Tag Archives: motorcycles

Kawasaki proposes battery swap

Kawasaki appears to be joining Kymco in proposing a battery that can the owner can swap quickly to recharge their electric motorcycle.

The company filed a patent for an electric version of its baby Ninja in 2013, but the patent has only now been published.

In the main photo above, the battery and motor are shown to the left of the motorcycle to demonstrate how it can be pulled from the tubular frame of the machine.

That seems strange because only the battery would need to be replaced, although it would make maintenance on the motor easier.

That’s also strange as motor maintenance is not an issue with electric vehicles. They tend to be long-lasting and have low maintenance requirements.Kawasaki electric Ninja patent battery swap

Battery swap history

The patent varies from the Kymco plan to make only the battery replaceable.

Kymco also has battery swap vending machines.

Battery swap technology is not new. British company Battery Traction Ltd came up with the idea in 1938, but it was sidelined by World War II.

Better Place also suggested the idea in 2008 and went broke in 2013.

Kymco proposes battery swap scheme
Better Place battery switch station in Israel

Car companies dabbled with the idea, but have largely canned it because their batteries are too big.

However, Tesla has patented a robot that can charge an electric car’s battery in 15 minutes and some small electric city cars can swap batteries in under a minute.

Standard battery swap size

While battery swap technology makes a lot of sense and would solve the problem of hours-long recharging, it would require all manufacturers to get on board with standard sized batteries.

The good news is that the four Japanese motorcycle manufacturers recently announced they are planning to standardise electric motorcycles.

However, Kawasaki’s patent doesn’t seem to advance the notion of a standard battery size the whole battery and motor coming out of the motorcycle in one unit.

Electric motorcycles and scooters need smaller batteries than cars, so a quick battery swap system for two-wheelers could still be likely.

Since battery technology is developing at a rapid pace, especially decreasing in size, a standardised battery size would become obsolete in just a few years.

Kymco suggest multiple small batteries would get around the battery size issue. However, their batteries are still quite big – about the size and weight of a 1990s laptop (about 5kg).Kymco proposes battery swap scheme for Ionex electric scooter

The Ionex is powered by two batteries stored under the floor pan. Each battery is good for about 30-40km.Kymco proposes battery swap scheme for Ionex electric scooter

Kymco says riders can also rent up to three extra batteries and store them in the underseat compartment, extending range to 200km.

Kymco proposes battery swap scheme for Ionex electric scooter
Underseat storage

But then you lose the advantage of underseat storage for your helmet, jacket and gloves.

The Ionex can also be charged by plugging the scooter into a power outlet or plugging each battery into a portable charger you can have at home or work.Kymco proposes battery swap scheme for Ionex electric scooter

Chairman Alan Ko says they are launching 10 electric models in the next few years, establish their own charge battery-swapping networks in 20 countries and sell more half a million electric vehicles worldwide.

“With the Ionex, together we start an open movement that celebrates one of the most important social missions of our time,” he says.

Kymco proposes battery swap scheme for Ionex electric scooter
Batteries run a rear hub motor

Infrastructure hurdle

There is also the problem of the expense of infrastructure to provide vending machines in enough places to make it workable.

Kymco proposes battery swap scheme for Ionex electric scooter
Kymco battery vending machines

It may work in large cities, but would be impossible to get adequate con ergo in a large country such as Australia.

Kymco isn’t the first scooter company to suggest battery swap technology.

San Francisco company Scoot has about 700 electric scooters for short-term hire.

Now they are looking at moving into small cars with swappable batteries.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Honda plans hydrogen motorcycle

Honda is forging ahead with plans for hydrogen fuel-cell motorcycles.

A patent for the design which was submitted in late 2017 has just been made public.

The design shows a rather conventional bike from the outside with a perimeter frame, telescopic forks and shaft drive.

However, and the seat is a hydrogen gas tank and an electric motor.Honda hydrogen hybrid electric

Honda has been in the news recently with other motorcycle patents including a cooling/heating seat and a leaning three-wheeler.

These may seem fanciful, but Honda has always been at the forefront of technology.

Hydrogen fuel cells

The Japanese company started working on fuel cell cars more than a decade ago with the Clarity FCX.

Fuel cells work by burning hydrogen and oxygen to create heat and produce electricity for the motor. The only emissions are water vapour.

Hydrogen power has been limited worldwide by the lack of filling stations, but the technology is supported by several auto manufacturers.

Hydrogen fuel cell refuelling
Hydrogen fuel cell refuelling

Many believe it is a superior alternative to electricity which often comes from polluting coal-fired power plants. There is also the problem of how to dispose of used batteries.

