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Moto Morini returns and launches a new bike for 2013
After has managed to solve its financial issues, Moto
Morini has managed to revive from the ashes. However, the manufacturer
didn’t appeared at this year’s EICMA, instead has decided to launch the
2013 Milan model.
The new generation is based on the
earlier models, but it doesn’t come with any impressive technologies of
upgrades. Most of the changes were made to improve the bike’s
reliability and there are also a few small tweaks to help it stay on the
same line with its rivals.
For the moment Morini didn’t revealed any price specifications for the
2013 Milan, but judging by the price of its current models, it shouldn’t
be too high.
At the moment Morini’s lineup includes the Corsaro, Granpasso and Scrambler. We’ll keep you posted as soon as we have more info.
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Kawasaki celebrates Z anniversary with special edition Z40 Chronograph
Kawasaki is celebrating an important milestone in their company’s history, paying homage to the 40th anniversary of its Z family of motor bikes.
The
Japanese motorcycle brand has released the Limited Edition Z40
Chronograph, which will be launched at the Intermot Motorcycle Show in
Germany on October 2, 2012. The watch bears some unique features, a lot
of which were inspired by Kawasaki’s Z family.
The
stainless steel composition of the Z40 Chronograph was made by Austrian
manufacturer Hirsch. The design carries some inspiration from the 1972
Z1, complete with an iconic paint and graphic treatment. Even the face
of the watch features Kawasaki’s original logo wit a Z1 DOHC side panel
badge. On the other side, you’ll see a Z40 logo with the watch edition
number, a true testament to its special edition designation. Last, the
Z40 Chronograph also has a four-dial chronograph/tachymeter function and
is water resistant up to 5 ATM.
Only 903 pieces of
this watch will be made with each priced at €207.06 ($267.45 at current
exchange rates). If you’re wondering why the ambiguous number, 903
represents the engine size of the Z1: 903cc. Each watch will carry a
certificate of authenticity and will be made available exclusively to
the European market.
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World’s Only Ferrari Motorcycle Sells at Auction for £85K
Sure motorcycles look cool, but most aren’t really that
interesting unless they have a deadly amount of power shoved into them,
or they’re on fire. This one on the other hand is pretty special; it’s
the only bike ever to be badged as a Ferrari.
You may
ask yourself, how did a Ferrari motorbike come to be? Well, out of pure
generosity of Piero Ferrari. In a letter to Mr. Ferrari Jr., David Kay
of David Kay Engineering wanted to build a Ferrari badged one-of-a-kind
bike as a memorial piece to his late father. After a read over the
undoubtedly touching letter, Piero Ferrari granted permission in the
form of his signature to David Kay to build the memorable two-wheeler.
Four
years later and 3,000 man hours, the built from scratch 900cc Ferrari
motorcycle was born. The entire body was shaped from aluminum and molded
to what David thought a Ferrari factory motorcycle would look like.
Although the bike didn’t get much use, as it was seen as more of a
personal expression of art rather than a road-going bike, it came with
105-hp and an estimated top speed of 164 mph.
So
where is this one and only now? Well after some not so successful sales,
and price tags of over £250K, the bike finally made its way to the
auction block in May 2012 where it sold at a price of £85,000 ($166,000)
to some lucky Brit.
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Surprise, Surprise, AMG Ends Partnership with Ducati
Ducati
and Benz officially announced the shared marketing deal back at the
2010 LA Auto Show, but AMG just couldn’t keep the deal moving now that
Audi, a direct competitor, owns the brand. First off is the awkward
timing of the announcement, as the Diavel AMG
– a Ducati and AMG collaboration bike – just hit showrooms. Audi hasn’t
made an announcement regarding the AMG collaboration bike, but it’s
likely to remain until all of the units are sold.
Honestly
though, this looks almost like AMG is dropping the shared marketing
plan out of spite by saying “The company takeover by a rival car
manufacturer has understandably resulted in the end of any further
collaboration.” Maybe we’re reading too much into it, but this is
reminiscent of a teenage argument over whom is whose best friend and you
can be friends with her because I don’t like her.
Honestly,
with all of the mergers and collaborations that go on in the automotive
and motorcycle realm, why would AMG really car if its rival car
manufacturer bought a bike manufacturer that it shares advertising with.
There has to be a little more to the story that will surely come out at
some point.
