Immersive Motorcycle Visualization Using Motion Capture: A Proof of Concept for an Online Motorcycle Configurator

The increasing adoption of online configurators in the automotive industry has transformed how customers personalize and visualize vehicles. In the motorcycle sector, however, existing configurators often lack dynamic and immersive user experiences, particularly when it comes to showcasing the interaction between the rider and the motorcycle. This paper presents a proof-of-concept prototype leveraging motion capture technology to create realistic interactions between a motorcycle and its rider within a virtual environment. Inspired by immersive features in racing games, we explore an optimized workflow for integrating motion capture data into a VR-based online configurator and examine challenges such as adapting motion animations to various motorcycle models. By incorporating a virtual avatar to represent the user, the prototype enhances the sense of presence and identification with the product, addressing a critical limitation of traditional configurators. We hypothesize that immersive, animated interactions between a motorcycle and its rider can enhance the user experience, fostering greater engagement and product perception. This work proposes to combine motion capture and immersive technologies to bridge the gap between static configurators and experiential customization tools in the motorcycle industry. Future applications of this approach could redefine online configurators, making them more interactive, personalized, and engaging for users.