While it takes hours to recharge an electric vehicle, hydrogen fuel cells can be refuelled in the same time as a petrol vehicle.

However, there is some resistance to fuel cells over safety issues of transporting and storing the volatile gas as well as the costs of its production from water by electrolysis.

So far, this resistance has limited the number of hydrogen flying stations. However, Honda is working on the technology with Toyota and Nissan who plan to open their own hydrogen filling stations.

Honda is also hedging its bets on future power sources with hybrid and electric motorcycles in the interim.

PCX electric futuristic benefits - hydrogen
Honda PCX Electric scooter

Honda made its first petrol-electric hybrid car in 1999 and has produced many electric concepts over the years. They also back the Mugen electric TT race bike.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Reward for two-wheeled commuting?

If cyclists have their way, the Federal Government should pay them a $5 daily reward for commuting to work and taking the strain off roads and public transport.

The ridiculous suggestion comes in the lead-up to the Federal election from the Bicycle Network which claims to be Australia’s biggest bike riding organisation with more than 50,000 members.

Politicians usually give in to the strong cycling lobby, but if they do this time, then they should also reward motorcyclists.

After all, have they not heard of the Belgian consultancy Transport & Mobility Leuven study that found if 10% of all private cars were replaced by motorcycles, it would reduce traffic congestion by 40%. 

If 25% went from steering wheel to handlebar, traffic congestion would cease.

Rules Lane filter splitting filtering reward
Motorcyclists ease congestion

Ridiculous reward

We are all for a carrot rather than a stick approach to social problems, but the Bicycle Network suggestion is ludicrous.

For a start, who would qualify? 

What about electric-assisted bicycles, scooters, skateboards, Segways etc?

And with the coming wave of electric motorcycles, should they also be included?

Where do you stop? Three-wheelers?

And how would the payment be made and monitored?

Cyclists reject paying registration and number pates, so any sort of automated reverse toll cameras would be impossible!

Bicycle claims

The Bicycle Network suggestion would cost the government $500m a year, but they say it would save more on road and transport infrastructure.

They also claim that for every kilometre cycled, society benefits up to $1.07. 

“An average bike commute of around 10km contributes $10, but an average commute by car in Australia costs society up to $9.30,” they claim.

“Rewarding people who ride to work with a $5 bonus will encourage even more people to swap out cars for bikes. 

“Keen bike commuters who ride every day could earn up to $1100 a year, while also saving on car and petrol costs.”

Absurd demand

Motorcycle Riders Association of Melbourne spokesman Damien Codognotto says bicycles and motorcyclists have a lot in common and agrees that more riders would ease traffic congestion.

“So if pushbike riders are paid $5 per commute motorbike commuters who pay registration and insurance for both their cars and their bikes, should get $5 too,” he says.

“The difference between bicyclists and motorcyclists, in this case, is that we rarely ask for the absurd!”

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

19 products added to MotoCAP ratings

In the biggest addition to the MotoCAP online ratings of motorcycle clothing since it began in August 2018, 19 articles have been added and none scored more than two safety stars out of five.

The world’s first safety and comfort ratings system for motorcycle clothing has added:

  • 13 textile jackets;
  • three pairs of textile gloves;
  • two pairs of leather gloves; and
  • one pair of textile pants.

MotoCAP has now tested 31 textile and leather jackets, 18 pairs of jeans and leggings, seven pair of leather pants, one pair of textile pants and 13 pairs of gloves.

Interestingly, the $230 Merlin Axe kevlar shirt rated a single safety star which was the same rating as all the newly added textile jackets.

Merlin's Steve Franklin with their flanno leisure gear
Merlin boss Steve Franklin with their Axe kevlar shirt

The shirt also rated just two stars for thermal comfort because “there are no vents fitted to allow airflow to aid cooling in hot weather”.

Poor results

MotoCAP says the latest results highlight the lack of protection in some gear with none of the 19 new products scoring more than two stars for safety.

“There was more variation in the thermal comfort rating, with ratings ranging from one to three stars, with five different textile jackets gaining three stars for thermal comfort,” MotoCAP says.

“Many of the garments were also advertised as water resistant, and were tested for their ability to keep the rider dry in wet weather.

MotoDry Airmax added MotoCAP
MotoDry Airmax

“There was significant variation in performance in this category. The highest performer was the MotoDry Airmax ($250) textile jacket, which scored 9 out of 10 for water resistance.”

Yet the two-star safety rated jacket only scored three stars for comfort.

MotoCAP advises riders to consider both the safety and comfort ratings when choosing the right gear for their ride.