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bmw motorcycles 2013 BMW F 800 GT
2013 BMW F 800 GT
BMW has taken the wraps
off its new BMW F800 GT mid-range model. The new bike is based on the
old F 800 ST and is equipped with a water cooled 2 cylinder in line, 798
cc powerplant. The engine is slightly stronger than the one found on
the old F 800 ST and develops a maximum output of 90 hp at 8000 rpm.
The
bike comes with improved ergonomics, optimised wind and weather
protection and a useful luggage system. It’s also worthy of being
mentioned that the load capacity was increased by 11 kg to 207 kg.
The
bike’s cockpit features fresh dial faces for speedometer and engine
display, while the handlebar switch panels and front brake fluid
expansion tank are also new.
On the equipments list
you’ll find Automatic Stability Control ASC, Electronic Suspension
Adjustment ESA, ABS and an Akrapovič sports silencer. For the new year
there are also offered new paint schemes and lighter wheels.
Hit the jump for more information on the 2013 BMW F 800 GT.
Press release
With the new F 800 GT as the successor model to the F
800 ST, BMW Motorrad is enhancing its range in the sporty touring
segment and setting a new benchmark among mid-range motorcycles.
The
high-torque, water-cooled 2-cylinder in-line engine with a capacity of
798 cc continues to provide dynamic propulsion in the new F 800 GT. An
increase in power has been achieved by means of revised set-up. It now
has an output of 66 kW / 90 bhp (F 800 ST: 62.5 kW (85 bhp)) at 8,000
rpm. The new F 800 GT boasts an even more supreme drive with the
maintenance-free secondary drive via toothed belt.
What
is more, improved ergonomics, optimised wind and weather protection and
an even more practically oriented luggage system provides the basis for
genuine “Gran Turismo”. The new F 800 GT is also fitted as standard
with ABS in line with the “Safety 360°” principle. Other optional
systems such as Automatic Stability Control ASC and the Electronic
Suspension Adjustment ESA ensure that the new BMW F 800 GT sets new
standards in terms of safety and comfort within its segment.
As
part of the BMW Motorrad program of special accessories, the new F 800
GT can also be fitted with an Akrapovič sports silencer. This slip-on
silencer provides a particularly earthy 2-cylinder sound. Made of
titanium and stainless steel it enables a weight reduction of approx.
1.7 kg as compared to the standard rear silencer.
Overview of new technical features:
- Increased output of the F 800 GT as compared to predecessor model. 66 kW (90 bhp) at 8,000 rpm. (F 800 ST: 62.5 kW (85 bhp) at 8,000 rpm).
- Newly designed trim in more dynamic look with further improved wind and weather protection. New paint finishes.
- The latest generation of BMW Motorrad ABS, now as standard.
- Automatic Stability Control ASC (ex works option / special accessory).
- Electronic Suspension Adjustment ESA (ex works option / special accessory)
- Convenient adjustment of rear spring mount using handwheel.
- Suspension optimised in terms of ride stability and comfort.
- New, lighter wheels in dynamic design.
- Adapted ergonomics for increased touring comfort with higher handlebars and repositioned footrests.
- Enhanced seating comfort for rider and passenger.
- New handlebar switch panels and front brake fluid expansion tank.
- New vibration-free and double-butted aluminium handlebars.
- Cockpit with new dial faces for speedometer and engine speed display as well as an extended range of information.
- Load capacity increased by 11 kg to 207 kg.
- New exhaust system with optimised heel protection.
- Turn indicators in smoke grey.
- Newly developed luggage system (special accessory).
- New connection of BMW Motorrad Navigator IV to handlebar clamp (special accessory).
- Power reduction to 35 kW (48 bhp) (ex works option / special accessory).
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2013 Honda Gold Wing F6B
Honda
revealed the first details of its new 2013 Gold Wing F6B and Gold Wing
F6B Deluxe models which are basically, trimmed down versions of the Gold
Wing model.
The bike weighs 842 pounds and features a
horizontally opposed, flat-six, fuel injected engine mated on a five
speed transmission.
On the equipments list you’ll
find a premium audio system combined with a multi information screen
which hosts a digital clock, an air temperature indicator, odo/trip
meters and also displays music information.
The Honda
Gold Wing F6B was designed with practicality in mind and comes with a
set of lockable, waterproof saddlebags and a pretty spacious glovebox.
The
ride is kept in check by front 45mm Cartridge fork with anti-dive and a
rear pro arm single-side swingarm with Pro-Link single shock with
computer-controlled spring preload adjustment with two memory presets.
