VentureOne 3-wheel Hybrid Vehicle by BMW DesignWorks

Introducing the VentureOne, a revolutionary 3-wheel, tilting, plug-in Hybrid vehicle. This unique 2-passenger flex-fuel Hybrid vehicle will achieve 100 miles per gallon, accelerate from 0-60 in 6 seconds with a top speed of over 100 mph, yet at a retail price of under $20,000. And if that weren’t enough, imagine combining the performance feel of a sports car with the agility of a motorcycle. This is an exhilarating driving experience that can only be compared to flying a jet fighter two feet off the ground.

While the same height and length as the MINI Cooper, the driver in the VentureOne sits as high off the road as a BMW 3-series. When combined with its 360 glass canopy effect, the VentureOne not only provides a driver with tremendous road visibility, but adds to a sense of overall driving confidence.

The VentureOne weighs approximately 1,200 pounds in prototype form, with an overall width of 48 inches, a length of 11′ 8″, and a 106 inch wheelbase. The engine is located in the rear of the vehicle at a low height. The passenger compartment and the front wheel tilt when cornering; however, the forces are aligned with the vertical axis of the driver’s body, resulting in the driver being pressed into the seat rather than pushed across it.

Although classified as a motorcycle according to the NHTSA (since it has three wheels), the VentureOne has an enclosed body. The reinforced roll-cage construction in combination with front-and-side-impact protection, and a highly efficient passenger restraint system, give the occupants a level of protection comparable to conventional cars or statistically, 33 times the safety of a typical motorcycle.

Design: BMW Designworks

a Unicycle-Motorbike-Segway Hybrid

Sometimes a bike is just a bike... there's no photoshopping going on here, guys. This is Uno, of course, a segway/motorcycle mashup shown publicly for the first time at the recent Toronto National Motorbike show. Technically it has two wheels, but they're right next to each other and it does balance on them under its own power.

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Built by Ben J. Poss Gulak, it's an electric vehicle that uses a similar sort of microgyro-motor system as the Segway, but with two gyros: one for forward and back, and one for turning. Its got just one control —a power switch— and everything else is done by leaning, which must make for one hell of an adrenaline-packed ride. It's the culmination of a number of vehicle projects by Ben, and uses electric propulsion for eco-friendliness, since Ben visited China where he found that "the smog was so thick, we never saw the sun."

Ben designed the 120-lb vehicle himself, using Google SketchUp to help with the plans as he couldn't afford professional software. How does it perform? We don't know, but we suspect it's a lot of fun. And though Ben got some advice from expert motorbike modders, and a robotics expert for the gyro programming, he deserves a round of applause— he's only 18 years old. And that's just amazing. [Motorcycle Mojo via Make —Thanks Daniel]

Volkswagen Motorcycles: Volks-Cycle

Motoring Channel Staff - 16/May/2008

Volkswagen Motorcycles Volkswagen will work with Austrian motorcycle company KTM to develop the first VW motorbike Volkswagen made a quasi-bike (3-wheeler) in 2006 that seated two passengers, the GX-3

Wolfsburg, Germany — There are number of car makers who also produce motorcycles, namely Japanese manufacturers like Suzuki and Honda. There are also German car makers who are becoming more proficient in the art of the motorcycle, BMW a perfect example.

But what about a Volkswagen motorcycle: could it work? Would people buy them?

New reports from Europe confirm that Volkswagen will join forces with KTM - an Austrian motorcycle maker - to create the first VW motorbike.

It's still early days so we don't know whether the motorbike will be a sports bike, a super motard, a dirt bike or a naked street bike. But the prospect of a 2-wheeled Volkswagen has made many in the Web Wombat offices very excited.

Volkswagen and KTM have worked together in the past, creating the minimalist KTM X-Bow sports car. It uses a VW Group 2.0-litre turbo engine.

With ties already there, it makes sense for KTM to return the favour for Volkswagen.

Volkswagen also showed interest in a quasi motorcycle design in 2006, when it released the GX-3 concept. This 3-wheeled vehicle used a car-like front end with a motorcycle inspired rear-end, complete with a swing-arm.

The lightweight GX-3 concept was powered by a 1.6-litre engine outputting 138kW (185hp) that sped from zero to 100km/h in 5.7 seconds and had excellent fuel consumption (5.2L/100km). 

Could this concept be back on the drawing board? Volkswagen's first motorcycle is most likely to be a traditional 2-wheeled vehicle, but a 3-wheeler isn't out of the question as the concept was fully operational.

