BMW has been known to come up with some interesting motorcycle designs, such as the Telelever, Duolever and Paralever suspension configurations. The above image, taken from a recent patent application, proves that the fertile engineering minds at BMW haven't stopped trying to improve the basic two-wheels-and-an-engine ethos of the motorcycle. Using a flexi-frame which pivots and hinges at most any conceivable location, the computer controlled chassis would be able to right itself even when the rider or outside influences would dictate a crash.
We don't have any real specifics to report on, but we'd imagine that some accelerometers and gyros must be in use here... or maybe a Wiimote or two?
[Source: Motorcycle News]
Paris Preview: Officially Official, Honda's new hybrid is the Insight!
Mazda Kiyora city car concept, MX-5 facelift head to Paris
Leaked: Official updated Mazda MX-5 image
Reader Spy: Chevy Volt caught on set of Transformers 2
Spy Shot: Production interior of Chevy Volt (maybe)
By the Numbers - August 2008: New Digs Edition
In the Autoblog Garage: KITT Shelby GT500 KR
First Drive: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V
In the Autoblog Garage: 2009 Nissan Murano
In the Autoblog Garage: 2009 Dodge Journey R/T
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Hwins @ Jan 9th 2008 6:49PM
Looks fun from an engineering standpoint but a bit silly in practice. It isn't the going down that kills motorcyclists, it's the impact. Whether or not you're still on the bike, hitting the back of an SUV at 70mph or going under the wheels of an 18wheeler is going to kill you.
Similarly, there are no uncrashable cars.
AC @ Jan 10th 2008 4:57AM
I'm guessing that this isn't designed to stop you hitting something, more to stop you getting kicked off by the motorcycle when the back wheel suddenly loses and regains grip again.
Greg @ Jan 10th 2008 10:15AM
From the information we've got, it could really be anything. Having the frame "hinge" is a really odd idea when you consider that anytime the tires aren't perfectly lined up you risk a high-side crash. (For the non-riders, anytime you've seen someone launched from a motorcycle at high speed, it's probably been from a high-side).
If it is a mechanism to prevent highsides, I simply don't see how it would function, or why it's needed. BMW could take a page from racers and make the rear brake weak enough that it can't lock, or implement a linked brake system (which I believe they already do). I guess it could be an interesting innovation (BMW is pretty good at that) but I'd need a lot more information to make that judgement.
Tony @ Jan 9th 2008 7:04PM
I don't think I would want to ride that.
John @ Jan 9th 2008 7:09PM
Cool concept, but patents and actual implementation are two very different things.
Would love to see them try it though.
Dan @ Jan 9th 2008 7:10PM
Sounds like it would feel like riding a wet noodle.
I'm sure Stay-Puft racing jackets would let falling riders bounce around until landing safely.
Also, I doubt this system would do much good if someone is catching bugs at 100mph.
adam @ Jan 9th 2008 7:38PM
Where's the thrill in motorcycling if you know you can't crash?
stanger_missle @ Jan 9th 2008 8:27PM
It would be about as thrilling as "driving" a driverless car...
Oh wait....
mk @ Jan 9th 2008 8:39PM
looks kind of odd.
but the following quote comes to mind:
"Make something fool proof and only a fool will use it."
kevin @ Jan 9th 2008 9:45PM
This reminds me of a horse I had as a kid. You could put any kid on her back and if they started to slide off she would slow down, change direction, or lean to keep them up on top. You had to try to fall off. It was funny watching the horse go from walking straight to moving sideways trying to stay under a kid.
Anthony @ Jan 9th 2008 10:15PM
"Where's the thrill in motorcycling if you know you can't crash?"
That has to be the stupidest thing I've heard today.
CentralParkWest99 @ Jan 10th 2008 1:52AM
That;'s nice and all, but I'm still waiting for a company to make that motorcycle from AKIRA.
Till then I'm sticking to 4 wheels.
imba @ Jan 10th 2008 5:07AM
I think riding a horse would be much better. I don't like the idea at all.
If the rider can't have the skills to ride, what good comes out of this? Getting a car is much more easier...
Scotty @ Jan 10th 2008 9:12AM
Is that kind of like an unsinkable ship?