Hit the jump for more information on the Honda Gold Wing F6B.
Press Release
Whether you have an hour, a weekend or a week to leave
it all behind, here’s a new bold and blacked-out-styled machine to
satisfy that urge to get away from it all—the brand-new Gold Wing® F6B.
This machine is loaded with all the good looks and key features you
want, and it’s all set for short hops or weekend trips. It starts with a
powerful fuel-injected 1832cc six-cylinder engine that provides an
unrivaled level of performance in the class. Honda’s unique,
horizontally opposed six-cylinder layout also contributes to an
exceptionally low center of gravity. That design, along with a large and
stout twin-spar aluminum frame plus a sophisticated suspension system,
gives the Gold Wing F6B remarkable nimbleness and maneuverability for
superior handling. The blacked-out styling treatment with long and low
lines gives the Gold Wing F6B an aggressive look, while large-capacity
saddlebags, a comfortable gunfighter-style seat, premium audio system
and more means there’s no need to rough it on the road. Available in
standard or deluxe trim and offering a wide assortment of Honda Genuine
Accessories and Honda Signature Accessories, the 2013 Gold Wing F6B
leaves plenty of room to add your own personal touch.
Features and benefits
- Innovative appearance with blacked-out styling, plus incredible performance put the Gold Wing F6B in a class of one.
- Blacked-out treatment applied to wheels, engine and frame.
- Shorty windscreen and gunfighter-style seat add to a unique persona.
- Powerful, fuel-injected 1832cc engine features a parallel two-valve cylinder head with direct shim-under-bucket valve actuation for strong and smooth power production plus rugged dependability.
- Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) incorporates two 40mm throttle bodies and six high-pressure programmed fuel injectors.
- Premium audio system features direct MP3/i-Pod connectivity.
- Multi-information screen features odometer/A&B tripmeters, clock, air temperature, saddlebag open indicator, audio controls and music information.
- Sleek lower cowl adds to the aggressive look.
- Stylish tail section incorporates passenger grabrails.
- Lockable, waterproof saddlebags offer large storage capacity.
- Convenient glovebox.
- Deluxe model includes passenger backrest, centerstand, self-canceling turn signals and heated grips.
- Available in Black or Red on both standard and deluxe models.
Additional Features
- Transferable three-year limited warranty; extended coverage available with a Honda Protection Plan.
Accessories
- Heated Grips, Centerstand, Color-Matched Passenger Backrest with Pad, Rear Carrier, Backrest/ Rear Carrier Mounting Brackets, Passenger Headset Junction, Accessory Socket, Tall Windscreen, LED Foglight Kit, Deluxe Helmet Headset (Full and Open), Saddlebag Cooler, Chrome Front Fender Rail, Chrome Front Fender Extension, Chrome Sidestand, Chrome Front Disc Cover, Chrome Bar Ends
Honda Signature Accessories
- Saddlebag Liners, Saddlebag Lid Organizer, License Plate Frame, Saddlebag Mat Set
WARRANTY: Because we’re so confident in the quality of
each of our Honda Genuine Accessories and Honda Signature Accessories,
we’re pleased to offer one of the best warranties in the industry.
Three-year warranty begins on the day accessories are purchased by the
customer, excluding audio accessories which are covered by a limited
one-year warranty.
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After A Century of Motorcycling
After 10 consecutive months looking back over the past century of
motorcycling as part of our MC100 celebration, let’s shift our gaze
ahead and look to the future of our favorite sport. In many ways, it’s
already upon us. As one example, elsewhere in this issue you’ll read
about the smartest production motorcycle ever built—BMW’s S1000RR
HP4—equipped with traction control, wheelie control, launch control,
anti-lock brakes and the world’s frst
dynamically adaptive, auto-adjusting electronic suspension. Sophisticated technology that makes riding safer and more enjoyable, new vehicle designs that make two-wheeled travel more practical and accessible to an even wider range of people, and entirely new propulsion technologies are just the beginning the changes coming. The sport of motorcycling will evolve in other signifcant ways in the coming decades, including the development of a “smart” transportation grid populated by vehicles driving themselves and new vehicle shapes and confgurations that challenge the very notion of what a “motorcycle” is.
To get a bead on the future, we asked the brightest minds in our industry—designers, product planners, engineers, and trend spotters—to give us a glimpse of the future as they see it. We asked them a single question: “What will motorcycling look like 50 years from now?” As you will see, their answers are stunningly diverse. If they’re right, the next 50 years look to be every bit as dynamic, revolutionary, challenging and fun as the last 100 have been.
