Click on the image above for high-resolution shots of the Aprilia Scarabeo 200

There's no arguing with the fact that high gas prices have fueled an increase in motorcycle and scooter sales. As Consumer Reports shows, the overall scooter market in particular is up a whopping twenty-four percent. Still, there are many issues with using two-wheelers for everyday transportation chores, with safety being of paramount concern. As CR reports, riders involved in motorcycle crashes are thirty-four times more likely to be killed than individuals in automobiles. Interestingly, head injuries make up a very large chunk of serious motorcycle injuries, which means riders wearing helmets are considerably safer than riders who choose to go out sans head protection.

For this reason, the popular consumer guide is beginning to study the market in an effort to provide its readers with valuable information regarding this recent trend and is considering creating a special set of testing procedures for two-wheelers. Data shows that the majority of motorcycle accidents could be avoided with proper training, so we look forward to seeing what, if anything, CR comes up with for testing.


[Source: Consumer Reports]

You know how it is when you're in traffic. Everyone thinks they're Mario Andretti or Danika Patrick while jostling for the prize of pole position at the upcoming traffic light so that when it turns green they can speed off without any impedance for a least half a block. Certain cities in Spain have decided, however, that it will do you no good to do the blacktop boogie unless you are on a motorbike. Yes, those Spaniard civil-engineering smartie pants realize that motorbikes are not only greener than cars but that they accelerate faster and therefore deserve the added safety and prestige of the front row. If you've ever watched Formula One racing you know that the most dangerous place to be is somewhere mid-pack where everybody seems to want to occupy the same real estate as someone else. The front row doesn't usually have that problem (until the first turn anyway.)

According the Motorbiker.org, Barcelona was the first to come up with the innovation but now Madrid has followed, though their "grid" has a less colorful paint scheme. We doubt this idea will make the journey across the pond but think it's a pretty good one. Click the pic above for more images.

[Source: Motorbiker.org via The Scooter Scoop ]

Click on the image for more shots of the Deus Ex Machina concept

Bumsuk Lim, a professor at Art Center Pasadena in California, has started a new program which aims to push the boundaries of future motorcycle design. Lim projects two-wheeling as a possible green revolution of sorts, saying, "There is no point in designing existing vehicles and simply adding green technology to the same old problem when we have the opportunity, and the moment in time, to make a greater change! Why not use these new environmentally safe technologies to change the way we ride?"

Judging from the first design we've seen from Jake Loniak, convention has taken a back seat to design. Called Deus Ex Machina, which means God Out of a Machine, the three-wheeled vehicle is a melding of motorcycle and exo-skeleton, complete with artificial vertebrae and pneumatic muscles. A built-in helmet, which sits atop the machine at rest, tilts forward with the body of the rider, making for a leaned-forward riding position. If it were ever built, which seems rather unlikely, the vehicle is projected to accelerate to sixty in three seconds and travel up to sixty minutes at a speed of up to seventy-five miles per hour, all after a fifteen minute charge of the Doped NanoPhosphate batteries and ultra-capacitors.


[Source: GreenCarDesign via Hell For Leather]

Click on the image for more shots of the GG Quadster

Take a look at the GG Quadster, a machine which is designed with four wheels but powered by a motorcycle engine. The 1200cc liquid-cooled inline four cylinder design comes from BMW's range of K-bikes. This particular machine features 167 horsepower, which is enough to propel the lightweight vehicle to sixty miles per hour in no time at all. While these are very impressive acceleration statistics, for the purpose of this post, we don't care about that. We're more interested in the actual design and layout of the vehicle. Because this machine has four wheels, it cannot be classified as a motorcycle in the United States. That would make a machine such as this next to impossible to register as a road-legal vehicle. This fact raises an interesting conundrum: are vehicles like the GG Quadster really less safe than a motorcycle? If not, what are the rational reasons that it cannot be registered as such?

The engine powering the GG Quadster is quite modern, featuring electronic fuel injection, catalytic converters and all the electronic gadgetry necessary to pass emissions tests. While this particular beast was not really designed with efficiency in mind, it will likely return fuel mileage which is much better than most cars on the road. Many new vehicle designs, like that of the Aptera, are using three wheels to get around safety requirements. We are not suggesting for a minute that safety is not of utmost importance, because it is. But with all the motorcycles, including those with sidecars, circling our roads, what makes a vehicle such as this any less worthy of the same?


[Source: Faster and Faster]

While scanning the news for important green automotive information, we ran across a note from Allstate Insurance which mentions that the average motorcycle rider reports fuel consumption of just over fifty-six miles per gallon. For comparisons sake, automobile drivers report an average of 22.4 miles per gallon. It's impossible to know for sure how many new riders have specifically chosen to ride a motorcycle or scooter for the sake of fuel savings. What's not debatable, though, is the rapid rise in motorcycle registrations in the last decade. As Allstate points out, ten years ago, there were roughly four million cycles registered in the United States. This year, there are over six million bikes registered. Granted, not every trip that's possible with a car is possible with a motorcycle, but when a bike is a viable option, we're pretty sure that the owners of said two-wheelers are enjoying the less frequent fill-ups that their rides require.

