A modern resurrection of a forgotten masterpiece
In 1934, BMW designer Alfred Böning crafted an extraordinary motorcycle that was decades ahead of its time. Known as the R7, it featured sleek, Art Deco-inspired steel bodywork that enveloped its mechanical components. However, its advanced design was deemed too expensive and unconventional, leading BMW to shelve the singular unit, which remained hidden until its rediscovery in 2005. By 2012, after a meticulous restoration by Hans Keckeisen, the R7 wowed audiences at Pebble Beach, earning Best in Class. This spirit of revival continues with Lennart Baramsky’s REV-1, another ambitious design bringing the past into the future. The REV-1 elegantly integrates historical aesthetics with cutting-edge technology, showcasing a seamless blend of old and new.
Fast forward to today, and Lennart Baramsky appears to channel Böning’s visionary spirit with his creation. It embraces a hydrogen powertrain encased in a seamless, hand-formed aluminum shell, emblazoned with simply “REV-1.” The design eschews traditional motorcycle norms, echoing Böning’s groundbreaking work with its innovative structure. This unique vehicle is not just a concept; it pushes boundaries and redefines possibilities in motorcycle design.
Explore how Bristol Cars Revives the Classic Fighter, blending past designs with modern technology.
A stunning departure from tradition: Lennart Baramsky’s REV-1
The REV-1’s front end is particularly arresting, forgoing the conventional telescopic fork for a sophisticated linkage system. This setup includes rod ends, a rocker arm, and a coilover suspension, drawing inspiration from hub-center designs like the Bimota Tesi or BMW Duolever but integrating so seamlessly into the body that it practically vanishes. This ingenious design choice solidifies the bike’s perception as a holistic piece of machinery rather than a mere assemblage of parts. Baramsky’s creation continues to mesmerize with every detail.
Conceptual power and potential of Lennart Baramsky’s REV-1
With a badge boasting a 450kW hydrogen core, the REV-1 stretches our imagination. For context, the Kawasaki Ninja H2 HySE, a significant achievement in hydrogen motorcycles, debuted at Suzuka in 2024 with far less power. Even the hydrogen-powered Suzuki Burgman scooters deliver significantly lower outputs. While these figures are aspirational, they underscore the concept-driven nature of Baramsky’s design, reminiscent of experimental creations like Bandit9’s innovative Ducati interpretations.
Ultimately, this extraordinary vehicle triumphs in the argument that a motorcycle can be a singular, cohesive entity—an idea Böning championed in 1934. Baramsky revisits it in an era ripe with hydrogen fuel cells and high-tech render models. Whether or not it becomes roadworthy, Lennart Baramsky’s visionary design has already captured imaginations.
Discover the futuristic vision of aviation with Heart Aerospace’s Electric X1 as it takes flight.
Source: yankodesign.com
Frequently asked questions
What was special about the original 1934 BMW R7 motorcycle?
The 1934 BMW R7 motorcycle was notable for its sleek, Art Deco-inspired steel bodywork that enveloped its mechanical components. Its advanced design was considered too expensive and unconventional at the time, leading BMW to shelve it after creating a singular unit. It was rediscovered in 2005 and earned Best in Class at Pebble Beach in 2012 after restoration.
What is Lennart Baramsky’s REV-1 and how is it designed?
Lennart Baramsky’s REV-1 is a modern motorcycle design that integrates historical aesthetics with cutting-edge technology. It features a hydrogen powertrain encased in a seamless, hand-formed aluminum shell and employs a sophisticated linkage system in its front end that includes rod ends, a rocker arm, and a coilover suspension.
How powerful is the REV-1 compared to other hydrogen motorcycles?
The REV-1 features a badge boasting a 450kW hydrogen core. For context, the Kawasaki Ninja H2 HySE debuted with far less power than this at Suzuka in 2024. The hydrogen-powered Suzuki Burgman scooters also deliver significantly lower outputs, highlighting the concept-driven nature of Baramsky’s design.