• New Slavia B concept pays tribute to Škoda’s groundbreaking 1899 motorcycle
• Concept takes the form of a futuristic café racer in Modern Solid style 
• Design in-house at Škoda by exterior stylist Romain Bucaille
• Concept features electric power and unique lighting signature
• Slavia B is the first of a new series of reimagined Škoda classics

Milton Keynes, 14 May 2025. Škoda’s passion for design has been a driving force for 130 years – with iconic models from the brand’s history continuing to provide design teams with inspiration. To highlight Škoda’s remarkable ‘back catalogue’ of classics, the brand has developed a series of re-imagined icons with models such as the 200 RS, 1203 van and Voiturette getting a 21st century reboot.

Škoda’s latest concept is it’s boldest yet, and the first to incorporate the brand’s striking Modern Solid design language. The new concept takes its inspiration from one of the most important vehicles in Škoda’s history – the Slavia B motorcycle. Designed and built under the Laurin & Klement brand (the company that would eventually become Škoda Auto), the two-wheeler was incredibly advanced for its time and was responsible for cementing the brand’s reputation for innovation.

Škoda’s Modern Solid design language blends minimalism with strength, focusing on bold shapes, clean lines, and functional forms. It reflects a shift towards electric mobility, sustainability and digitalisation.

Given that the Škoda story began in 1895 with bicycles and later motorcycles, the brand’s decision to start its new series of classic concepts with a two-wheeler is fitting. Inspired by the 1899 Slavia B, the concept motorcycle retains the signature frame silhouette of the original, but strips it back for the electric age. The area once reserved for the combustion engine now sits open, with the Škoda logo seemingly suspended within the frame. A bold vertical line divides the front and rear sections, highlighting the sculptural balance between nostalgia and innovation.

The concept was led by French designer Romain Bucaille, who normally works on Škoda car exteriors. “I wanted to go back to the brand’s roots,” he explains. “As someone who also loves motorcycles, this was a refreshing change and a great creative challenge.”

The front of the concept nods to Václav Laurin’s pioneering work in motorcycle geometry and control, while a minimal, floating seat and integrated leather tool bag reference the bike’s sporting legacy. It’s a subtle homage to Narcis Podsedníček, the factory rider who famously finished the 1901 Paris–Berlin race aboard a Slavia B.

Bucaille describes the final concept as a “futuristic café racer in Modern Solid style”, complete with clean contours, crisp edges, and a distinctive lighting signature – elements now synonymous with Škoda’s evolving design identity. The blend of simple volumes and functional details stays true to the brand’s current philosophy, while adding a modern twist.

The design process was hands-on from the start. “I began with pencil sketches – it had been a while since I’d drawn a motorcycle,” Romain admits. “But the great thing about sketching on paper is that it’s instant. No need for a screen – just ideas flowing freely.” Those sketches eventually evolved into a trio of digital renders, each exploring different aspects of the concept’s form before the final design emerged.

This reinterpretation of the Slavia B isn’t destined for production, but it does serve as a compelling statement of intent. With more iconic reworks to follow, Škoda is showing that its future vision is firmly rooted in a rich and inventive past.

A full database of media assets relating to all Škoda production models is available at www.skodamedia.com.

article supplied

With innovative technology and well thought-out details, BMW Motorrad presents the R 1300 GS Adventure as the ultimate long-distance adventure bike. Touratech has developed a model-specific accessories portfolio to emphasise the different facets of this versatile machine.

Protection 
If you want to explore the off-road capabilities of the R 1300 GS Adventure, the Touratech programme offers a customised selection of protectors that prevent damage to the vehicle even during tough off-road use.
Headlights, tank and fairing or engine are protected by the practically tested hardware. The Touratech developers have also provided protectors for the shaft drive, the radiator and the ABS sensor.

