The Future of Motorcycle

Imagine owning a self-driving motorcycle that takes you anywhere with just a simple command. Perhaps your only worry would be falling off and the motorcycle driving off without you on board. Welcome to the future of motorcycles! Google is already on course to test self-driving motorcycles in California. The Ghostrider robot motorcycle, which the Defense Advanced Research Agency initiated for military purposes, also utilizes the same self-driving technology. Of course, not everybody is happy about it since motorcycle riding is supposed to be fun, and robotic self-driving would suck the life out of it. No wonder Ghostrider’s chief co-coordinator, Anthony Levandowski, has been the focus of protesters against self-driving technology. However, change is inevitable, and whether you like it or not, it will happen eventually. In retrospect to technology, there are other exciting prospects likely to surface in the near future.

Enclosed Motorcycle

Many riders would probably want an enclosed motorcycle during winter to shield them against cold and rain. The concept of an enclosed motorcycle is not strange. However, the trick is balancing the aerodynamics of a motorcycle without it falling over. LIT Motors, a company based in San Francisco, is on course to produce enclosed motorcycles mass-produced in the near future. The company has developed a 2-wheel electric motorcycle known as the C1 with a spacious interior that fits 2 people. Unlike other motorcycles, you don’t need to use your feet to balance when riding since the C1 utilizes rotating gyroscopes to sustain equilibrium. If the enclosed motorcycle is hit or pushed sideways by another person or a mid-sized sedan, it will not fall. Hence, the C1 is deemed a safer alternative to regular motorcycles mostly because it features an airbag and safety belt, and there is no need for a helmet since it is fully enclosed. Additionally, various functions, such as drifting and parking, are supported by a computerized interface. According to the concept founder, Daniel Kim, the C1 can travel up to 120 miles per hour or 220 miles per charge, which is quite impressive for an electric motor. Although the C1 uses a steering wheel for navigation, it is widely considered a motorcycle. Remember that you will require a motorcycle license to drive it, and the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration classifies any motor vehicle with less than four wheels as a motorcycle. One thing is for sure, though: the LIT Motors C1 will be a game changer in the motorcycle industry.

Supersonic Motorcycle

Of course, future motorcycles will be designed differently, but who would have pictured a 4-wheeled vehicle conceived as a motorcycle? For instance, the Dodge Tomahawk was unveiled at the North America International Show in Detroit in 2003. The Dodge superbike is fitted with a Viper sports car engine capable of propelling up to 300 miles per hour. Hence, due to the powerful engine, the Dodge Tomahawk is equipped with 4 independent motorcycle wheels to handle the engine throttle. Additionally, the Dodge Tomahawk features an 8.3-liter engine, 525 lb-ft of torque, and 500 hp. However, the Dodge Tomahawk poses a challenge since the rider will probably be lifted off the seat at over 200MPH due to the lack of a sustainable streamlining design.  There has not been a verified trial test of the Dodge Tomahawk riding faster than 200MPH. Regardless, the Dodge Tomahawk quadricycle concept will likely surface again in the future concerning supersonic motorcycles, only if it is improved.

Convertible Motorcycle

It looks like something from a movie probably The Transformers but the Magic Tricycle is the beginning of convertible motorcycles. Although it is still a concept, such motorcycles might flock to the roads a few decades to come. As the name suggests, the Magic Tricycle can convert from a 3-wheeled motorcycle to a 2-wheeled motorcycle just by pressing a button. The 3 wheels are suitable on the highway since they offer a safer enclosed compartment, whereas changing to 2 wheels maximizes the speed and makes it easier to maneuver through narrow pathways.  When transforming into 2 wheels, the 3rd wheel is carried on top to maintain the balance while the passenger cabin/section rotates.

Water Riding Motorcycle

Aussie daredevil Robbie Maddison recently made history by riding a KTM SX motorcycle in the ocean at over 50MPH. Sounds crazy, right? But the stunt rider modified his motorcycle with skis and spent at least 5,000 hours trying to find the motorcycle with the perfect balance. Even though it was a very dangerous maneuver surfing with an actual motorcycle along giant ocean waves in Tahiti, Robbie Maddison gave the world a glimpse into the future. The only difference is that it would be much safer in the future. The Biski motorcycle concept, which can travel on both water and land, was showcased at the American International Motorcycle Expo in Florida. The motorbike is a jet ski/motorcycle hybrid, but switching from land to water takes only 5 seconds and vice versa. Fortunately for those who are not Robbie Maddison, you don’t have to be a daredevil to ride a motorcycle on water in the near future.

Even though the design of future motorcycles does not appear conventional, the future seems bright. For example, the 2015 Honda CB750 Concept employs radar technology that enables the bike to automatically avoid an oncoming collision. Therefore, it is safe to say that the future will be safer.