You might remember the promising concept BMW showed at the Villa d’Este Concorso d’Eleganza, the striking 9Cento, a sexy tourer design. That was enough to get us excited about what the designers are working on behind the Bavarian curtain and now it seems that the brand is moving forward with its concept by testing mules on the road.

Blurring the lines between BMW’s adventure and sports aesthetics—think S 1000 XR with a hint of S 1000 RR—the 9Cento concept introduces a sexy vision into the company’s future. Now, a test mule sporting the exact same silhouette and features as the 9Cento concept, bet clad in matte black has been spotted doing the runs in Europe.

Look-wise, the vehicle looks exactly the same as the concept, with a few mild tweaks—including a new taillight that doesn’t look like genitals—thank god that was dropped, or else they had a few tasteless jokes coming their way. The swanky and modern though admittedly wallet-sized but sidecases have been replaced by more traditional and conveniently-sized luggage. The model retains its floating tail silhouette and sportier-looking fairing.

While the upcoming model is gets a beefier 1000 stance, it runs on smaller engine, likely borrowing the F 850 GS’ 853cc, twin cylinder mill. According to BMW, when the 9Cento model was unveiled back in May, the idea was to introduce a new design language to its adventure lineup.

Are we looking at a smaller displacement variant of the S 1000 XR? Will the new model be introduced as a new 900 or maybe as a sportier twist on the F 850 GS? Will it introduce a brand new nomenclature or use one we’re already familiar with? We might find out sooner than we think! Let the guessing games begin and whatever it is, we’re on board with it.

Sources: Canada Moto Guide, MCN

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