Would you enjoy riding a hybrid motorcycle? News stories about hybrid cars and hydrogen cars and alternate fuels are coming out daily. It’s only a matter of time before these same technologies become available for motorcycles although, in some sense, things are beginning to change already with more development of diesel motorcycles that could run on biodiesel fuel.
But just suppose someone came up with an engine totally different than the engines we have today. It would look different, perhaps sound different or even be almost silent or vibration free, would a motorcycle still be fun to ride? Suppose, too, that performance was on a par with today’s engines, would riding still have the same appeal? Most of us have grown up with the look and sound of engines and our minds have attached visual and aural pleasure to the appearance and sound of a big V twin or an inline four winding up at the racetrack. What if the bike was silent or had a quiet whine? How much of the riding experience is wrapped up in things like sound and the feel of the vibration of the engine? How much of our attraction to motorcycles is connected to the fins of an air cooled cylinder?
These are not idle questions because changes are coming and I wonder how we’ll react. Try to imagine a different powerplant, picture yourself on a brand new FutureBike 1000, what would it feel like? Makes you think, doesn’t it?
James says
I drive a Civic Hybrid and while the technology is cool, the performance compared to a regular Civic is slow and the milage does not really make up for it. That is ok, I need to slow down anyway. I remember seeing a Hybrid Motorcycle a few months back that got 120mpg. We should see bikes that can get 200mpg with better performance soon. You will only need one gallon to go as far as my bike does with 4.5!
I can’t wait for a fuel cell bike. Imagine a bike passing you silently. That will take some getting used to. I won’t be able to use the phrase “scream past” anymore.
Doug Staab says
The “louder is better” mentality is counter-productive but a healthy audible sound is definitely part of motorcycling in terms of safety and the “experience”.
Motorcycling would not be as fun without some sound —
[but, then again, the “sound of silent flight” at airshows during glider performances is really cool. Riding on an open country road, completely silent, with no one around might have some interesting attributes. But, in traffic, sound is almost necessary.
A deep, clear, rumble sound that is not distorted like a bad stereo (read: goons without baffles) is essential. The music from Guzzis & Ducatis is definitely one reason to buy them instead of other higher performance bikes. Without a doubt, well-orchestrated sound is part of the fun factor.
But, this should not stop progress.
I will miss air-cooled engines but liquid-cooling would be easier to accept if designers came up with different ways to package radiators or make them more attractive. This will be a normal functioning part on almost all bikes sooner or later. Why not style it?
The Motorcycle Design Association (http://www.motorcycledesign.com/) should conduct a contest for the most attractive, fully functional radiator. (Sorry to get off track, but you asked about the cooling fins.)
The Rune had a chance to display the cool, hot-rodder car-type grille but then they hid it with those bulky side panels. The Jesse James VTX Cafe had nice lines to its radiator….
Paul starr says
I’ve owned rice burners to harleys and would like to see a hybid bile, regardless of the engine noise. this country is in need of alternative fuel vehicles and NOW. The same senario came with the 1972 oil embargo and the japanese flooding our shores with 4 cylinder Toyota’s, Datsuns etc. The big Oil conglomerates way of thinking has to change and soon. I’m very interested if any cycle manufacturers ie Japanes, are developing this technology since they will be getting a good market share in the upcoming years with their Hybid offerings.
Eric Arnold says
I ride a Honda Pacific Coast. It is nearly silent & vibration free. I consider these features paramount. Society should learn to look unfavorably on polluters. Noise is just as much pollution as other toxins that mankind produces.
kpaul says
Hydrogen Hoax
I think the whole hydrogen thing is a hoax: click here for a comparison of hydrogen vs. biodiesel
Ronnie Jaxon says
I went from a Bandit1200 to a Honda Silver Wing for city/hwy use and its the best practical high-tech bike I’ve ever owned. About 50-55mpg on a 600cc is fine, runs quiet w/very low pollution,great for two, difficult for kids/adults to get burned, 2 front compartments for water bottle, mp3, pepperspray, coins, earplugs,strap-cords etc. plus a compartment w/light under the seat for 2 large helmets or anything else.
Well….I’m still waiting for Honda/Bmw etc…to make & sell one that does everything as my current one, at 150+mpg!!! For me that’s about 15 visits to the station a year!!! Also, like my Silver Wing, it must be faster in all areas than the standard car/suv, “for safety/defensive reasons”, for me to buy it; Oh, and at a normal price too. If its large like a GoldWing or a large cruiser then it would be impractical for my city use.
Matt Summers says
I just hope we all pull our heads out and see the big picture with alternative fuels. Would I ride a hybrid motorcycle…with the gas prices and the environment in the shape it’s in, with out a doubt! I want a bike I can ride now! Is there more options in the works in the very near future?…I sure hope so!
Ann Savage says
I would definitely purchase a fuel efficient hybrid motorcycle (or all electric) if and when they become available. A high-tech look with a quite whine and high performance would be ideal.
Scott Swain says
How about we see this as a chance to let go of our pre-occupation with looks and sound? Does it still FEEL like a motorcycle as far as wind, freedom of movement, and open-ness? And as far as the vibration aspect, I can do without that. But as far as safety goes, yes, we need either sound or some other system to announce to car drivers there is a motorcycle nearby. This brings thoughts of cars having sonar systems with heads up display on the windshield constantly showing a “map” of all nearby moving objects.
Bennett says
Sure I love the roar of my bike, but I love the sound of the wind even better. Riding a hybrid bike may be like skydiving or wingsuit BASE jumping, with nothing but the rush of the wind in your face and ears.
Less roar more wind? Yeah, I think I’d like that.
Sol says
I think that the hybrid idea on a motorcycle is great but, more of an opinion, I have a question; What would happen to our beloved true American motorcycle “Harley-Davidson” since the sound of it is what makes it stand out from all others as our American motorcycle? It really got me thinking.
g says
Takes ages for the tech to filter through to the consumer doesnt it? 10 years for the vectrix!
Cant help feeling that if they had to just roll it out next year, they could. Maybe thats wrong, but amazing things were achived in the last century and they didnt take as long as today!
nathan says
Here is an idea.
I ride a naked, so when you’re cruising along at 100+, its kinda like flying, but imagine, traveling at 100+, with no engine noise. That would be an other worldly experience.
Hybrid/Electric bike, count me in 😀
Frank Finnerty says
My VTX 1800 is very quiet, as is my Vulcan Nomad. If i were to ride a hybrid/electric, i would like the same performance as my vtx. I could certainly live with just the sound of the wind, but i need the oomph