Motorcycle patents reveal the future: Yamaha E-Turbo, Honda evasion system, BMW Flettner rotors, KTM range extender – this page covers all key patents and future technologies in the motorcycle industry.
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Technology
In this category you will find articles covering technical topics related to motorcycles. This includes developments in engines, chassis design, electronic systems, aerodynamics, as well as new construction and production solutions from manufacturers.
The list below brings together reports on technical innovations, patents, concept studies and detailed analyses of specific components. Background information on regulations, emission standards and technical trends in racing may also be covered.
This section provides an overview of current technical developments and explains how new technologies and engineering concepts are influencing the motorcycle market.
BMW becomes the first automaker to deploy humanoid robots in production in Germany. A pilot project with the AEON robot from Hexagon Robotics launches at the Leipzig plant. The foundation was laid by a successful trial run at the Spartanburg plant in the US.
Kawasaki has patented a hydrogen motorcycle with four pressure tanks. What the concept means technically and why the project is unlikely to become a production model.
Automotive supplier Autoliv is working on an airbag system for motorcycles that goes far beyond previous solutions. A new patent application shows a design with upper and lower air chambers that is intended to protect the rider in the event of frontal, offset, and side impacts.
Chinese brand Benda is fitting three cruiser models with an electronically controlled air suspension that automatically adjusts seat height and spring rate. The technology comes from supplier ELAI and was developed in collaboration with Huawei.
A new patent from CFMoto provides detailed insight into the development of a lightweight electric sports motorcycle. The documents show a design clearly focused on weight reduction and compact construction.
Yamaha has filed a patent for a swing arm with variable geometry. The design is intended to enable targeted changes to traction and cornering grip while riding.
The European Union is once again discussing mandatory periodic technical inspections for all motorcycles. Representatives of motorcyclist organizations point to accident statistics that call into question the safety benefits of such inspections.
A recent patent from Honda provides insight into a very simply designed electric motorcycle. The design suggests a vehicle that is specifically designed for low cost and simple technology.
With its M2 prototype, French manufacturer Furion is presenting a new approach to hybrid motorcycles. The focus is on Eversor technology, which is designed to improve traction, recuperation, and handling.
Zongshen has filed patents for servo-assisted wheel hub steering in motorcycles. The design is based on the Cyclone RA1000, whose chassis layout is to be extensively modified for this purpose.
BMW has filed a patent describing the use of so-called Flettner rotors on motorcycles. The aim is to generate variable downforce and reduce the disadvantages of conventional winglets.
A new patent from Aprilia suggests that aerodynamic leg wings from MotoGP could also be used on production motorcycles in the future. The solution aims to improve aerodynamics when riding in a straight line and provide additional stability when leaning into corners.
Yamaha is developing a new, simplified version of its semi-automatic transmission solution, Y-AMT. A recent patent shows how costs and complexity can be significantly reduced in order to make the technology usable for other model series.
In the future, electric motorcycles may no longer be developed solely through new motors or batteries, but primarily through software and artificial intelligence. An Indian manufacturer is introducing a new vehicle architecture for this purpose, which is intended to enable several types of motorcycles and e-scooters to be built on a common technical basis.
A motorcycle from 1907 that reportedly reached over 136 mph seems almost unimaginable from today’s perspective. Jay Leno’s garage features a roadworthy reconstruction of the legendary Curtiss V8, which illustrates what speed really meant more than 100 years ago.
A newly published patent from Honda shows an assistance system designed to actively steer motorcycles away from impending collisions. The technology could prevent accidents, but raises fundamental questions about control and responsibility when riding a motorcycle.
BMW has patented a new screw profile in which the well-known brand logo itself becomes a tool holder. The idea seems creative at first glance, but could make screwing on BMW motorcycles significantly more complicated.
With the GT-Air 3 Smart, Shoei introduces a full-face helmet that offers a fully integrated head-up display for the first time. This was made possible through close collaboration with French specialist EyeLights, and was unveiled to the public for the first time at EICMA in Milan.
Shoei introduces e:DRYLENS, a new electronic visor insert that combines anti-fog protection and variable sun protection. The technology is initially only available for selected helmets and exclusively for the Japanese market.