a single charge and has a claimed top speed of 95kph.
TVS Motor Co, which began manufacturing the BMW CE 02 at its Hosur plant in Tamil Nadu arlier this year, has exported around 2,750 units till end-June 2024.
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