Remember when the new model year meant something and many of us would wait with anticipation for the new designs to be unveiled in the fall? That was a different world and it seems so long ago. It hasn’t been so very long that motorcycle design, actually vehicle design in general, was in a far different world, too. Designers might sketch radical designs putting their visions on paper, but as soon as it came time to build an actual vehicle the radical thoughts were put away and reality set in. Trying to engineer the actual pieces and knowing what could be built with the manufacturing capabilities in existence, the vehicle became a much more conservative end product. Cost was also factored in, some things might be possible if price were no object but to the customer, price is always an object except for the fortunate few.
Fast forward to the current day. Can you think of any conceivable design for a wheel driven vehicle too radical to be built? You might build something no one would like but if you weren’t concerned about commercial success, you could build darn near anything.
These thoughts started rolling around in my mind after writing about Tim Cameron’s dream bike and Michael Czysz’s Motoczysz C1. In the case of Tim Cameron’s bike, here is a fellow who has superb skill at 3D computer design, who has turned out some of the most spectacular idea bikes in his computer. Although they have not yet been built, one, the Dream Bike, is in the process of becoming a real rolling motorcycle. From imagination to street. An amazing piece.
Then we have the Motoczysz C1. In this case we have an architect who turned his attention and design skills to the world of motorcycles and instead of beginning with what was possible, started instead with what he had in mind and went from there. How about a four cylinder engine mounted longitudinally and then splitting the engine into counter rotating pairs of cylinders? Sure, why not? Then let’s redo this whole front suspension thing. Let’s keep going until it runs and everyone likes it and then let’s keep moving forward even further.
If these sorts of thing don’t make you slack jawed in amazement, you have a higher threshold for engineering awe than I do. In both of these cases, we’re talking about small companies doing what was simply impossible in the not too distant past.
At the recent Tokyo Motor Show, major motorcycle manufacturers rolled out all sorts of concept bikes and some are being considered for actual production, like the Honda DN-01. Yamaha had radical scooters and foldable electric bikes, Suzuki brought out the 6 cylinder Stratosphere, it just keeps going on and on.
I will never tire of seeing the output of creative minds, coming up with ideas like these and the best part of being around today is those ideas can turn into actual products. Life is good!
Oli says
I know what you are trying to say – but it isn’t true!
Visit any decent motorcycle museum and you will find every idea that pops up now (bar the electronic stuff) has been on a bike before – usually some time in the 1920’s!
I guess the most amazing thing in recent years is that the cost of the manufacturing process has made these ‘new’ ideas available to more people – plus, of course, 70 years of development to find out why it didn’t work first time around!!
hoyt says
The Kneeslider AND Oli each have valid points. This post has the making for an interesting debate.
Everytime I see someone else doing something that I think is new or a new thought comes to mind, I find that concept later in a motorcycling encyclopedia. But, that doesn’t mean we haven’t done everything that there is to do between two wheels. For example, what will the round engine do to motorcycling ?! more torque & more hp while reducing weight, increasing longevity & achieving greater compactness, etc.
The Moto Czysz is a great endeavor (cheers! and good luck). Their bike has a lot of new technology, but their engine layout has some similar history. The “French Dollar V4” had a 4 cylinder engine mounted longitudinally separated by 14 degrees. (this is not intended to take anything away from the Moto C. team or to suggest that they copied or were even inspired by the French Dollar bike. People can be on separate parts of the planet and still come up with similar ideas.) It is just a note to say that I have seen that engine layout previously, albeit, without slipper clutch, counter rev cranks, etc.
I have only seen the French Dollar motorcyle in the massive Guggenheim book, “The Art of the Motorcycle”. (great gift – hint hint). This bike is stunning with its symmetrical design. Sadly, it never saw mass production. In my opinion, it is better-looking than the Brough Superior. Jay Leno, what do you think?
Anyway, with the power of personal computing/fabricating and availability of materials, I hope history will repeat itself with another industrial revolution….this time without hitler & another World War interrupting it.
hoyt says
within this link is another link that has a picture of the Dollar and its longitudinal V4 engine with narrow 14 degree V (1932)
http://www.cybermotorcycle.com/euro/brands/dollar.htm
Kevin says
Im currently attending ITT for an assosiates in computer aided design. Im in my last quarter and for my final project im designing a sportbike using Inventer 10. I’ve been riding for about six years but that still doesn’t prepare me for this task, Wondering if any pioneers had a little advise for a first time designer.
Thanks, Kevin