2012 BMW Motorrad Awards
Inaugurated in 1955, the Red Dot Award ranks highly among worldwide product-design accolades. The jury for the Red Dot Award consists of 30 international design experts, and ranks everything from cars to medicine, including motorcycles.
For 2012, 1,800 companies and independent designers from 58 countries competed in the Red Dot Award, including BMW Motorrad. And after a total of 4,515 entries were submitted in 19 Red Dot Award categories, BMW Group Design took 11 awards, six of those from the BMW Motorrad group.
Two awards were of the highest accolade – the “Best of the Best,” which was awarded to the Husqvarna Nuda 900 R, a BMW subsidary, and BMW’s AirFlow 2 helmet. As for motorcycles/scooters, the following were rewarded: K 1600 GT, G 650 GS, and the C 600 Sport and C 650 GT scooters.
Following is award info from BMW Motorrad.
BMW Red Dot Best of the Best Awards: AirFlow 2 Helmet, Husqvarna Nuda 900 R
The BMW AirFlow 2 helmet made its mark with its short visor, optimal ventilation and light weight as a systematic evolution of the optimally ventilated BMW jet helmets boasting a modern, sophisticated design. With a formal language that is clear, striking and pared-down, it embodies the perfect balance between purism and sheer class. The combination of striking air vents and top-quality materials makes for an individual look that clearly stands out from the crowd.
With its fresh and frisky look, the Husqvarna Nuda 900 R exudes an agile sense of sporting dynamics. The Nuda 900 is the first motorcycle to unite the BMW Group’s proven engineering prowess with elegant Italian flair. With its minimalist design, every element defines the athletic exterior that lends the bike its unique dynamic tension. This characteristic formal language extends all the way to the aerodynamically designed tail that assumes the style of a racing bike.
BMW Motorrad: Other Red Dot Awards
By integrating hallmark design elements such as the split-face front, the unmistakable formal language of the BMW C 600 Sport clearly underlines its kinship with the BMW motorcycle family. The rider-focused character of this Maxi Scooter comes to the fore particularly in its pared-down, sporty fairing. The slender, dynamically ascending rear and striking body edges lend the bike added lightness and dynamism, while a diagonal sweep of lines from front to rear already suggests its sporty nature in stationary mode.
With its modern, forward-looking design, the BMW C 650 GT seamlessly integrates into the BMW Motorrad design philosophy. Like the rear end and the bodywork lines of the fairing, the scooter-like step-through frame runs diagonally – similar to a motorcycle. The upshot is a particularly dynamic flow of lines. At the same time the BMW C 650 GT emphasizes its comfort attributes above all. The touring-oriented configuration of the C 650 GT is also reflected in its design.
With the BMW K 1600 GT, BMW Motorrad opens up a new dimension in the world of touring. This bike evokes a superior, imposing and unmistakable presence, and triggers wanderlust at first glance.
With its wiry off-road physique, the BMW G 650 GS motorcycle has a light and adventure-hungry look. Its typical enduro design and color concept are fully in keeping with the BMW GS family style and round off its sporty overall impression.
This isn’t the first year BMW won such awards; in 2010 a total of 11 awards went to the BMW Group, while in 2009 BMW Group Design won over the jury with seven of its products. In 2008, the BMW G 450 X motorcycle was acclaimed “Best of the Best.”