Gord
03-04-2006, 07:15 PM
An interesting editorial in the March, 2006 issue of Cycle Canada (one of the best motorcycle magazines on the planet - and I'm not saying that just because I'm Canadian!). Costa Mouzouris in "You Know You Want It" explores technology changes in motorcycles and what drives them - to improve the product or to sell something. He makes some interesting points:
Dual compound tire technology - more of a marketing gimick than a helpful technology improvement for the street rider
Under tail exhaust systems - cites the GSX-R and R6 use of low exhausts on high performance bikes as evidence that under-seat piping is more a gimmick than a technology improvement.
He goes on to talk about technology that "offers real advantages". And he specifically hones in on ABS. He writes:
"ABS brakes for instance, introduced about two decades ago, have proven a viable technological advance with more benefits than drawbacks. BMW introduced ABS brakes to two-wheelers, but more companies are now offering it either as an option or as a standard feature on an increasing number of models. I remember originally opposing ABS, yet now, after narrowly escaping disaster on a few occasions, I think it's a good idea. I don't know if the motorcycle airbag will experience the same longevity, but it will likely prove more than just a novelty in the long run."
He goes on to posit that "...as Darwin would likely agree, natural selection will eventually weed out the imperfect ideas."
The longevity of ABS demonstrates it as a sound technological innovation.
This is not intended to re-spark the tired "two legs bad, four legs good" argument around ABS. I would be more interested in learning what you think have been (a) good technology innovations in motorcycle technology; (b) bad or questionable innovation in motorcycle technology; (c) needed innovation in motorcycle technology.
I think what is needed is some "tazer" like option so that we can zap innattentive cage drivers.
Dual compound tire technology - more of a marketing gimick than a helpful technology improvement for the street rider
Under tail exhaust systems - cites the GSX-R and R6 use of low exhausts on high performance bikes as evidence that under-seat piping is more a gimmick than a technology improvement.
He goes on to talk about technology that "offers real advantages". And he specifically hones in on ABS. He writes:
"ABS brakes for instance, introduced about two decades ago, have proven a viable technological advance with more benefits than drawbacks. BMW introduced ABS brakes to two-wheelers, but more companies are now offering it either as an option or as a standard feature on an increasing number of models. I remember originally opposing ABS, yet now, after narrowly escaping disaster on a few occasions, I think it's a good idea. I don't know if the motorcycle airbag will experience the same longevity, but it will likely prove more than just a novelty in the long run."
He goes on to posit that "...as Darwin would likely agree, natural selection will eventually weed out the imperfect ideas."
The longevity of ABS demonstrates it as a sound technological innovation.
This is not intended to re-spark the tired "two legs bad, four legs good" argument around ABS. I would be more interested in learning what you think have been (a) good technology innovations in motorcycle technology; (b) bad or questionable innovation in motorcycle technology; (c) needed innovation in motorcycle technology.
I think what is needed is some "tazer" like option so that we can zap innattentive cage drivers.