Up here in the northern climates, winter means snow and ice. In some areas it gets cold but they don't get quite as much snow and police bikes still patrol the roads but usually mount sidecars for the stability and that occasional snow or icy patch. This year the Harley Davidsons used by the Pittsburgh, PA police are doing something a little different. Instead of sidecars, … [Read more...]
Norton Shrike 3 wheeler
Well as long as we're doing motorcycle powered 3 wheelers, here's the Norton Shrike. Built some time back in 1984 by Dave Norton, a mechanical design engineer who, after a friend's accident, decided to build something with safety as his priority. He drove this as a daily driver for several years until the original Yamaha 650 Maxim engine blew. It was restored recently but this … [Read more...]
Phillips Head Protection System
More good news on the helmet front. The Phillips Head Protection System protects against rotational injury, the kind of thing that happens if your helmet hits the pavement and digs in instead of sliding, causing your head to twist violently which then results in your brain rotating inside your skull. That's bad. Here's more: In more than 60% of motorcycle accidents, the head … [Read more...]
Motorcyclist helmet test update
We covered the first part of the Motorcyclist magazine helmet study several months ago. The November 2005 issue has the continuation of the study where they talk about the future of helmet design and construction, including some new materials coming down the pike. One of the problems pointed out in the original article was that designing a helmet to protect against … [Read more...]
Honda Rider Trainer
Honda is always coming up with new technology, especially for safety. Just a little while ago they introduced the first motorcycle airbag system and now we have this rider training system. It comes bundled with 2 beginner courses and 14 more advanced hazard courses plus you get to choose day, night or fog. Of course some smart hacker has to get this thing to play something a … [Read more...]
Honda Gold Wing gets airbag
Honda has come out with the first airbag for motorcycles. From Honda Press Release: Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced it has succeeded in developing the world's first production motorcycle airbag system. The new system, which can help lessen the severity of injuries caused by frontal collisions, is to be made available on the new Gold Wing motorcycle scheduled for … [Read more...]