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Post by wheelbender6 on Nov 2, 2014 20:34:41 GMT -5
We had a thread a while back where we gave our opinions on the design of future scooters. I think I have found the future in this expensive, low production, high displacement motorcycle. The seat height and ride height are both adjustable. Manufacturers will be confident that their latest designs will fit almost anyone. Don't be surprised if this style of adjustable chassis is soon available in less expensive motorcycles and scoots. blog.motorcycle.com/2014/10/30/motorcycle-news/information-matchless-model-x-reloaded/
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Post by scooter on Nov 2, 2014 21:03:01 GMT -5
I'd like to try this gyro stabilized enclosed model. I can just see me, cruising along in the rain at night, playing my favorite tunes and feeling like a kid again with my new toy.
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Post by ccr on Nov 2, 2014 21:25:29 GMT -5
well, let me take this as an opportunity to get a little feedback on some of my work. it's my dream to build the scooters of tomorrow.I have been working hard to create something revolutionary, something high performance and high quality. i call it the L250R. its a degree L twin 249cc liquid cooled high rpm scooter/motorcycle hybrid imagine a ducati engine with a scooter CVT. a quick look at the specs, Engine is 48mm stroke X 57.5mm bore, valve angle is 13 degrees with DOHC. the rear gearbox will be planetary drive, and i want to acheive a max hp of about 30-35 on a bike with a wet weight of just 150kg thanks to its carbon fiber construction. so how many people here would buy one of these?
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Post by spandi on Nov 3, 2014 0:54:35 GMT -5
The future of scooters will be (based on all the developments I've seen) the ending of the internal combustion engine, and the introduction of long range electric and hydrogen fuel cell models.
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Post by bandito2 on Nov 3, 2014 1:33:53 GMT -5
The future of scooters will be (based on all the developments I've seen) the ending of the internal combustion engine, and the introduction of long range electric and hydrogen fuel cell models. Yeah, for transportation in general; probably after they get better batteries, even more efficient electric motors and extremely safe and relatively inexpensive ways to manage hydrogen delivery/storage. That might seem like a daunting task but eventually doable I think.... I mean, we did eventually get past pulling under our own power to using animals and wind power. Then on up to external combustion/steam power and then internal combustion. So yes, I think we could get there ...... eventually. I like the concept of adjustable ride and seating. That would make for a design that was accessible and more attractive to a larger populace of riders. I've thought about how it would be neat to have a basic frame and engine with various plug and play parts that would make the bike customizable from simple off road/dual sport - sport/touring - commuter just by swapping out quick change elements like different drive lines/wheels, body panels and the like. That way one could ride different kinds of bikes by having different modules yet merely need to own essentially only one basic bike. And needing and using only a minimum of tools to do the changes....... It could happen. The L250R should have ABS brakes and fuel injection (user selectable fuel mapping with a range of presets for performance to economy modes would be a nice feature) Actually, a frame mounted engine (makes for less un-sprung weight) 300 to 350cc twin I think would offer a better reserve of power without taxing the engine too much for better highway performance, yet still be small and efficient enough to have very good fuel economy. AHHH yes, a 350 LXR (elixir) sounds good to me!!! Also, something I would like to have available would be a way to disengage the clutch manually to mitigate/eliminate engine braking when you don't want it. (great for fuel economy coasting) Of course that feature would have protections in place to prevent things like over-revving the engine and there would be no such thing as trying to make it pop wheelies for instance... (traction control IS becoming a new thing being incorporated into some of the newer bikes.) Having all of that would just about make for the perfect scooter in my view. But that is a pretty tall order. And to have it not cost an arm and a leg (and maybe a few other parts) like so many other high end bikes would just about ensure that you'd corner a large chunk of the scooter market. I can dream too.
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Post by spandi on Nov 3, 2014 2:12:41 GMT -5
The future of scooters will be (based on all the developments I've seen) the ending of the internal combustion engine, and the introduction of long range electric and hydrogen fuel cell models. Yeah, for transportation in general; probably after they get better batteries, even more efficient electric motors and extremely safe and relatively inexpensive ways to manage hydrogen delivery/storage. That might seem like a daunting task but eventually doable I think.... I mean, we did eventually get past pulling under our own power to using animals and wind power. Then on up to external combustion/steam power and then internal combustion. So yes, I think we could get there ...... eventually. I like the concept of adjustable ride and seating. That would make for a design that was accessible and more attractive to a larger populace of riders. I've thought about how it would be neat to have a basic frame and engine with various plug and play parts that would make the bike customizable from simple off road/dual sport - sport/touring - commuter just by swapping out quick change elements like different drive lines/wheels, body panels and the like. That way one could ride different kinds of bikes by having different set ups yet merely need to own essentially only one basic bike. And needing and using only a minimum of tools to do the changes....... It could happen. Yes it will all happen. (and has) Here in the desert of Southern California, just a few days ago, I saw my first hydrogen powered bus. It ran the same as all the others with the exception of a slight wine of a turbine. As far as tools to adjust the scoot to fit you, look in the future for "memory metal" to automatically change the frame and seating position to a given rider.
