Thurmont
0
It looks like Yamaha will be bringing a gas-electric hybrid into production.
The article is here.
The Gen-Ryu will combine (in various proportions when needed) a 250cc engine with an electric motor to move the bike. As the article mentions, the production bike will be watered down in both design and function from the concept Gen-Ryu pictured above. (More photos of the concept bike here)
I'm not entirely sure if I agree with the writer's assertions... "Bikers are getting old, and they need to appeal to a new generation" or "In a world where people increasingly expect to be able to 'plug and play', riding a normal motorcycle is a frighteningly complex proposition...". I still see younger folk in the showrooms and on the street. And sure, riding is a more complex task than driving but maybe it should be. Simplify it too much and people will be riding, talking on their cells, and drinking Starbucks' coffee all at the same time like their caged cousins.
IMHO... Gas-only powered motorcycles will continue to exist. But I do agree the gas/electric hybrid trend will spread. Although only for touring models since there's currently no infrastructure to recharge an electric-only vehicle on long trips. I think electric-only models will dominate the shorter range, around town commuter bikes. They would be quieter pulling out the driveway in the wee-hours of the morning on the way to work and thus won't draw the ire from the neighbors who sleep in. Plus, for most people the limited range would still cover their round-trip commute as long as they plug them in at night.
But that's only my opinion, for what it's worth. Thoughts?
The article is here.
The Gen-Ryu will combine (in various proportions when needed) a 250cc engine with an electric motor to move the bike. As the article mentions, the production bike will be watered down in both design and function from the concept Gen-Ryu pictured above. (More photos of the concept bike here)
I'm not entirely sure if I agree with the writer's assertions... "Bikers are getting old, and they need to appeal to a new generation" or "In a world where people increasingly expect to be able to 'plug and play', riding a normal motorcycle is a frighteningly complex proposition...". I still see younger folk in the showrooms and on the street. And sure, riding is a more complex task than driving but maybe it should be. Simplify it too much and people will be riding, talking on their cells, and drinking Starbucks' coffee all at the same time like their caged cousins.
IMHO... Gas-only powered motorcycles will continue to exist. But I do agree the gas/electric hybrid trend will spread. Although only for touring models since there's currently no infrastructure to recharge an electric-only vehicle on long trips. I think electric-only models will dominate the shorter range, around town commuter bikes. They would be quieter pulling out the driveway in the wee-hours of the morning on the way to work and thus won't draw the ire from the neighbors who sleep in. Plus, for most people the limited range would still cover their round-trip commute as long as they plug them in at night.
But that's only my opinion, for what it's worth. Thoughts?