Click on the image for more shots of the NONOBJECT nUCLEUS concept

We've run across some pretty crazy-looking contraptions in our time, but few of them break with tradition with quite the verve of the nUCLEUS. Looking very interesting from every angle but the side profile, the nUCLEUS revels in its slab-sidedness, or something like that. All the necessary controls appear to be accounted for, and the video on their site shows a bit, but certainly not much, of front wheel lock for making tight turns. This is nothing more than a concept, and as such, no details are given regarding what would power this unique machine, but the designer does not have the internal combustion engine in mind. The side panels, which appear so un-aerodynamic at first glance, are actually just blades when viewed from the front and would be made from some sort of composite. We certainly don't expect to see anything quite like this for sale any time soon, but at least it's a different take on a familiar concept.


[Source: NONOBJECT via The Kneeslider]

If the phrase "motorcycle chauffeurs" is new to you, then you haven't heard about Virgin Limobike, which has been operating since 1995. Don't worry, I didn't know of them either until I spotted a website about the service that carries visitors around London on Yamaha FJR1300 abs motorbikes that get around 50+ mpg. Whether you're headed from the airport to town or to a rugby of soccer match, Virgin Limobikes promises you'll be comfortable and get to your destination quickly. As their FAQ says, "We are expert at these events and can save you a lot of time getting in and out of overcrowded occasions. We know all the best pick up and drop off points." Supposedly, Sir Richard Branson is a repeat customer.

The green side should be obvious, here, with a motorcycle's inherent fuel economy advantage over cars or SUVs. If you're traveling alone in London and have had your fill of picturesque London cabs, a motorcycle taxi just might be the right move. The Virgin Limobike shop is located in Hammersmith, London.

[Source: Virgin Limobikes]

Click on the image above for more shots of the Pompéo

There are plenty of people who would love to have the fuel mileage of a 250cc motorcycle, but choose not to ride one because of the inherent safety problems and the lack of weather protection. Brazilian company Triciclo thinks that they have the answer to this issue, and it's called the Pompéo. Using a small motorcycle engine which is capable of running on either gasoline or ethanol (important for the Brazilian market), the Pompéo is said to have decent performance due to its low weight. Also important is the fact that the machine - which looks kind of like the front half of a car - is fully enclosed, meaning that the occupants will stay dry no matter what the weather outside. Seat belts provide a measure of safety lacking from the typical motorcycle, although in some countries it will be classed as such regardless. Finally, the cost is said to be in-line with a 400cc motorcycle, meaning the Pompéo should be quite affordable.

We love the idea of the Pompéo and hope it reaches success in Brazil. Currently, there are plans to export the vehicle, but nothing is said of the European or North American market as of yet. Be sure to watch the short video after the break.


[Source: World Car Fans / Triciclo]

Lately, London Mayor Ken Livingstone has seen a great deal of press coverage regarding his efforts to increase the congestion charges in London, which caused Porsche to vehemently disagree with said charges. This is not Livingstone's only legislative issue these days, though, as he is also opposed to allowing motorcyclists access to London's bus lanes. He claims that there is "only a very small safety benefit for motorcyclists [versus] a larger disbenefit for other vulnerable road users. On this basis I do not propose to further allow motorcyclists to use bus lanes. Those who have advocated rushing though a change have clearly acted prematurely and irresponsibly. Such changes could have endangered the lives of cyclists and pedestrians."

What evidence does he point to? Transport for London's Road Safety Unit ran something is called the "Tanner Test," and the results are what Livingstone consulted. There's a looming issue about the test, though, as Chris Hodder, government relations executive for the British Motorcyclists Federation, has alleged that Livingstone's report was purposely doctored in order to remove evidence that casualties actually decreased by 42 percent when cyclists were allowed in bus lanes.

Craig Carey-Clinch, policy director for the Motorcycle Industry Association, put his thoughts very plainly into words when he said, "By doctoring the results to suit both his and his advisors' personal opinions, Livingstone has condemned cyclists and motorcyclists to greater vulnerability in London's traffic." That sounds like a very serious allegation to us. We'll be sure to keep you informed if more information regarding this case becomes available.

[Source: Motorcycle News]

California residents are likely quite familiar with the act of lane splitting, when a motorcycle passes through the flow of traffic in-between slowly moving cars. Lane splitting is only allowed when lanes are divided by dotted white lines, and traffic has to be moving very slowly or stopped. While many car drivers hate it when a motorcycle passes between them, the act of lane splitting is legal in California, and was originally implemented as a safety measure. Now, though, many riders choose to commute on motorcycles because they can get around much more quickly due to their ability to avoid traffic jams. Consider how much pollution is saved too, as idling cars are still emitting exhaust despite the fact that they are not going anywhere.