Products added

Motocap Motorcycle clothing rating system launched target
MotoCAP testing equipment at the Deakin Uni Geelong campus surprise

Deakin Uni Institute for Frontier Materials Senior Research Fellow and Honda GB400 rider Chris Hurren says the site will have 150 clothing products on its site by the end of June.

“We have purposely targeted only 10% of the market in the first year so that manufacturers have a chance to come along with the scheme,” he says.

“We do not want to put a manufacturer out of business as we want them to improve their products and think about protection and thermal comfort in their design.”

“If they follow this path like car manufacturers did for ANCAP then the rider will always be the winner.”

So far, no article of motorcycle clothing has been provided by a manufacturer.

All have been bought by MotoCAP using a secretive buying system to guarantee integrity.

Click here to find out how products are selected for rating in secret.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Review suggests increasing rider ages

A review of the South Australian Graduated Licensing System has suggested lifting the ages for learner riders from 16 to 18 and full-licensed riders from 20 to 21.5.

Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) motorcycle spokesman Rhys Griffiths says tougher licensing laws across the nation have put the motorcycle industry under “more pressure than we’ve ever had in the past”.

Rider agesSA considers increasing rider ages

However, he says it is difficult to argue against stricter licensing measures such as higher learner ages in the wake of increasing motorcycle rider fatality rates.

“As soon as you start going on about the idea of arguing to have less experienced or skilled riders on the road, you are on a hiding to nothing,” he says.

Rhys also rejects the idea of subsidised training courses for riders.

“The problem is most people use their motorcycle for recreation, so the argument would be why should one recreation get subsidies over another, such as gun shooting or anything else?” he asks.

“As an industry we have a difficult argument to progress.

“How does an industry body argue that they should be making it easer or subsidised.”

Rhys agrees that a recent rise in unlicensed rider crashes could be the result of tougher and more expensive licensing laws.

“People do take the risk and ride unlicensed, particularly in the bush, rather than going through the right system,” he says.

“Now in Victoria it costs over $1000 to get a licence.”

Costs are similar in other states and it takes more than a couple of years to reach full licence status. Queensland riders have to hold a car licence for a year before applying for a motorcycle licence.

Licensing reviewSA considers increasing rider ages

The South Australian review of the Graduated Licensing System was undertaken by the University of Adelaide’s Centre for Automotive Safety Research (CASR).

The 15 key recommendations included increasing rider age to reduce the crashes involving 16- and 17-year-old riders and reducing crashes involving motorcyclists holding a learner permit or R-Date licence class.

Under the recommendations, pre-learner and learner age would be lifted from 16 to 18 and unrestricted licence from 20 to 21 and six months.

Other recommendations include displaying correct plates, restricting pillions, mandatory carriage of licence, a night curfew, zero blood alcohol, a lower demerit point threshold for disqualification, no mobile phones and hi-vis vests for novices like in Victoria.

A total of 1553 participants responded to the consultation, while key road safety stakeholders, motorcycling industry representatives and other interested parties provided feedback through formal submissions.

The consultation outcomes report Protecting South Australia’s Novice Motorcyclists: Outcomes from Public Consultation outlines the feedback from the community and stakeholders.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Kawasaki lists retro W800 Cafe price

Kawasaki Motors Australia has listed the neo-classic W800 Cafe online at almost $3000 more than the currently discounted W800 SE.

The Kawasaki website lists the 2018 W800 SE at about $12,400 ride away in Brisbane which is a discounted price to clear stock and the 2019 Cafe model is listed at $15,246. Prices may vary depending on your location.

So what makes the W800 Cafe so special and worth almost an extra $3000 over the discounted W800 SE?

W800 Cafe extras

Kawasaki W800 in surprise return z400 meguro
W800 Cafe

Most obviously, it adds a bubble fairing, a hump-backed two-toned seat, restyled dual instrument pods, LED lighting, clip-on bars and much improved brakes.

For the first time it gets a disc brake on the rear while the front discs go from 300mm single semi floating disc with twin piston calliper to a 320mm disc now with ABS.Kawasaki W800 Cafe

Despite speculation the W800 would be scrapped because of tougher Euro4 emissions laws, the engineers have managed to lean down the air-cooled 773cc engine without resorting to liquid cooling.

Kawasaki says the engine is 90% new, yet it retains the bevel-drive camshaft.Kawasaki W800 Cafe

It should be a little more frugal and with an extra litre in the 15-litre tank, it should have slightly greater range.Kawasaki W800 Cafe

The engine also has ever-so-slightly more grunt.

Power is the same at a moderate 35kW but at 6000rpm, down 500 revs, while torque is up marginally from 60N at 25oo revs to 62.9Nm at 4800 revs.

