There is always something new and interesting to find on the internet and you don’t have to look very far to find it. The other day a friend posted up this information on the forum and I thought I’d share it.
Now the idea of an enclosed motorcycle isn’t really new. It has been experimented with often in the past, the most notable exercise being Malcolm Newell’s “Quasar” from the 1980’s. As you will read from the article, the project failed due to financial issues rather than technical ones, as is usually the case.
This new exercise in enclosed motorcycling goes a great deal further than the Quasar, however and its appearance is just the tip of the iceberg. For a start, it actually looks nice (always a bonus) and it IS fully enclosed, rather than the Quasar.
Around about now would be a good time to direct you to the manufacturer’s web site and let you browse the feature for yourself. The little video at the top of the page is instructive as well.
An all-electric, gyroscopic-balanced “motorcycle” that has the convenience of a bike, acceptable range and has the civility of a car. Sounds like it could go a long way (pun intended). My perception is that it will be a city/urban vehicle that will appeal to people who need/want to zip through town in their work clothes and not have to get out of motorcycle gear when they arrive at their destination. The rear compartment looks VERY claustrophobic and I can’t see it being a good selling point.
With the rush to develop more long-lasting batteries, the practicality of the C1 could improve yet more if the developer has the money to see the project through. And therein is the issue. Like so many innovative ideas, the cost of putting them into practice is usually the sticking point.
On the subject of racing to finish off with, congratulations to Johnny Rea, 2015 World Superbike Champion and commiserations to one of my favourite riders, Jules Cluzel, whose serious leg injuries incurred in practice at Jerez will prevent him from taking the WSS title fight against Kenan Sofoglu down to its conclusion.
Announced overnight that Yamaha will be returning to WSBK in 2016 with backing from PATA and with Crescent running the team. Sylvain Guintoli and Alex Lowes. Should be a good team.
Heading up the Putty on Saturday but it won’t be the usual ride. I’m joining in with a Learner’s Ride run by another forum of which I am a member. I’ll be along as one of the instructors/experts helping new and new-ish riders hone their open road riding skills. I’m quite looking forward to it actually.
As for the C1. I think the idea is interesting, but, as I said in the headline, I don’t think I will ever C1.
small e says
Interesting Phil. And I C …groan..your point. No motorcycle enthusiast would want one would they..as was proved by The Quasar..surely the ugliest contraption to ever travel on 2 wheels, leaving out the Munch Mammoth perhaps…Gyroscopes or not, why would a young’un without an interest in the wonderful world of open air riding not prefer a 4 wheel compact car with not much more footprint and plenty more utility I ask. I guess these attempts to reinvent the motorcycle keep a lot of design graduates busy though. Just as an aside, I’m reminded of the early aviators in their open cockpits who resisted the early attempts to enclose their aircraft cockpits by designers because they needed to feel the wind on their cheeks to determine it’s direction and to be able to hear the changing notes of the bracing wires to estimate speed and angles of attack, something lost with enclosed glazed cabins.
Phil Hall says
Fair call, too!