A BMW tilting-vehicle concept.
Enter the "Tilters"
David Robb, Owner, Designing Things That Move You[Former BMW Design Chief] If you’re expecting a singular “bike of the future” in Tomorrowland, sorry—that ain’t gonna happen. Our myriad tastes and desires will be satisfed by an almost unlimited array of machinery. The look? Everything from Hummer-like security to Tron Light Cycle sophistication to traditional naked bike architecture in homage to the 1950s and ‘60s. Three- and even four-wheeled “tilting vehicles” will continue to draw newbies who appreciate the fun and excitement of leaning with added stability, especially at stop lights. The same appeal will make these new vehicles equally attractive to older, “former motorcyclists,” too. Ridership will increase because individuals will want a more engaging alternative to a daily commute in a “living room on wheels.” Motorcycling will transition from the pure leisure sport it’s been for more than 50 years into an appealing practicality. With the rising cost of fuel increasingly determining what we drive (and ride), many will fnd motorcycles intriguing not only for their tiny traffc footprint but their reduced carbon footprint as well.
Safety and performance enhancements will become totally non-intrusive and expected in every class of vehicle. Macho claims of “outbraking any ABS,” will be quaint anecdotes of the past. The democracy of high-tech will make new riders feel welcome. Connectivity at all times will be expected as well. All systems—navigational, infotainment or performance-oriented—will be voice controlled and intuitive of our needs, allowing us to enjoy the ride without distraction. Enhanced protective riding gear will be integrated with the vehicle, and audio and visual information will be piped into your helmet to enhance environmental and situational awareness.
The electric MotoCzysz E1pc.
Shape-Shifting, Self-Healing E-Bikes
Michael Czysz, CEO and Founder, MotoCzysz Fifty years from now, the MotoGP grid will be all-electric. Today’s most advanced electric motors are already better than current MotoGP engines in terms of torque delivery, physical size, engine-braking controland reduced gyroscopic/handling impact. In 50 years, it will not even be close. Where batteries are concerned, charge time will become equal to fll time for gas bikes. Battery energy density may increase two times or even four times in 50 years, but the real breakthrough will be in charging. Carbonized nano-graphite networks, which emulate the structure of bone marrow, will dramatically increase battery surface area and reduce full-charging intervals to minutes, or possibly even seconds.Bikes will roll on self-healing tires. High frequency, ultrasonic tire warmers will trigger engineered molecules in the rubber to fow from areas of high density to areas of low density. The result will be a tirethat can heal itself from cold tears, harsh abuse and uneven wearing to look like new for the next track session.
Aerodynamics will play a more important role as energy consumption will be continually reduced. Fairings that change shape to offer maximum beneft in a variety of conditions will be necessary to maintain performance while reducing consumption.
Finally, Kenny Roberts will still be faster than you on an XR100 around a backyard dirt track!
Tree Visions Of The Future
John Keogh, Principal, John Keogh Motorcycle Design What is interesting from a design point of view is to ask “What will motorcycles look like 50 yearsfrom now?” I can see three general types: 1) A commuter featuring a wrap-around safety cage and some form of outriggers or gyro-stabilization for when it’s stationary; 2) A fun motorcycle, with the emphasis on not just riding but also tinkering and customizing. These bikes will have small hybrid powertrains that, via electronics, can be highly customized much as you would add apps to a smart phone now. 3) A bullet-shaped racer with cutting-edge aerodynamics and electronics to allow a new type of racing on two wheels, where electronics enable even better competition by having exploitable parameters that can turn this “pod” from straight-line speed merchant to wheelie-capable stunt rocket. Rider skill, of course, will still rule.
Like today's bikes, but better, is how many describe the motorcycle of the future.
Unified Function
Pierre Terblanche, Freelance Motorcycle Designer [Former Ducati Design Chief] Fifty years is a very long time. I really have no idea what technologies will be used in the future, or even what bikes will look like, but I do know how I would like them to function. I believe that the various current segments of hypersport, standard and multipurpose bikes will morph into more sophisticated, unifed-function products capable of fantastic performance no matter how or where they are used. New-look products will be beautiful, ecological, powerful and lightweight, with automatic gearboxes, adjustable ergonomics, and full integration of communication systems and Internet, along with active and passive safety systems. We will also fnd built-in 3D video cameras so experiences can be shared after the ride, and all this will come without interfering with the fun factor of riding a motorcycle.