So you don’t lock up the rear wheel on aggressive downshifts, there is now an assistant function/slipper clutch.

Steering and handling should also be more stable with the 37mm telescopic forks replaced by thicker 41mm forks.Kawasaki W800 Cafe

Somehow the ground clearance is lifted from 125mm to 130mm but the seat height remains at 790mm.

The extra add just 6kg more.

It will only be available in “Metallic Magnesium Grey with Galaxy Silver” with a two-year warranty.Kawasaki W800 Cafe

Kawasaki W800 Cafe tech specsKawasaki W800 in surprise return

Kawasaki W800 Cafe

Kawasaki W800 Cafe Kawasaki W800 Cafe Kawasaki W800 Cafe Kawasaki W800 Cafe Kawasaki W800 Cafe

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Smart stop signs may be safer for riders

Stop signs that may be difficult to see could be made safer with solar-powered smart stop signs that recognise an approaching vehicle and flash a warning light.

The signs, which are the brainchild of Texas University engineers, would help protect riders against vehicles running through these intersections.

Riders can be forgiven for having some scepticism that the smart sign sensors would detect motorcycles which often fail to trigger traffic lights.

However, the engineers say their system is more accurate than the magnetic inductor loops embedded in the ground at intersections to trigger a change in traffic lights.

Texas Uni is well aware of motorcyclist vulnerability.

They conducted a study that found SMIDSY (Sorry Mate, I don’t See You) crashes might be caused by drivers thinking smaller objects such as motorcycles are further away and a study that found drivers in partially automated cars did not scan as well for hazards such as motorcycles.    

Safer sign

In the wake of the 2017 US Motorcycle Crash Causation Study that found 66.7% of crashes occurred at intersections, the Texas Uni engineers began looking for ways to make them safer.

Their low-cost solution uses a solar panel to generate the electricity to operate the sensors and the flashing warning light on top of existing signs.

They say it would cost only $US60-$100 (about $A84-$140).

The sensors pick up the vehicle’s “thermal signature” which means the hot engine and they claim it would detect a motorcycle.

However, they may not be particularly useful for cyclists and the riders and drivers of the coming wave of cooler-running electric vehicles.Safer stop signs

They also only alert vehicles approaching the stop signs, not other vehicles on the crossroads, not do they alert of vehicles on the crossroads.

While there is no substitute for staying alert, anything that could make riding safer without costing a fortune should be welcomed, especially in rural areas where these regular stop signs may not be lit. 

The solar power means they do not have to be connected to the grid, so they would be useful in rural and more remote areas.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Honda plans climate-controlled seat

If you get sweaty in the crotch riding your motorcycle, you may be interested in Honda’s plans to develop a climate-controlled seat that heats and cools your backside.

It’s like many luxury cars that have venting in the seats to pump in warm or cool air.

In these drawings it seems to be pumped via a duct under the perforated seat.

The plan is revealed in a patent application image that shows a control button on the handlebar switchgear.

It appears the drawing is of a previous-generation Fireblade, but we suspect it will also be used on their Goldwing and perhaps their sports and adventure tourers.

Honda has apparently conducted wind-tunnel tests for the climate-controlled seat.

While it appears the system uses hot air from around the radiator for heating and fresh air from the ram air intake for cooling, there is no air-conditioning to reduce the air temperature.

Controlling the climate

However, there are several air-conditioning patents and inventions that hope to control the climate for the rider.

Another Honda patent is for a stand-alone, tank-mounted air-conditioning unit.

Honda air-conditioning patent design
Honda’s air-conditioning patent design

It draws hot air through mesh openings in the sides of a tank bag and passes it over an ice pack stored underneath and a blower powered by rechargeable batteries to blow cool at the rider.

The latest motorcycle AC unit comes from Bruce Hammond of Hammond Brothers Motorsports, Colorado, who has invented a turbofan that blows cold air at the rider from the handlebars.

Another example of Bruce's cool AC fan (Images provided by Bruce) airconditioning climate
Bruce with his AC turbofan

His airconditioning unit features thermoelectric cooling that uses electricity to release cold air. It is similar to those used in wine coolers and mini fridges.

Riding in a hot climate is not only uncomfortable but can be unsafe.

It makes riders fatigued and can lead to dangerous dehydration. Click here to find out how to beat dehydration.

These days there are plenty of passive-cooling solutions including flow-through gear, Ventz that send cooling air up your sleeve and wet vests that cool your torso.

Ventz motorcycle jacket vents airconditioning climate
Click here to buy Ventz now from our online shop

Arizona company MiClimate also unveiled a MiCli 1 personal AC unit in April 2016.

