go for it

http://www.ridleymotorcycle.com/

 

Another thing you have to consider with things like you're talking about is the fact that some of them would have to be much, MUCH smaller to be put on a bike. Making things smaller(think computers and electronics) makes the price go up up UP! So in the interest of keeping costs down I'm sure a lot of these things are just overlooked.

 

Another thing you have to consider with things like you're talking about is the fact that some of them would have to be much, MUCH smaller to be put on a bike. Making things smaller(think computers and electronics) makes the price go up up UP! So in the interest of keeping costs down I'm sure a lot of these things are just overlooked.

W/ reference to mechanical components, I alluded to the size issue in my original post. As far as the electrical components are concerned, size is a non-issue. Electronic componentry for these applications is small enough to fit under the seat or behind the dash & cost maybe just a couple oz. in weight. The real challenge is in developing an electronically-controlled clutch actuation unit & adequately developing the microcode to manage the task. The things I've mentioned are possible right now, just not being done.

 

go for it

http://www.ridleymotorcycle.com/

Not at all what I was referring to. Automatic & electronic sequential-shift gearbox's are entirely different beasts.

 

W/ reference to mechanical components, I alluded to the size issue in my original post. As far as the electrical components are concerned, size is a non-issue. Electronic componentry for these applications is small enough to fit under the seat or behind the dash & cost maybe just a couple oz. in weight. The real challenge is in developing an electronically-controlled clutch actuation unit & adequately developing the microcode to manage the task. The things I've mentioned are possible right now, just not being done.

Possible yes, but possible while keeping the cost of the bikes under $11k? As far as me talking about electronics, I was just making a comparison, making things smaller costs more. I agree that they could do more, but I don't think they can do much more while being competitive with the other manufacturers(price-wise.)

 

honestly, I think part of having a motorcycle is being able to have something that is pretty much controlled by you not a computer, unlike every car out there.

 

^WHAT HE SAID. i agree completely. in a world were its hard to find a car you can accutally DRIVE without the damn thing taking over for you it is a relief to be able to ride something that is RAW and UNMOLESTED by too much computer technology

 

From my perspective motorcycle technology development is just fine. The power that a modern-day bike can make (stock, let alone with after market goodies), the handling, weight, etc. are mind boggling. I guess the question would be, "Why invest a ton of R&D to create something that isn't needed and wanted?"

I have no doubt any of the things you're talking about could be done, but would it enhance the experience I have on my R1 when I ride? Nope. In fact it would detract from it -- I enjoy controlling my bike.

There was a time when R&D was going into new ways for front suspension as it had hit a plateau. Then came TiNi and now DLC. Better materials, higher tolerances, etc. have once again moved the ability of the suspension to handle what a rider can throw at it high.

Bose is working on a dynamic suspension set up for cars -- looks pretty trick. It's being embraced by auto makers/users but I am super skeptical of it being applied to a bike -- I don't think I'd like it at all.

Anyway, good question you have there. I believe it's a matter of improving the experience of the operator of a machine and in our world it's looking pretty damn good as it is.

 

Another possible cause for the holdup is motorcycle racing rules in various racing insitutions such as Superbike championships and what-not. My guess is that if they say that such technology is illegal, the manufacturers aren't going to bother with it.

 

Good question. I think a lot of it has to do with cost. Keeping these bikes at an affordable price while the manufacturer makes a good profit. It's a business and in the simplest terms it's about making money.

Alot of technological advancements have been made when raw materials became cheaper along with manufacturing processes. Materials such as aluminum (when it replaced steel frames) titanium and magnesium. The new die casting process used by Yamaha is a good example. It's cheaper to produce those parts and they are stronger. The technology is driven by making more profit for the manufacturer.

Cars with that technology aren't cheap. People are willing to pay $30-$60 grand on cars with these advancements. Plus there are millions of more potential buyers. While the motorcycle market is small with a limited amount of potential buyers that are willing to spend $8-$13 on a motorcycle.

No doubt it would be great to have some of those goodies. The aftermarket tries to satisfy our wants and needs, but it all comes down to what the consumer is willing to pay.

 

Cost, sales and weight. When a manufacturer claims they saved x# of grams by going to nutless rods, or using "waisted" head studs, why would they then turn around and add shifting actuators, wiring, switches, and controllers on when nobody is asking for that feature? Besides, do you really think a computer could downshift properly in a traction deficeit environment (leaned over) as opposed to straight line downshifting as well as a good rider? Would it be well received by the media, a driving force in sales?

Most times the added technology, when unrequest by buyers, is a turn off. Look at the current VFR. They put car technology into the bike in the form of a VTEC type head, added ABS, and sales have been unaffected. Linked braking has always been a questionable feature with the hondas, even if it is better now. Even Rossi choose not to use the computer contolled throttle managment used on the first M1's, and I think we'd all say that's been a good thing for him. Where then is the gain for the manufacturer? Added cost with the same sales= less profit. It's called cost analysis, and the big boys haven't seen a real need to push it yet.

As far as bikes reaching car technology, how about showing me a car that makes 200hp per liter under $11k, or even $50k.

 

Good question. I think a lot of it has to do with cost. Keeping these bikes at an affordable price while the manufacturer makes a good profit. It's a business and in the simplest terms it's about making money.

Alot of technological advancements have been made when raw materials became cheaper along with manufacturing processes. Materials such as aluminum (when it replaced steel frames) titanium and magnesium. The new die casting process used by Yamaha is a good example. It's cheaper to produce those parts and they are stronger. The technology is driven by making more profit for the manufacturer.

Cars with that technology aren't cheap. People are willing to pay $30-$60 grand on cars with these advancements. Plus there are millions of more potential buyers. While the motorcycle market is small with a limited amount of potential buyers that are willing to spend $8-$13 on a motorcycle.

No doubt it would be great to have some of those goodies. The aftermarket tries to satisfy our wants and needs, but it all comes down to what the consumer is willing to pay.

:iamwithst


My opinion is pretty much the same. I don't think the technology is in question, just the demand for this application. Motorcycles in general are a novelty for most riders and only a very small percentage of the mobile population rides them. Out of that small percentage, an even smaller percentage ride high performance bikes that would benefit from such technology. So if a manufacturer were to make a production sport bike with advanced traction control, ABS, fully electronic shifting and all the other high performance bells and whistles found in high end sports cars, I think the cost would be ridiculous. Having said that, I think as time goes on, these things will eventually become more common like EFI has and ABS.