Honda Teases its New ‘Adventure’ Bike

Honda Honda Honda, what are you up to?

Just released from Honda HQ is a teaser image of what Honda insiders have apparently described as their new adventure tourer bike.

Now adventure means something different to different people but these days for bikes, it’s a rugged, expensive fairing free bike i.e. the new Triumph Tiger, BMW F800GS, Yamaha Super Tenere, and of course the king of adventure the BMW 1200 GS.  The sketch Honda has released appears to be the much rumored Pan European replacement which did the rounds last year then promptly disappeared.  One of the concept images MCN drew up is below.

This new bike is to be unveiled at the Milan bike show in November, and it’s supposed to be a V4, like the controversial VFR1200, but oddly not a 1200cc bike ….huh?

Another rumor is that Honda will show a concept bike designed to be a GS challenger, but it’ll be a concept far from production with 2012 being the target year.  It would seem Honda have been caught out by the awesome efforts and innovations of Triumph, BMW, Ducati, and other Japanese counterparts this year.

Or perhaps they’ve caught the same virus as Harley Davidson  : P

Tron Legacy Lightcycle Concept Art

Disney has released concept art for some of cinema’s most famous motorcycles, the Lightcycles from TRON.  These images are from the sequel TRON : LEGACY due to be released in December 2010 in 3D.  One of the earliest stories featured on Ride The Wild Wind was the unveiling of full size mock ups of the bikes at Comic-Con last year, see here.

The Lightcycle has been an inspiration for custom bike builders since it first appeared in the original 1982 movie with designs such as the iCare shown below.

Looking forward to seeing Lightcycles in action again this Xmas.. click for bigger images..

TRON for those who don’t know is a 1982 science fiction action film by Walt Disney Pictures.  It starred Jeff Bridges as Kevin Flynn (and his program counterpart inside the electronic world, Clu), Bruce Boxleitner as Tron and his User Alan Bradley, Cindy Morgan as Yori and Dr. Lora Baines, and Dan Shor as Ram. David Warner plays all three main antagonists: the program Sark, his User Ed Dillinger, and the voice of the Master Control Program. It was written and directed by Steven Lisberger.  Back in 1982 TRON was the film to see with the most startling special effects showing the early computer graphics that would become the biggest thing in movies.

In the sequel TRON : LEGACY Sam Flynn (Garret Hedlund), a rebellious 27-year-old, is haunted by the mysterious disappearance of his father Kevin Flynn (Bridges), a man once known as the world’s leading video-game developer. When Sam investigates a strange signal sent from the old Flynn’s Arcade — a signal that could only come from his father– he finds himself pulled into a digital world where Kevin has been trapped for 20 years. With the help of the fearless warrior Quorra (Wilde), father and son embark on a life-or-death journey across a cyber universe — a universe created by Kevin himself that has become far more advanced with vehicles, weapons, landscapes and a ruthless villain who will stop at nothing to prevent their escape.

A Motorcycle Legend in the Making, The Ostoure Concept

This is why I (Editor Nick) love motorcycles!  The technology of nearly every feature is always evolving, and the endless array of designs are constantly stunning.

The latest revolution in design, the Ostoure concept, is a “super naked” motorcycle concept dreamed up by designer Mohammad Reza Shojaie.

The Ostoure, which means Legend in Persian, runs with the regular concept designers favorite feature, two-wheel drive, and a Bluetooth connected helmet supporting a heads up display (HUD) replacing the usual dash. If you were one of the few who saw Terminator: Salvation you’ll notice this bears more than a passing resemblance to the motorcycle terminators racing around in the post apocalyptic future.  All that’s missing are a couple of side-mounted Gatling guns, maybe a few missile launchers, and you’re good to go!

The controls are supposedly similar to an airplane’s yoke which should get your mind working on how to steer this monster, fantastic!

For a couple of more pictures head over to The Design Blog

Hama Zero’s ‘Solar Bike Fujin’ Electric Motorcycle

Yes we here at RTWW like our futuristic electric bikes and while Brammo and Roehr’s efforts are more appealing than Hama Zero’s, but you can’t fault creator Mr. Yamawaki it for his ingenuity.

Ok this isn’t going to please 186mph sports-bike owners, or those who love the noise and fumes of a ‘regular’ motorcycle, but despite its somewhat unattractive look the technology of the Solar Bike Fujin e-bike has to be applauded.  This could possibly the only truly zero emission, and zero cost power generation, electric bike given that it can charge solely from the sun, and if it’s not plugged in it isn’t part of the waste producing electricity grid.  The crazily low resistance wheels could maybe be a technology applied to its bigger cousins, and even the solar panel, if it could be stored compactly enough could be another trickle-charge power source for more powerful electric bikes.  Most likely the panel’s current power generation ability is pretty small but solar cell technology is improving in yield all the time.