On Auto Pilot
Will Motorcycles One Day Ride Themselves? Google has already built a feet of self-driving cars that have logged thousands of accidentfree miles, and BMW’s Research and Technology group—among others—are building autonomous automobiles. BMW’s ConnectedRide initiative is the frst attempt to use that technology to dramatically improve motorcycle safety. The ConnectedRide-equipped K1600GT incorporates collision detection, pedestrian detection, roadway obstacle detection and weather warnings. Tere’s even a “left-turn assistant” that uses a combination of cameras, laser scanners, radar and vehicle-to-vehicle communications to detect a car making a potentially dangerous left turn in front of the rider. When this situation arises, a “conspicuity enhancement program” can fash the bike’s lights and sound the horn, or even activate the wayward car’s brakes.Thankfully, the idea of a truly autonomous motorcycle seems far-fetched right now—there are numerous technical challenges, not the least of which is staying upright while stopped. Selfdriving cars will almost certainly be a reality soon, however, and more and more of the safety technologies devised for autonomous vehicles will be adapted to motorcycles, too.
The Legacies Go Electric
Electric Experiments From Honda and KawasakiWORDS: Ben Purvis Despite a reputation for embracing the latest technology, Japan’s legacy OEMs appear to be left behind in the race to electrify their two-wheeled products. But recently leaked patent documents show both Honda and Kawasaki have been beavering away on electric superbikes.
With a history of electric and hybrid automobile technology to draw from, Honda has a head start. We’re already familiar with Honda’s gorgeous RC-E electric superbike that debuted as a concept at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show. New patents reveal development of a production RC-E with the electric motor and batteries combined into a single unit to centralize mass, simplify maintenance and aid cooling.
Meanwhile, Kawasaki appears hard at work on an eSuperbike, too, with patents revealing two designs. Te frst is a full-on, aluminum-framed electric superbike, while the second is along the lines of a battery-powered, tube-framed ER-6. Both use a similar water-cooled electric motor bolted—unusually—to a traditional motorcycle-style, four-speed transmission.
Evidence of this development shows, as many have suggested, that the major legacy OEMs are just biding time until economic circumstances and worldwide demand align to make electric motorcycles a proftable proposition.
The Scooter Solution
BMW Anticipates a Crowded Future BMW tells us more than 50 percent of the world’s population already lives in cities, and that fgure is anticipated to rise as high as 70 percent over the next 25 years. Urban crowding, increasing trafc density, rising energy costs and more stringent emissions regulations will all drive demand for scooters, making the so-called “Urban Mobility” category the most important segment of the motorcycle industry in coming years. BMW’s newly-released C-series scooters can handle both urban riding and a typical high-speed, longer-distance suburban commute. With automatic transmissions and lower, more inviting architecture, however, there is also less of the perceived danger that’s often attached to motorcycles. BMW hopes this unique combination of attributes will encourage more drivers to park their automobiles and set out on two wheels. BMW has also revealed a zero-emissions electric scooter prototype called the Concept E. With outright bans on petrol-powered scooters and motorcycles in parts of Beijing and other polluted Asian cities, BMW sees clean vehicle technology as a priority for the future.
The Four-Wheeled Superbike
Yamaha’s Tilting Tesseract ConceptWORDS: Ben Purvis Yamaha’s radical Tesseract—a leaning, fourwheeled superbike revealed in 2007—is still undergoing development, and recent patent documents suggest the Japanese frm is serious about bring this envelope-pushing concept into production. Te latest design shares the Tesseract’s basic concept, combining a bikelike riding experience with the security of four wheels, but uses completely diferent technology to achieve that goal. Unlike the original Tesseract, which added stability by placing the paired wheels at both ends some distance apart, the new Yamaha has been designed to keep the wheels as close together as possible, retaining the narrow overall width of a conventional bike. All four wheels move independently, so even at extreme lean angles all the tyres are firmly planted on the ground. Although the appearance might be unusual, the design is intended to keep the riding experience as familiar as possible. If it’s aimed at motorcyclists, rather than the undefned and entirely new audience that the Tesseract seemed designed to appeal to, that additional familiarity is likely a boon rather than a hindrance.
What About Hybrids?