Take a look at the video here for more details on lane splitting, and feel free (as always) to comment on how you feel about lane splitting - for or against.

[Source: NBC San Diego]

As the price of oil goes through the roof, people the world 'round are responding. Here in America many have reduced their driving or traded in their SUV for a hybrid. Others, horror of horrors, have even started taking the bus. In Vietnam, where many folks have been riding 50cc "motorbikes" for years, the reaction has been to switch to electric versions. According to state-owned e-newspaper VietNamNet, "they are selling like hotcakes." One retailer (name not given) interviewed for the story, whose shop is on Vo Thi Sau Street in HCM city, claims to be moving 500 units a month. That's a lot of scooters, excuse me, motorbikes. Typically the parts for these machines are originating in Taiwan and China with assembly taking place in Vietnam. Prices are between VND 6-7 million (US$377-$442).

How goes the electric scooter in America? Most of our faithful ABG readers are quite familiar with the situation with Vectrix sales. The only other scooter manufacturer importer of any note, is Zap, who sell the Zapino. I actually read a very positive initial review of the newest batch of Zapinos (only the ones with ABS) by very knowledgeable electric scooter guy, usatracy, on my favorite EV forum. Strangely, no press release was issued by ZAP to inform us of the improvement in their product.

[Source: VietNamNet]

We feel like we're ahead of the curve on this one, but Paul Crowe over at The Kneeslider has posted an editorial questioning whether or not performance cars are an endangered species. Considering that CAFE rules are becoming ever more stringent, cars like the Corvette are likely to move to smaller, more efficient motors and correspondingly lightweight chassis architecture. Heck, even the Camaro could get a hybrid option in the near future.

The question posed by Crowe is whether or not motorcycles will make up for the lack of high-performance cars. We think the answer is a resounding maybe. A few speed-addicts might make a move towards two wheels, but the market for fast cars is not going to go anywhere. Remember the muscle car? That era ended a long time ago, but the desire for the vehicles has not gone anywhere, in fact they are more desirable now than ever before. What's more, technology is already in place which will allow high performance and high economy. So, just as some people are switching to two wheels for economy, some might switch to two wheels for performance. With motorcycles, though, a few will have their cake and eat it too.

[Source: The Kneeslider]

We often bring you the latest information on two-wheeled riding, because it can be a great way to save on some gas. We also like to offer friendly reminders in most of those posts, because no matter how good of a rider you are, you are still at the mercy of the other motorists on the road. And, I am sure we don't need to tell you what the motorcycle's chances are when facing off one-on-one with your everyday average sedan. That's why we send our well-wishes to George Clooney and his significant other, Sarah Larson. The couple is recovering from an accident with a car while riding Clooney's motorcycle. Clooney has made news on our site in the past for his appreciation of electric cars like the Tango. Both Clooney and Larson were wearing helmets, which likely made an impact (ha ha) on the relatively minor severity of their injuries.

Now would be a good time to mention the BMW C1, which performed rather well under crash-test scenario's. There are plenty of riders out there who wish that this vehicle, or one like it, were still available.

Related:

• Tango EVs being danced out the door by George Clooney's good looks
• It must be nice... George Clooney gets paid to drive a lithium powered Smart through Italy

[Source: Yahoo! OMG]

Since we have brought you past news on Bill Dube's KillaCycle, we thought that you might like to know that the owner/builder of the machine (and not the normal rider!) is all right after a crash. The accident happened while Dube was giving a demonstration of the electric bike, which is capable of covering the quarter mile in around 8 seconds at over 150 miles per hour. With power like that, it is not surprising that the bike shot out from under Dube while he was putting on a show by doing burnouts. After crashing into a minivan, paramedics took Dube to the hospital for X-Rays.

There is a video at this link of an interview with Bill Dube who explains that the bike uses A123 lithium ion batteries which can propel the bike to sixty miles per hour in less than one second. Right after the interview, you can watch the crash! The accident took place on the 13th in Los Angeles at the Wired NextFest conference. We wish Bill a speedy recovery!

On last thing: please consider this a reminder to be safe while operating any vehicle. Especially consider safety on a motorcycle, where a helmet at the very least should always be worn. Oh yeah, maybe it's time to change the bike's name.

UPDATE: I've pasted the video here after the break!

Related:

• Electric Killacycle to attempt world record dragstrip pass
• Edmunds editor Karl Brauer offers a brief opinion on batteries for electric cars
• Watch an electric motorcycle run an 8-second quarter mile

[Source: TGDaily via Engadget]

ABG friend and NextGear host Matt Kelly headed up to San Francisco to check out the west coast launch of the Vectrix electric motorcycle. Marketing Director for Vectrix gives all the details on the nickel metal hydride powered two wheeler. The battery is expected to have a ten year lifespan and the bike gets a two year warranty. The bike isn't cheap at $11,000 but it doesn't use any gas, is clean and quiet and has a 40-60 mile range depending on your riding style. The video is after the break.

[Source: NextGear]