Given the industry’s tendencies towards non-polluting vehicles, more and more electric motorcycle projects are being created and we finally get to see a chopper, although not quite the best looking one possible.
Art director / Interactive Media Designer Chidi Jenkins-Johnston developed a concept chopper that he calls simply Hybrid Electric Chopper. Although currently looking for the most efficient form of electric propulsion, the project’s author explains in a few words how his system theoretically works:
The rear wheel has permanent magnets embedded in it. The wheel is then attached to a large ball bearing ring similar to that of a skateboard but much larger and much stronger. The outer part of the ring is attached to the swing arm. The other side of the swing arm supports the wires that the direct current passes through. That causes the wheel with the magnets to spin in the direction of the current. In theory this propulsion method should be very efficient if you can control the amount of current going through the wires and assuming you have a great battery pack.
There is also a mini gas generator that charges the batteries but only turns itself on at low speeds.
Don’t try to tune up your speakers because the animated video has no sound.
We recently got a glimpse of the Swordfish Hubless Concept and became enthusiastic about the spokeless wheels idea, but it seems that someone got a head start.
The Hubless Monster is actually a running chopper featuring hubless wheels and the implicit advantages of this construction method: more accurate steering, lower center of gravity, increased braking leverage and less vibration. Just look at it go!
We’re all aware of the fact that spokeless bikes aren’t quite possible to realize yet, but do insistently knock at our door and we’ll eventually have to open up. As engineers work to develop new solutions for the outrageous design to become practical, designers come up with striking motorcycle concepts ready to benefit of the latest future technologies.
Designer Alexander Kotlyarevsky’s “Swordfish” concept chopper provides the latest and the most representative image of what the industry will provide and we love it! A sleek and yet aggressive body culminating in a pair of hubless wheels is the future’s quintessence with regard to design and construction and it looks so realistic that I can even imagine myself riding one of these…and watching out for the speed bumps!
This is actually part of a Spanish TV commercial. What this rider intends to demonstrate is that he can ride into a brick wall at top speed and walk away from it. He’s quite funny in his idiocy.
Big Dog Motorcycles, the leading manufacturer of high-performance, high style motorcycles, won the 2009 V-Twin Bike of the Year award with their all-new Wolf model at the 9th annual V-Twin Expo, the industry’s largest trade show, held February 7-9 in Cincinnati.
Having also won the coveted prize last year with the 2008 Pitbull model, the award marks the second year in a row the company has received the industry’s high honors. Also, Big Dog Motorcycles won the V-Twin bike of the Year awards in 2005 with the Bulldog and in 2006 with the K-9 chopper.
Editors at Paisano Publications, a worldwide diversified media company offering a wide variety of motorcycle magazines, were impressed by Wolf’s distinct, striking seamless design ; drive side brake; radical 45-degree rake and 9½-long stance; exclusive tri-cam 121 c.i. engine; and amazing maneuverability and riding capabilities.
“It’s an honor to receive this very significant award from editors of such nationally-renowned magazines,” commented Sheldon Coleman, company founder and CEO, who accepted the award. “It speaks loudly about the bike’s benchmark styling along with its unmatched ride and handling.”
“And it also reflects the hard work and dedication of all those involved in creating this game-changing pro-street: Sales, marketing, engineering, purchasing, dealers, and suppliers. Their talents and efforts never been more evident than in this incredible new cruiser,” Coleman continued.
All that there is left to say is Congratulations and good luck next year!
