The allure of motorcycles is undeniable. Weekends see roads filled with riders enjoying the freedom and thrill of two wheels. Considering Audi’s parent company, Auto Union’s, rich history in motorcycle manufacturing, it’s natural to imagine what an Audi Motorbike could be. How would Audi’s “Vorsprung Durch Technik” – progress through technology – translate into a motorcycle? Vehicle designer Bertrand Bach explored this very question, and the result is a compelling vision of an Audi motorcycle.
Bach conceived his Audi motorcycle concept using 3D software over about a month in 2003. His aim was to investigate how Audi’s distinct design ethos could be applied to a completely different vehicle form. For Bach, “Vorsprung Durch Technik” at the time was more than a slogan; it was an emotional and unique expression of Audi design. He observes that this design language has arguably become less pronounced in modern passenger cars, partly due to safety regulations that dictate design. Bach notes, “Today we unfortunately tend to cover the disastrous package of cars, due to crash regulation – large overhangs, with styling. I completely disagree with the trends and look forward to seeing designers working with the love of their job, to make from our world a better place to live, and not design product only to sell more.”
Despite his critique of current design constraints, Bach’s Audi motorbike design is undeniably clean and Teutonic, perfectly embodying the Audi brand. This sportbike concept adopts a minimalist approach, featuring only essential bodywork to achieve its purpose. Bach drew inspiration from the Audi TT, aiming for a similar clean, powerful design with an emotional appeal rooted in balanced proportions. He also incorporated the TT’s characteristic attention to detail. Notice the winglets on the fuel tank’s sides, an ideal location for the iconic Audi four-ring logo. The fuel filler cap on top of the tank is another TT-inspired element, crafted from alloy.
It is important to remember that Bertrand Bach is an independent designer and not affiliated with Audi. Audi has not officially announced any plans to enter the motorcycle market. However, Bach’s striking design effectively demonstrates the potential of the Audi brand in a market already populated by strong marques like Ducati and BMW Motorrad. While perhaps a bit aggressive for mass production, it’s easy to see how Audi could make a significant impact in the world of motorized two-wheeled vehicles.
Audi RB-1200 S Concept: Automotive DNA on Two Wheels
The automotive world is always intrigued by motorcycle concepts emerging from car manufacturers, especially those without a history in motorcycle production. Audi falls into this category, and if they were to ever venture into motorcycles, a sportbike similar to Garvin Harvey’s concept seems highly plausible. Audi motorbike designs have surfaced before, but Harvey’s project stands out as a potentially realistic vision for a German-engineered motorcycle bearing the four-ring emblem.
Dubbed the Audi RB-1200 S, Garvin Harvey’s performance bike concept cleverly integrates design cues from Audi cars, most notably the headlights from the Audi R8 model. This connection, as reported by StayOnTheBlack, visually links the bike to Audi’s automotive heritage. The Audi R8’s standard headlights are composed entirely of light-emitting diodes (LEDs), a feature carried over to the RB-1200 S concept.
Further emphasizing its Audi DNA, the front brake calipers are finished in signature Audi red and engraved with the four-ring logo. The rear of the bike features a twin exhaust system positioned beneath the seat, just below the rear lights. The seat itself is crafted from leather with carbon fiber detailing and also incorporates the Audi four-ring emblem.
Beyond the modern Audi influences, the overall design of the RB-1200 S concept hints at inspiration from the legendary Auto Union D-Type race cars of the 1930s, bridging Audi’s past and potential future in two-wheeled vehicles. While performance figures are often a primary focus when envisioning such a bike – perhaps even surpassing the Audi R8’s performance – Garvin Harvey’s concept focuses primarily on design, leaving the performance specifications open to imagination.
Audi Supersport 10R Concept: High-Performance Vision
Alessandro Lupo’s Audi Supersport 10R concept, while also not an official Audi project, beautifully blends Audi design language with high-performance motorcycle engineering. Details are limited, but this concept is envisioned with a powerful V4 1000cc engine and top-tier components including Ohlins suspension, Brembo brakes, Pirelli tires, and lightweight OZ Racing magnesium rims.
The Supersport 10R embodies a more overtly performance-oriented vision for an Audi motorbike. Its aggressive stance and premium components suggest a machine built for speed and precision, while still retaining recognizable Audi design cues in its form and detailing.
These Audi motorbike concepts, though not official productions, offer compelling glimpses into what could be. They demonstrate the potential for Audi’s design philosophy and engineering prowess to translate effectively into the motorcycle realm, sparking the imaginations of both automotive and motorcycle enthusiasts alike. Whether Audi will ever officially enter the motorbike market remains to be seen, but these concepts certainly fuel the desire to see “Vorsprung Durch Technik” on two wheels.