MiClimate motorcycle air conditioning conditioner airconditioning climate
MiClimate

It was expected to ship in December 2018 at $US399 (about $A540) plus shipping.

However, they tell us they have changed their business model and now we are working with a manufacturer who will take the product to market. We will keep you updated on progress.

Because AC units are usually bulky, some of the “solutions” feature units that are mounted on the bike.

For example, the bulky 4.5kg BikeAir unit sits on the back seat of the bike and plugs into a special jacket that allows the cool air to flow through.

EntroSys BikeAir motorcycle air conditioner airconditioning climate
EntroSys BikeAir motorcycle air-conditioner

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Bud Ekins Trophy motorbike for auction

Bud Ekins, who performed The Great Escape barbed wire jump for actor Steve McQueen, rode this Triumph 649cc TR6SS Trophy to a gold medal in the 1962 International Six Day Trials (ISDT) in Europe.

It is now up for sale in the annual Bonhams Spring Stafford Sale on 27/28 April 2019 at the 39th Carole Nash International Classic MotorCycle Show, along with 400 other motorcycles.

The Trophy will be offered along with the actual trophy he won for his individual class win.

Bud Ekins Great Escape Steve McQuun desert sled triumph motorcycles TR6
Bud’s trophy

Trophy history

Triumph adopted the Trophy model name on their off-road 500cc TR5 and 650cc TR6 twins following success in the ISDT in the late 1940s. 

For 1962, the final year of the traditional ‘pre-unit’ Triumph twins, the Trophy was designated ‘TR6SS’ which is one of the rarest of all post-WW2 Triumphs, being produced for the ’62 season only. 

It was powered by  a34-46hp an air-cooled OHV parallel twin with a single Amal carburettor, a 4-speed transmission, twin rear shock absorbers and telescopic forks, weighing 166kg dry.

The TR6SS offered for auction was ridden by Bud to his first gold medal in the ISDT in West Germany.

The off-road racer, bike restorer and stunt rider was a close friend and riding partner of actor Steve McQueen as well as a good friend of actors Clint Eastwood and Paul Newman.

Bud Ekins Great Escape Steve McQuun desert sled triumph motorcycles TR6
Bud and Steve

He famously doubled for Steve in the jump stunt in The Great Escape on a Triumph TR6 instead of a German BMW.

Click here to see a home movie of behind-the-scenes filming. 

The movie was being shot in Germany in 1962 and Bud thought it would be a good idea to combine his film work with participation in that year’s ISDT, held at Garmisch Partenkirchen.

Triumph agreed to supply a suitable factory-prepared machine, which was flown to Germany and registered there. Bud Ekins Great Escape Steve McQuun desert sled triumph motorcycles TR6

After the event, in which Bud not only gained a Gold Medal but also won the Unlimited Capacity Class, the Triumph was flown back to his home in California where it was registered as ‘CAL 142080’. 

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Woman charged over hit-run bike crash

A woman has been charged with dangerous driving and leaving the scene of a crash after a hit-run crash with a motorcycle in Sydney yesterday that left a rider and pillion with leg injuries.

Police will allege a 22-year-old Sans Souci woman was driving a Peugeot hatchback east along Forest Road, Peakhurst, about 1.20am (Monday 8 April 2019).

Her vehicle collided with a motorcycle, being ridden by a 38-year-old man and carrying a 26-year-old female pillion passenger, in the westbound lanes of Forest Road.

The rider and pillion were thrown from the bike. They suffered multiple fractures and were taken to St George Hospital where they remain in stable conditions.

Police will allege the driver left the scene without rendering assistance.

About midday last night, officers from the Metropolitan Crash Investigation Unit attended a home on MacDonald Street, Sans Souci and arrested the 22-year-old woman.

She was taken to Kogarah Police Station where she was interviewed and charged with dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm (x2), negligent driving occasioning grievous bodily harm, fail to stop and render assistance after impact and not keep left of dividing line.

She was refused bail and will appear in Sutherland Local Court today (Tuesday 9 April 2019).

Spate of hit-run incidents

The incident follows a worrying spate of hit-and-run crashes leaving motorcyclists injured and dead.

Concern over motorbike hit-run crashes collision injured
A recent hit-run crash in Melbourne

In NSW, the requirement for those involved in a crash to remain at the scene until police arrive was dropped in 2014, even if a tow truck is required.

However, the motorists must report the incident to police.

If they don’t, police can charge a motorist with failing to stop at the scene of an accident which is considered a serious offence.

Depending on whether someone is injured or killed in the crash, the motorist responsible could face serious charges with up to 10 years in jail.

Police say motorists leaving an accident scene where someone is injured decrease a victim’s chance of survival.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com