Check out the video below for an overview of the Hama Zero Solar Bike Fujin

New Pictures of the Moto Guzzi V12 Concept Bike

After making an appearance at the Milan Motorcycle Show last November Moto Guzzi’s V12 concept bike has been lurking in the shadows, until now.  New studio pics have appeared showing the tech heavy bike in all its glory, and personally (Editor Nick) I still think it looks awesome.  Some people don’t like Moto Guzzi’s unique styling but I’ve always had a soft spot for it.

The Le Mans adds a distinctly futuristic edge to the regular Guzzi look and adds a plethora of technology some interesting such as the frame being made from rotational moulding nylon polymer, some for tricks i.e. rear cameras with monitors for mirrors.

Hell For Leather has picked up some details on the new bike so head over there for more info on what could be the start of another Italian company revitalizing itself.  Ducati can’t have all the fun.

Has Brammo made the best E-bike yet with the ‘Empulse’?

RTWW is a fan of electric bikes.  It’s only fitting that motorcycles are the future of personal transport when set against gas guzzling cars and the gridlock they cause.  While there have been many concept machines and some very good e-bikes from the likes of Zero Motorcycles, it seems as if everyone specialised at certain areas but bringing them all together was a problem.  Where a bike had performance it lacked range and vise versa.

However it would seem Brammo’s new ‘Empulse’ has managed to address these problems and have created a great bike that covers all the bases.  With performance relative to a regular 600cc sports bike, and 100+ miles within its reach this could be a game changer.  Three models are to be released varying in their travelling range from 60 miles to 100.  Best of all is the price which if they keep it at the suggested $9,995 for the lowest of the three proposed models, with $13,995 topping out the range the Empulse could be a very big, very affordable hit.

Below is a video advertising the Empluse accompanied by the official press release from Brammo.

The Brammo Official Press Release

Brammo announces the Empulse – a trio of 100+mph electric motorcycles, including one model that can travel up to 100 miles on a single charge. Prices start at $9995.
Ashland, Oregon – July 15th, 2010. Brammo, Inc. announced today it will begin production of an electric sportbike, calling it the “Empulse.” Brammo demonstrated a pre-production prototype today and all three production models of the Empulse will be capable of sustaining 100 mph. The three models will have different battery capacities, all utilizing an innovative proprietary array, the Brammo Power™ battery and vehicle management system. The Empulse is available for immediate order and deliveries will commence in 2011.
Craig Bramscher, Founder and CEO of Brammo said “motorcycle riders have been requesting increased speed and range and I am proud and delighted to reveal these game changing Brammo electric motorcycles. Our customers expect Brammo to design and produce the world’s most exciting (and affordable) electric motorcycles and that’s exactly what we have done.” Bramscher continued, “Today’s announcement promises no more range anxiety for Brammo customers.”

The Empulse Trio
All three models of the Empulse will be freeway capable and will enjoy a top speed in excess of 100mph. Each of the three models will offer customers a different average range from a single charge. The Empulse 6.0 is capable of 60 miles average range, the Empulse 8.0 is capable of 80 miles average range and the top of the line Empulse 10.0 is capable of a travelling 100 miles on a single charge. Range of all three models can be extended by travelling at lower speeds.
The estimated MSRP for the Empulse trio when deliveries start next year are; Empulse 6.0 $9,995, Empulse 8.0 $11,995 and Empluse 10.0 $13,995. All three models will be eligible for Federal and State tax incentives. For example, the Empulse 10.0 may cost as little as $7,000 in certain states after Federal and State incentives.

Empulse Technology
Today’s announcement sees the first application of Brammo’s innovative Brammo Digital Drivetrain™ including the Brammo Power™ battery pack and Brammo Power™ vehicle management system. Brammo’s breakthrough in price/energy density is at the heart of today’s announcement and is unequalled in the electric vehicle industry. The Empulse is also the world’s first production electric motorcycle to have a water cooled motor.
Brian Wismann, Director of Product Development at Brammo and designer of the Empulse said,
“The Empulse reveals the significant price performance that we can deliver using Brammo Power™ technology. Just like it did with the Enertia Powercycle, Brammo has again raised the bar in terms of electrical drivetrain innovation and time to market.”

Empulse Availability
Customers can place their order for an Empulse by visiting the Brammo website http://www.brammo.com . Deliveries are expected to commence in mid-2011 and orders will be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. Customers placing an order will be expected to place a refundable deposit once their Empulse is within 90 days of delivery. The Brammo range of motorcycles will be available globally through select motorcycle dealerships and participating Best Buy stores during 2011.

Brammo Distribution
Brammo is expanding its dealership network both within the USA and in Europe and Asia. Organizations interested in selling and servicing the Brammo range of motorcycles, which includes the award winning Enertia, can register their interest by visiting http://www.brammo.com/dealerapplication
Adrian Stewart, director of Sales and Marketing at Brammo said “We are always looking for individuals and organizations that want to enter into a long term business partnership with Brammo to sell and service our range of electric vehicles. JCAM, our distributor and dealer in Hong Kong and Singapore is an excellent example of such an organization. ”
Forged in the Heat of Competition
Brammo Power™ technology employed in the Empulse is race proven in the Brammo Empulse RR race bike. You can see the Empulse RR in action at the 2010 Red Bull Grand Prix, Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. Brammo will race the Empulse RR in the FIM e-Power series which will see 15 electric motorcycle teams from around the world compete on this demanding circuit.
Meet the Empulse
Brammo CEO Craig Bramscher will be unveiling the Empulse at the 2010 Red Bull Grand Prix at the Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, California, 11.15am, Saturday July 24th 2010.
Later this year the Empulse will be at EICMA Milan, Italy and at the Macau Grand Prix, China.