Luggage
Touratech offers the world's widest range of robust and highly functional luggage transport solutions. With 36 aluminium pannier and 12 soft luggage combinations, there should be something to suit every taste. The ZEGA aluminium pannier systems with the rugged stainless steel tube rack are available in both the ZEGA Pro and ZEGA Evo versions. Purists can of course also opt for the ZEGA Mundo. Additional luggage can be stored in the ZEGA Topcase or on the luggage plate. Fans of soft luggage systems will find the Endurance, Travel and Extreme Edition bags to be indestructible travelling companions with plenty of storage space. The Touring and Travel tank bags complete the soft luggage range.

Ergonomics
The handlebar risers, which are available in different versions, and the extra-wide long-distance footrests allow fine-tuning in terms of individual ergonomics.

The complete Touratech product range for the BMW R 1300 GS Adventure can be found in the webshop at www.touratech.com

FERMIN ALDEGUER #54
“I didn’t think I would have been so fast in the wet, the amount of experience was very little and I must say this morning I stayed put in the warm up as I didn’t want to take any risk. In the race, I followed the more experienced riders, even though I made it back to the pits one lap too late but in hindsight, it went well. I knew fourth would have been a good result, but I saw the podium within reach and I kept believing. This weekend has been a 10 out of 10.”
 
ALEX MARQUEZ #73
“On one hand, we were quick in every condition, on a track where we haven’t performed too well before. The negative side is that we crashed twice, and the second one could have been avoided. It would have been important to score points anyway, even a few, but we couldn’t get the job done. Too bad, because it could have been an excellent weekend.”

BMW Motorrad UK is bringing its 2025 range of motorcycles directly to riders once more, with a ‘Retailer Roadshow’ taking place across the UK from April to July.

The roadshow offers riders a unique opportunity to experience the latest BMW motorcycles for themselves, with a diverse fleet of 15 bikes from the 2025 BMW Motorrad model range to choose from, featuring everything from the thrilling performance of the new S 1000 RR, the adventure-ready GS range (including the Automated Shift Assistant option on both R 1300 GS and R 1300 GS Adventure), to the new for 2025 F 900 R.  

At each roadshow, visitors can connect with BMW Motorrad experts, explore class-leading features and technology, and find the perfect model to suit their riding style – all within a relaxed and welcoming environment.

Scott Grimsdall, Head of Marketing & PR at BMW Motorrad UK commented: "The Retailer Roadshow is a fantastic opportunity for customers to experience our motorcycles firsthand – whether you're a long-time rider or discovering BMW Motorrad for the first time. It’s not just about the test rides, it’s also about connecting with passionate experts who are willing to share their extensive product knowledge, explore our latest innovations, and start the journey with a team that’s there to support every mile."

Starting at Vines Guildford on Saturday 12th April, riders can book a test ride by following the below link, choosing a retailer of choice, followed by their chosen model and timeslot:

www.bmw-motorrad.co.uk/en/experience/events/demo-tour.html

The 30-year collaboration between Nolan and Carlos Checa has resulted in the X-804 RS Ultra Carbon 30TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL EDITION (355), customised with graphics inspired by the helmet worn by the Spanish rider in 2011 when he won the SBK World Championship. A helmet that, through some graphic details elegantly highlighted on the shell, tells a story made of racing, life, travel and true passion.

The idea that has inspired the Nolan Style Centre and Carlos Checa to recount these 30 years together on the world's racetracks is based on the top-of-the-range X-804 RS Ultra Carbon, with a carbon shell and Liquido paint (an innovative layering of colour that allows the elegant carbon fibre weave to shine through on the surface) in a blue shade.

A premium base made even more exclusive by graphic stylings such as the iconic World Map, which is highlighted on the canopy by a rich pearl white, or the legendary number 7 and, again, the stamps symbolising the countless journeys made by the pilot during his career. Finally, the lines of the hemisphere have been done in gradient turquoise.

Metallic silver colours some of these elements, giving the wearer of this helmet a unique and exclusive experience.

A Dark Smoke visor included in the packaging completes the helmet.

X-804 RS UC 30TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL EDITION, which preserves all the peculiarities of a model with XSeries signature and great attitude to protection, safety and comfort, is available with four shells in sizes 2XS to 3XL.

X-804 RS UC CHECA 30TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL EDITION (355) is available at authorised Nolan Dealers with a suggested retail price of £699.99.