Aerodynamics on motorcycles has evolved notably over the years. Production motorcycles are incorporating both static and dynamic winglets to achieve more downforce and reduced drag. BMW is one automaker that has been extensively working on active aero technology over the years, including dynamic winglets and active exhausts. Building on that, recent patent filings indicate that the Bavarian motorcycle maker wants to utilize a ducted fan to direct high-pressure air in the desired direction through dedicated tubes, thereby improving both downforce and drag on straights.
BMW Is Planning To Use Jets Of Air To Alter The Aerodynamics Of Motorcycles
Have you noticed how spaceships dock in outer space? They use jets of gases to direct and stabilize the ship. Now, imagine the same principle being applied to moving motorcycles to enhance their aerodynamic efficiency. BMW’s latest patents showcase various iterations of using high-pressure air to either increase downforce or reduce drag. The system utilizes an internal fan that draws air and then redirects it at high pressure to the desired section of the body using ducts.
This takes away the physical restriction of winglets that can only take care of an incoming gust of wind. According to the patent images, the jet outlets can be placed anywhere on the motorcycle body. So, in theory, the high-pressure burst of air can exit from the rear for improved acceleration, from the front to aid in braking, upwards for more downforce, and to either side to help balance the bike through corners.
The Idea Of Corner Ducts Sounds Interesting
With The Possibilities Of Enhancing Cornering, Safety, And Even Autonomy!
Using the pressurized air on either side of the body can do more than elevate aerodynamics. This technology can be used to analyze and improve cornering angles, enabling riders to navigate at high speeds with greater precision. Even more ambitious is the binding of advanced rider assist technology with this blow aero tech. On paper, these high-pressure jets of air can help maintain balance through corners, which can be used for autonomous riding. We are betting on the autonomy front because a closer inspection of the patent images reveals what appears to be a neatly integrated set of radar sensors (bottom of the windscreen).
This cornering-focused blow-through aero has been explored by Bosch, a long-time associate partner of BMW. In 2018, the company demonstrated a prototype motorcycle with thrusters as a safety system. It used generators to create short, one-time bursts of pressurized gas in predefined directions. The idea was to showcase how this burst of gas could help save riders from crashing and even make it possible to retrieve a motorcycle quicker during a tank slap. The idea was novel, but as the gas canisters were one-time-use tins, they had to be replaced after every use, just like a car airbag. The idea that BMW has showcased with the patent-filed fan-driven system won’t run out of gas.
Is This Technology Practical And Feasible?
The automotive world has long experimented with controlled air and pressure usage to enhance aerodynamics. The most extreme example of improving aerodynamics using air is the all-electric McMurtry Speirling. This 1000-horsepower single-seater car generates a whopping 4,400 pounds of downforce with the help of fans sucking in air from under the car. Now, this technology will work differently on motorcycles because there isn’t a lot of surface area to create suction and vacuum. This is why BMW has used “jets” of high-pressure air in its patent images.
On paper, BMW’s wild idea is doable, not just to improve aerodynamics but also safety. However, what needs to be considered is how the entire “air jet” system is integrated into the already crowded motorcycle design. The most feasible motorcycle type that can take advantage of this system is the sport bike, which can utilize the inside of its cowling to route the airways. The use of a 2025 BMW S 1000 RR in the patent image strengthens this case. What do you guys think? Is this technology vaporware, or will BMW surprise us in the coming years with the most aerodynamically advanced motorcycle ever?
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