About Brammo
Brammo Inc is a leading electric vehicle technology company headquartered in North America. Brammo designs and develops electric vehicles including the award winning Brammo Enertia motorcycle. Brammo is an OEM supplier of it’s innovative Brammo Digital Drivetrain™ systems including the Brammo Power™ battery pack and Brammo Power™ vehicle management system. Brammo has vehicle distribution and marketing operations in North America, Europe and Asia.

The Holy Grail of Fuel Economy

A lot of bikers own multiple motorcycles.  Some for fun, some for off road, some for sport, and some for commuting.  It’s the last category that’s of interest to Allert Jacobs, who in his pursuit of better fuel economy for his Honda Innova 125i has added a little DIY flair.  Almost doubling the Honda’s already light fuel sipping to a reported 214 MPG, he’s created a great everyday commuter for those who want every gallon to count.  Not too sure if it’s completely safe in a crosswind, or if you wouldn’t attract some odd looks, but hey, you can’t have it all.

Honda Innova 125i

Snapped Out & About, The New BMW K1600LT Tourer

A snap shot of the rumored BMW K1600LT has shed some light on the new tourer from the German company.

This was one of the bikes mentioned by BMW at the unveiling of their six-cylinder engine in concept form at the Milan Motorcycle Show.

While the concept bike looked awesome it does make a bit more sense to build a big tourer around it, and as always, when it comes to sensible decisions, BMW delivers.  More details as we get them.

Transform two motorcycles into a car & back again.

RTWW loves a good ‘out there’ futuristic bike and this new concept model has that and a whole lot more.

The pictures are of the “Plug-In” concept car/bike by Ramesh Gound, dreamed up as his final year Diploma project at the National Institute of Design.  Gound says there’s a “buy 1 get 1 free” shopping attitude in the market around the Ahmedabad area of India where he’s based.  This everyday idea gave Gound the inspiration to take two motorcycles and give them the ability to link them in the middle to make a car!

The two drive-by-wire bikes allow a biking houshold to combine their rides to create a car for a relaxing long journey, then at your destination, break apart and go exploring.  The extra car bodywork is made of D3O, which when the bikes are not attached, neatly folds away within the bike’s frame.   There are no engine details but it would be an idea to make the bikes electric vehicles that doubled their range as a car, that would definately make it a vehicle for the future.

A Hybrid Future?

The UK is slightly behind the USA on episodes of ‘American Chopper’ and last night’s new build was the Schneider Electric Hybrid chopper.  The bike was impressive, as all Orange County Chopper bikes are, and joined a growing number of hybrid motorcycles as either proof of concept vehicles or production demos.

The technical spec on the OOC hybrid gives the rider a number of operation modes ranging from battery only, electric motor driving the rear wheel with the V-Twin powering a generator which in turn powers and recharges the batteries, and standard gas only, albeit a very frugal motor to give a decent range.  It’s an innovative package that a lot of people have over-looked with it being caught up in the show’s family drama. (As a side note Paul Sr is ‘the man’ Jr is an arse!)  Having the battery packs stored in the panniers, leaving regular frame space for an engine was a good idea and the linkages between electric motor, V-Twin, and generators are a marvel.

Along with OCC’s efforts other Hybrids doing the rounds are the Tim Cameron designed CAF-E, which looks awesome.

Apparently similar in design to the Toyota Prius, hopefully not where its brakes are concerned, it’s a parallel V-Twin with an electric super charger for extra power.  Electric power comes from a 180 volt Lithium Ion battery pack and it’s all delivered to the rear via a shaft drive.  One of Tim’s other futuristic designs, the V-REX is now in production so there’s hope for the CAF-E

Details on the V-REX can be found here

The most well-known Hybrid to date is probably Yamaha’s effort, the working model having been showcased at the Tokyo Motorshow in late 2009.

Originally called the Gen-Ryu Yamaha’s HV-X, of all the manufacturers, is the closest to going into production.  Honda have mentioned Hybrids on occasion and have also said they will focus on full electric of late, but Honda has been exhaling a lot of hot air over its bikes this last year.

So is Hybrid the way to go for the future?  ZERO Motorcycles’ electric range are fantastic bikes but fall down on, well, range, but they do have a place in the grand scheme of things as sports and commuting machines.  However when it comes to touring Hybrids offer the opportunity of distance for low running costs.  Easier to apply to motorcycles than cars, given the weight the engine has to shift, it would seem the best option to become technology of tomorrow.