The Best of Both Worlds?WORDS: Ben Purvis Hybrid automobiles combine the cleanliness of an electric vehicle with the convenience of gas power, but the added complexity and expense has prevented hybrid technology being applied to production motorcycles. Even so, Honda and Yamaha have been experimenting with hybrids. Honda has fled multiple patents showing a parallel twin similar to the NC700 engine—already its most fuel-efcient engine—with a regen-enabled electric motor added to boost range or provide additional torque to increase the bike’s performance. Another newly fled document also shows a hybrid Goldwing, using an ingenious, hub-mounted electric motor to assist its ICE counterpart.
Yamaha appears to be developing an all-new hybrid machine based on the envelope-pushing Gen-Ryu concept from 2005 (shown) using a small, single-cylinder gas engine to turn a generator that powers an electric motor and recharges the batteries. Te resulting efciency is that of a smalldisplacement single but with performance of a much more powerful bike.
Same As It Ever Was
Chris Hunter, Owner/Editor, BikeEXIF.com It’s tempting to conjure images of levitating machines and whisperquiet electric marvels, but I think the machines of 2062 will bear a strong resemblance to those we ride today. Fifty years ago people were riding Triumph Bonnevilles, BSA Gold Stars and Harley Ironhead Sportsters. They’re essentially the same as today’s bikes: the same engine technology, the same basic components in the same locations, and similar frames. There have been gradual improvements in engine effciency, component design and frame materials, but it’s an evolution. Clever marketing has made these incremental improvements seem signifcant. We’ll see more gradual improvements, with increasing focus on electronic control. But the bikes themselves will look and feel largely the same. Motor-cycling’s simpler pleasures will be stronger than ever.
Electric Avenue
Scot Harden, VP of Marketing, Zero Motorcycles Electric motorcycles will become a major player in the motorcycle market. The technology is already relevant, and the improvements we over the next 50 years will be astounding. Energy costs, non-existent powertrain maintenance, low emissions, and the way the rider interfaces with the machine—and fellow enthusiasts—through personal communications devices all favor electric motorcycles. As technology improves, electric bikes will go farther, faster, and, most importantly, be more fun to ride than traditional motorcycles.
Stuff Happens
James Parker, Industrial Designer, Radd Technologies The motorcycle industry is built on three foundations: ideas, money, and “stuff.” Ideas and money are selfexplanatory. Stuff is everything from infrastructure to raw materials to the material we get most of our energy from: petroleum. For the frst 100 years, motorcycling thrived on plenty of ideas, money, and oil. There will always be good ideas, but will there be enough money and stuff to support them? It’s likely that we’ll see shortages and diffculties we’re not used to. Motorcycles may have to be adapted to conditions that are currently hard to imagine.
Third World Rising
Gary Gray, Director of Motorcycle ProductPlanning, Polaris/Indian/Victory When we think about motorcycles today we think about Japanese sportbikes, American cruisers, and European adventure-tourers. Fifty years from now, trends will be dictated by India, China, and Brazil, where more than 25 million motorcycles are already sold each year. As those economies mature, the motorcycles they ride will change from economical transportation to larger-displacement, recreational machines. By virtue of the sheer size of their markets, they will dictate industry trends.
It’s The [Fuel] Economy, Stupid
Derek Brooks, Motorcycle Product Planning Manager, Yamaha Motor Corp. USA The future of motorcycles? Soon Yamaha’s hover-cycle will break cover, and dominate all forms of motorcycling, especially Supercross. All kidding aside, I would like to see more people recognize the beneft of parking their car in favor of riding a motorcycle that gets 40-50 mpg, or a scooter that gets 130 mpg. So much attention is paid to hybrid and high-mileage internalcombustion autos, many of which get worse mileage than any $8000 motorcycle.
Streamlined Tomorrow
Craig Vetter, Inventor, Designer, Manufacturer Western civilization has become dependent upon cheap and abundant energy. We like acceleration. We like speed. We like power. But there is a very real possibility that fuel will become a precious commodity in the next 50 years. In the current Vetter Fuel Economy Challenges, we have learned that a streamlined motorcycle producing around 24 horsepower will allow a gallon of fuel to take us more than 100 miles at any speed legal in America. Less horsepower and we cannot maintain the posted speeds; more and we are wasting fuel. If energy ever becomes precious, this is how motorcycles will look.Streamlined motorcycles are more practical too. You can sit up comfortably and still be protected from the wind and elements. You can carry four bags of groceries and it's more visible in traffc, so it’s safer, too. The best part is, you can build the bike of the future yourself, today.
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