Daily motorbike news, views & reviews
After the problems Honda had with the massive global recall of dangerous Takata airbags in their Goldwing, the company is now filing for a patent on a smaller airbag suitable for smaller bikes. Instead of deploying in front of the rider like a big bean bag, it goes straight up to stop the rider being …
Kawasaki seems to be following Yamaha and Honda in developing a leaning three-wheeler with its latest patent application in the US. Yamaha already has the Tricity leaning three-wheeler scooter and Niken motorcycle as well as patent plans for more leaning trikes with two front wheels including a VMax! Honda has also applied for patents for …
It’s almost news too good to be true, but it seems Suzuki Motorcycles has filed for a patent for a new Hayabusa engine with 1440cc of tarmac-tearing oomph! The former world’s fastest motorcycle is now in wind-down mode as it no longer meets the tough new Euro5 emissions regulations coming next year. While some will still be …
Patent drawings seem to suggest Honda may be reviving its high-speed Blackbird sports bike with eight aerodynamic winglets. In September, patent drawings of winglets that automatically deployed above a certain speed were accompanied by drawings of the Africa Twin and Fireblade. When both were unveiled at the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan last month, neither …
Honda has been releasing a raft of patents over the past year for futuristic products and innovations, but the latest is actually a retro design based on the CMX 500 Rebel. While the Rebel is a cruiser style, this is a more traditional British-style bike like the Triumph Bonneville with a round headlight, bench seat …
Kawasaki has displayed its EV Project electric bike at the EICMA motorcycle show as the Japanese company gears up for the coming electric revolution. The prototype electric features gears and a chain rather than direct drive or twist-and-go throttle like many other electrics. Electric project This official video from the company shows the work they …
Future Honda electric motorcycles and scooters might feature an alarm to warn pedestrians unaware of the approaching quiet vehicle. Japanese company has secured a patent through the Indian patent office for the device. Honda’s compact alarm device fits under the seat with speakers on the front of the bike. It features an audio processor that sounds …
Honda continues its blitzkrieg of patent applications with a head-display windscreen that is also touch sensitive. The patent illustrations show both an Africa Twin and CBR1000RR Fireblade. Head-up display of vital information such as speed and navigation has been in cars for several years and is now coming to many “smart” motorcycle helmets. This is …
Several motorcycles have electronic suspension that adjusts to the terrain, but Honda has applied for a patent on suspension that works via artificial intelligence to predict and adjust damping. Their patent application shows a CRF450R trail bike, so it is obviously designed for trail and adventure riding where the terrain can vary substantially. Some BMW …
Kawasaki could be planning to axe conventional handlebars and replace them with a fixed bar, according to a patent design they have filed for an electric motorcycle. Instead of a moveable handlebar for counter steering inputs, the rider holds on to fixed bars with a throttle and simply leans. The patent application says electronic sensors and …