If ever the Zen and Art of Motorcycle Design is to be written, Oberdan Bezzi surely must be the inspiration. The flow of designs from his studio in Riccioni, on the north-east coast of Italy, reveal a personal quest for perfection, both in artistic rendition and the elusive mesh between innovation and market appeal.
As a world-renowned designer, Bezzi likes to create concept bike sketches he believes manufacturers “should” build. They may not always agree, but some of Bezzi’s sketches have turned out to closely resemble models that later went into production (e.g. BMW S1000R). He also works with major manufactures like Ducati, Moto Guzzi and Aprilia as an external consultant and has had a hand in designing a number of bikes that have gone into production.
Oberdan produces concepts for all styles of motorcycles but many of his most impressive renditions are dual sport or adventure bike models. Here are eight of his best dual sport motorcycle concepts in no particular order:
1. BMW R1200 “BAJA”
Inspired by the legendary off-road challenge in Mexico’s Baja peninsula, Bezzi’s iteration of the much-anticipated BMW Scrambler oozes race-ready appeal. Conceived as a limited edition promo to spearhead the scrambler’s future launch, Bezzi’s concept is based on the wildly successful R nineT roadster, the perfect “blank canvas” bike.
Immediate impressions of the Baja speak of the German marque’s characteristically competitive spirit, but with an iconic flourish. Spoked wheels, 21” front, high-end forks, raised front fender, competition pipe, and a let’s-get-dirty stance leave little doubt about the Baja’s racing ambitions.
Stripped to the bare essentials, a minimalist instrument cluster, telescopic forks and the air-cooled “oilhead” engine overshadow the high-end chassis, modern suspension and braking fitments. But a racing seat and streamlined tank leave no doubt about the Baja’s distance running ambitions; the kind of bike designed to chase down, and keep down, a trail of dust.
2. Yamaha MT-09 Triple WORLDCROSSER
The inspiration behind the MT 09 Triple Worldcrosser cannot be mistaken and surely is as close as any designer can possibly get to the ultimate long-distance adventure motorcycle.
Boasting an under-seat auxiliary tank, crash bars, knobby tires, skid plate and headlight protector, the Worldcrosser clearly is the off-road version of what Bezzi reckons should be the next generation Ténéré. Yamaha, we suspect, knows that Bezzi has hit the sweet spot and that this particular rendition will blow open the middleweight sector, and more so if the aggressive Ténéré pricing is carried through.
The MT-09 Naked Bike platform with its highly rated 857cc Triple engine is key. With 107 horses on tap, it packs a punch on par with the 1200cc Super Ten but the bike tips the scales about 50 pounds shy of what the BMW F800GS and Triumph Tiger 800 weigh. Put in adventure speak, even with heavier trim, Bezzi’s bike still outguns its rivals in power and weight. Who said pretty can’t punch?
3. Moto Guzzi X-Rally
Bezzi is not scared to push the envelope and the Moto Guzzi X-Rally represents his progressive thinking, not only in the design of the bike, but also for advocating the entry of an up-yours scrambler in the enduro class.
Inspired by the Stelvio NTX1200, the X-Rally appears to be a much better off-road prospect. The limitations of the cumbersome V-twin powerplant notwithstanding, Bezzi has improved its off-road credentials with a leaner look, robust frame, higher clearance, dual-sport tires and twin Akrapovic exhausts.
More to the point, a redesigned seat makes for a more upright riding position and a new suspension for greater travel front and rear. Laudable as Bezzi’s efforts are, critics fixate on the Stelvio’s weight hovering around the 600 lbs (275 kg) mark, and the high-revving motor that loses out on low-torque grunt.
Then again, Bezzi’s self-proclaimed mission is not to reconcile the impossible, but to challenge the status quo. This the X-Rally does, and more.
Then again, Bezzi’s self-proclaimed mission is not to reconcile the impossible, but to challenge the status quo. This the X-Rally does, and more.
4. Aprilia 750 Pegaso V2
The demise of the Aprilia Pegaso 650 Trail and Honda Transalp XL700V left a vacuum in the middle-weight adventure motorcycle market, a gap Bezzi hopes to plug with the Pegaso 750 Trail V-Twin concept.
Built around the same motor as that of the Dorsoduro 750 Supermoto, the styling is strongly reminiscent of the Caponord 1200. The motor seems a perfect fit – the V-twin configuration and six-speed transmission promises a highly tractable ride with enough oomph to cross a continent or haul a pillion.
It’s appeal lies in the exotic package though, beautifully sculpted lines matched to the unique character of an Italian V-Twin. Others see the 750 Trail as the perfect cross-over between smooth tar and bumpy gravel, a true all-rounder with sultry Italian styling.
5 & 6. BMW Dakar Rally Tribute Bikes
BMW’s racing DNA runs deep in the Paris Dakar lore and the marque is now mining the dividends of its 1980s dominance. To this end, Bezzi has designed machines that pay tribute to the legends who raced the equally legendary R80/GS to victory in the Sahara desert – Hubert Auriol (1981, 1983) and Gaston Rahier (1984, 1985).
Oberdan Bezzi BMW R1200GS “Gaston” Concept
Oberdan Bezzi BMW R1200GS “Hubert” Concept
While colors and livery will distinguish the individual packages, the real prize is the new 1200 liquid-cooled motor, 21” front rim, and Telelever forks. The Hubert Auriol and Gaston Rahier tribute bikes could also serve a developmental role in BMW’s quest to re-assert its off-road dominance from yesteryear. Hand building these machines with personalized performance tweaks would also add to their mystique.
The intention is clear — to throw down the gauntlet with a fearsome off-road statement for which select customers will pay top dollar. Who better to bring it all together than Bezzi?
7. Moto Guzzi “Vetta” 1200 Global Sport
Few briefs are up Bezzi’s street better than the total redesign of the successor to the aging Stelvio. Bezzi doesn’t spare the traditions – the 1200 Global Sport is a lean maxi-enduro with a mean stance that hollers at those adventure riders happier in the dirt.
Certainly a departure from the Motto Guzzi norm, the Vetta is bound to stir up tensions in the big boy club, not to mention attracting some desirous stares.
While the unwieldy V-twin motor remains a design challenge, Bezzi’s no-holds barred treatment of the frame and suspension has created a dirt-friendly package with decent clearance on par with the opposition.
In true Bezzi style, the Vetta also radiates practicality and versatility, be it commuting on asphalt or crossing a continent. It’s an exciting concept, one sure to rev up the 1200 club. Viva Vetta!
8. BMW R 120 “PD SPIRIT”
Unashamedly harking back to the pioneering days of the GS series, Bezzi’s R 120 PD SPIRIT epitomizes the timelessness of classic design. It’s also Bezzi’s not-so-subtle counter punch to the seemingly endless proliferation of technologically elitist machines.
What’s the point, Bezzi asks, of a bike that is made to conquer continents, but is used for commuting? Instead, why not have a bike that ticks all the boxes – comfortable, credible, and classically good-looking?
Duly inspired by the “blank canvas” of the R nineT, Bezzi builds the SPIRIT around the characteristic 1200cc air-cooled twin motor. He adds upside down forks, old-school headlamp and an original front fender but also ditches the protective plastic up front.
While the spoked wheels with decent off-road rubber, a bulbous tank and flat seat underline the SPIRIT’s dirty intentions, it’s the nostalgic Paris Dakar decals that seal this real deal.
For more of Oberdan Bezzi’s designs visit Motosketches website.
via http://www.advpulse.com
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