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Post by SylvreKat on Nov 3, 2014 8:04:02 GMT -5
The future of scooters will be (based on all the developments I've seen) the ending of the internal combustion engine, and the introduction of long range electric and hydrogen fuel cell models. "long range" being the key words here. They've got to figure out how to make them go farther than 40-some miles, get them closer to a gas engine's range. >'Kat
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Post by ricardoguitars on Nov 3, 2014 10:56:07 GMT -5
In my case, I prefer the less electronic crap the better, we have done huge improvements on features on motorized vehicles, but in my opinion, we have gone backguards on reliability and durability, designers and engineers are way too busy thinking on the next feature rather than thinking on making what is already there more durable and reliable.
Vehicles are something that I like to keep old school, I'd never own a vehicle with a computer controlling stuff, been an IT guy for almost a decade taught not to trust computers when it comes to reliability and durability.
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Post by rockynv on Nov 3, 2014 12:28:29 GMT -5
In my case, I prefer the less electronic crap the better, we have done huge improvements on features on motorized vehicles, but in my opinion, we have gone backguards on reliability and durability, designers and engineers are way too busy thinking on the next feature rather than thinking on making what is already there more durable and reliable. Vehicles are something that I like to keep old school, I'd never own a vehicle with a computer controlling stuff, been an IT guy for almost a decade taught not to trust computers when it comes to reliability and durability. Looking for a rear wheel drive no-computer economical daily drive myself. 1962 Plymouth Valiant or Ford Falcon come to mind. Was looking at a car the other day and the simplicity was wonderful. Crank windows, standard transmission with rear wheel drive, manual steering, no power brakes, manual seats/mirrors/door locks/manual convertible top, keyed entry and no computer except for the newer radio.
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Post by ricardoguitars on Nov 3, 2014 13:04:21 GMT -5
In my case, I prefer the less electronic crap the better, we have done huge improvements on features on motorized vehicles, but in my opinion, we have gone backguards on reliability and durability, designers and engineers are way too busy thinking on the next feature rather than thinking on making what is already there more durable and reliable. Vehicles are something that I like to keep old school, I'd never own a vehicle with a computer controlling stuff, been an IT guy for almost a decade taught not to trust computers when it comes to reliability and durability. Looking for a rear wheel drive no-computer economical daily drive myself. 1962 Plymouth Valiant or Ford Falcon come to mind. Was looking at a car the other day and the simplicity was wonderful. Crank windows, standard transmission with rear wheel drive, manual steering, no power brakes, manual seats/mirrors/door locks/manual convertible top, keyed entry and no computer except for the newer radio. Old North American cars are not something that I would call "economical" when it comes to gas consumption, they sure are tough and will last an eternity if given the proper maintenance. Take a look at old Japanese cars (late 70s through early 90s), I use to have a 87 Dodge Raider (re-badged Mitsubishi Montero/Pajero) (R.I.P.), I drove it until it turned into rust, literally; if I had had spotted the rust earlier and taken measures, I would still be driving it
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Post by scooter on Nov 3, 2014 17:19:28 GMT -5
I had a 's model Chevy S-10 with the 4.3L EFI and that was the most awesome truck ever. It was fast and could haul a good deal of weight for it's diminutive size. For 20 years that thing ran with almost no maintenance. I had it for ten of those years and only replaced the A/C compressor, the Alternator and a few hoses and things, and it had well over 100K miles on it when I bought it.
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Post by ccr on Nov 3, 2014 19:51:11 GMT -5
The L250R should have ABS brakes and fuel injection (user selectable fuel mapping with a range of presets for performance to economy modes would be a nice feature) Actually, a frame mounted engine (makes for less un-sprung weight) 300 to 350cc twin I think would offer a better reserve of power without taxing the engine too much for better highway performance, yet still be small and efficient enough to have very good fuel economy. AHHH yes, a 350 LXR (elixir) sounds good to me!!! this engine should feature direct port injection and because the limit for small motorcycle licencing is 250cc here and in other parts of Asia also it's a sensible idea to make it 249cc. but then aftermarket parts could include BBK's because i'm looking at this engine case and i see a lot of room for safe expansion. i wouldn't want to build something that was difficult for others to mod because that would take the fun out of it and i would loose sales. what's the first thing you do when you think about buying an engine? for me it's to look for if there are any BBK's available and any other aftermarket parts.
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Post by wheelbender6 on Nov 3, 2014 20:21:26 GMT -5
Redneck Engineering produces a frame kit that will will make a Buell Blast look a lot like the pricey Matchless (sans 1 jug).
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Post by rockynv on Nov 3, 2014 20:30:25 GMT -5
Old North American cars are not something that I would call "economical" when it comes to gas consumption, they sure are tough and will last an eternity if given the proper maintenance. Take a look at old Japanese cars (late 70s through early 90s), I use to have a 87 Dodge Raider (re-badged Mitsubishi Montero/Pajero) (R.I.P.), I drove it until it turned into rust, literally; if I had had spotted the rust earlier and taken measures, I would still be driving it The small straight 6 around 170 Cubic Inches were not too bad combined with a standard transmission. Was also looking at something with an old style injector pump diesel and no ecu which would get 40+ mpg.
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Post by spandi on Nov 3, 2014 21:47:36 GMT -5
Thats why I worded it that way Kat. Say 300 miles on a charge and a 10 minute recharge time.
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