The Future of Motorcycle Technology

It seems like we’re given a reminder of some kind or another every day that the future isn’t just coming, it’s already here.

For starters, generative artificial intelligence has made the impossible seem mundane in an astonishingly short timeframe. Concepts such as the instant generation of utterly lifelike video, autonomous AI agents, and otherwise impossible medical breakthroughs that might have strained credulity even in a science-fiction setting just a few years ago are now readily accessible at your fingertips.

While most of the progress has been in the digital realm, ushering similar sorts of advancements over to the physical world is becoming a reality via the radical transformation of the robotics industry and beyond.

Fitting firmly in that “beyond” category is motorcycling, an industry that has long been eager to embrace innovation. The potential innovations coming to all things two wheels are difficult to fathom, but we’ll do our best to take a peek ahead.

Some of the following possibilities may yet be a ways off and others are no doubt destined to be relegated to the retro-future trash bin. However, some of the following may be here before you know it.

Powerplants

Gone are the days that motorcycle categories were stocked with uniform entries built to conform neatly to sporting regulations (inline four-cylinder 600s from virtually every manufacturer aimed at Supersport competition, for example). In fact, sporting regs have loosened up to stay relevant in this era of increased variety, as bikes of a wide-range of displacements and engine configurations regularly do battle on the track these days.

Expect that trend embracing variety to only deepen as we move forward. In fact, Honda recently unveiled a prototype 75-degree V3 with an electric compressor for forced induction.

And that’s just in the ICE world; electric motorcycles will continue to offer improved range and charge times. While not everyone’s cup of tea, they already offer performance benefits and ease-of-use advantages that are undeniable. 

Meanwhile, there’s the ever-present tease of the widespread and triumphant return of two-stroke motorcycles, via hybrid systems and direct injection advancements.

Perhaps the area where there’s the most excitement in terms of future powerplant solutions is the ongoing development of hydrogen fuel cell motorcycles. Such bikes could offer high efficiency, long range, low emissions, and quick refueling times.

Advanced Electronics

While there’s already been a big push in the direction of electronic aids, the next generation could offer staggering capabilities by today’s standards.

Anti-lock brakes, traction control, launch control, automatic and semiautomatic transmission, active suspension, and advanced rider assistance systems, and a host of other advancements are already here, and seamless smart phone integration is a given.

Beyond that, we’re talking about such advancements as self-balancing motorcycles and helmets lined with electrodes to interrupt the rider’s intention via brain waves.

New Materials

Rapid advancements in the areas of polymers, composites, nanomaterials, and MMCs (metal matrix composites) tied with parallel innovations in manufacturing (additive, etc.), could lead to stronger, lighter, more dynamic motorcycles.

Chassis, suspension, wheels, tires… there’s room for innovation on every cubic inch of today’s designs.

Programmable smart materials of the future could even allow for smart bodywork and variable ergonomics, resulting in a motorcycle that shifts its shape, color, and positioning based on your circumstances and desires. 

Reality+

Right around the corner is a big step forward in helmet design. Mixed Reality Heads Up Displays are seemingly destined to become commonplace in the not-too-distant future.

GPS mapping tools, riding partner location, upcoming gas station, safety information, communications, telemetry, and more could be intelligently displayed right in your field of view.

Deployed smartly, what might easily prove a distraction if handled poorly could actually allow you to ride nearly distraction-free, offering up pretty much anything and everything you need – but only when you need it.