When are we going to see the first major motorcycle manufacturer produce a motorcycle powered by one of the new alternative technologies? We've posted here many times about the Star Twin turbo diesel, the ENV hydrogen motorcycle, various electric powered scooters and motorcycles, but other than one offs built in someone's garage or small companies trying to get ahead of … [Read more...]
Goldwing Retriever
What happens when a car stalls in traffic on a busy highway? Instant traffic jam, naturally, but how does the tow truck get to the car if the highway is filled with cars? Suppose you had a small agile vehicle like a motorcycle that could also tow the car from where it was stuck? Enter The Retriever. It's a Honda Goldwing with a foldable towing rig that rides through traffic … [Read more...]
F1 more complex than MotoGP?
It's no secret that MotoGP has some pretty high tech electronics and gadgets on their bikes but this Formula 1 steering wheel is over the top. Look at this thing! An electronic display in the center along with enough knobs and switches to keep any geek happy. How much time does the average F1 driver have to peruse all of this at speed? Um, let's see, was it the red knob or the … [Read more...]
Biodiesel and Antifreeze from Soybeans
Biodiesel has a lot of good things going for it but this is really cool. If you're familiar with the process of making biodiesel, you know that glycerin is produced as a byproduct. If you like homemade soap, you can get started right away but Galen Suppes, a researcher at the University of Missouri-Columbia, is working on a way to turn that glycerin into propylene glycol, ... … [Read more...]
E plates – license plates with RFID
Just a few days ago I mentioned electronic monitors for insurance purposes, if the company knows how fast you drive and when you drive, you can get an insurance discount if you follow the rules. Now we have e-plate, a license plate with an RFID tag implanted that can transmit data over 300 feet. Being tested in the U.K., U.S officials are showing signs of interest. The … [Read more...]
Dynomation engine simulation software
When you try to get the last bit of horsepower out of your Hayabusa, it might help if you understand what's going on inside. More boost and a double shot works for a little while but when you're gathering up the shattered remains of your engine you might think about learning about things like gas pressure and flow velocity, runner lengths, port taper angles, header tubing and … [Read more...]