Like BMW, Volkswagen will most likely try to differentiate itself from the Japanese motorcycles by incorporating technology into its bikes, and we could see the emergence of a 2-wheeler with a dual clutch transmission in the new decade.

jet bike

Monster Motorbike

Dual Motorbike Burnout

Concept Cars: Yamaha Maxam 3000

Make	Yamaha
Model	Maxam 3000
Concept year	2005
Production year	-
Engine	-

Developing on the base of the popular urban tandem cruiser "MAXAM," this is Yamaha's proposal for a new type of big cruiser with the design concept of a "weekend leisure cruiser." Building on the MAXAM's low & long body design, this model boasts a completely new pick-up styling that includes focus on important things like storage space in its under-seat compartment. In addition to the big added stretch of overhang front and rear, touches like abundant use of chrome parts and a genuine leather seat bring a sense of true quality such as never seen before in a big scooter. (The 3000 in the model name is for its 3,000mm length) 

Make	Yamaha
Model	Gen-Ryu
Concept year	2005
Production year	-
Engine	hybrid

This Gen-Ryu is a proposal for a "High-performance Hybrid Motorcycle." Based on Yamaha's "Genesis" design ideal and the new "G.E.N.I.C.H." ideal reflecting the latest electronic control technologies, this model combines the lightweight, compact YZF-R6 600cc engine and a high output, high efficiency electric motor. It is designed to offer both the joy of handling of a motorcycle and the comfort and carrying capacity of a scooter. Features like the lightweight aluminum CF die-cast body with optimized rigidity balance, large diameter wheels and long wheelbase give this model running performance and handling similar to a 1,000cc class machine. 

Furthermore, as Yamaha H.M.I. (Human Machine Interface) systems, this model adopts ASV (Advanced Safety Vehicle) features aimed at preventative safety functions and smart functions for increasing rider comfort. The ASV functions include (1) a vehicle-vehicle distance warning system using the latest communications technologies, (2) a cornering light system that improves nighttime vision when turning at intersections and curves, The smart functions include (1) a noise canceling system that greatly reduces wind noise, (2) a short wave tandem intercom system, (3) voice navigation function, (4) music player and hand-free cell phone function and (5) rear view monitoring system using a CCD camera and LCD display.

Concept Cars: Yamaha Deinonychus

Make	Yamaha
Model	Deinonychus
Concept year	2005
Production year	-
Engine	Electric

First seen in 2005 the Yamaha Deinonychus is a BMX style electric bike concept that uses two electric motors, one in each wheel. 

This feature means there is no mechanical link between the chassis and wheels, this allows for a fully adjustable chassis where the geometry and dimensions can be quickly and easily altered to suit the rider or the terrain.

The two electric motors provide 100% of their thrust from 0 rpm giving the Deinonychus great off road potential.

Concept Cars: Yamaha MT-OS

Concept Cars: Robrady rMoto

Make	Robrady
Model	rMoto
Concept year	2005
Production year	-
Engine	Electric

The rMOTO electric superbike concept was developed by Robrady design in Florida, the rMOTO uses technology and expertise derived from several of Robrady's clients. When the first design sketches of the rMOTO were released on the company web site in April, interest in the concept was so great that the project was approved for construction and a prototype is to be constructed for unveiling in January 2006.
Rob Brady talks about the ground breaking concept, and expected performance.

It's kind of a balance we need to resolve. We can get a 100 miles an hour, 120 miles an hour bike but then the range of the bike suffers so it's a matter of starting and knowing that the technologies and different battery chemistries will evolve in time, and probably not very much time at that."

The rMOTO uses regenerative charging to recharge the batteries during braking and deceleration. The rMOTO is also suited for fuel cell technology and there's every chance the rMOTO could have a fuel cell on board so that power can be topped up without needing to get to an electrical outlet. 
Talking about the riding characteristics of the rMOTO Rob Brady explains the difference in power delivery between conventional internal combustion engines and electric motors, a feature also common to the electric sports car the Venturi Fetish.
"It's not going to be like having a big gas motor that you need to get it into maximum torquezone before you pop the clutch and then fight to keep it there so you can get maximum acceleration. This baby will have maximum torque at zero sitting right there inside the rear wheel ready to go - I can't emphasise how fast this bike will accelerate.

The rMOTO is just the start for high performance electric vehicles, and many experts suspect an exponential increase in the development of related technology in the next few years.

Concept Cars: Polaris Revolver

Make	Polaris
Model	Revolver
Concept year	2007
Production year	-
Engine	500 cc

Recognising that a large number of ATV's sold in Europe are used on-road, Polaris created the Revolver Concept.

The Polaris Revolver is a purpose built vehicle designed to deliver good off-road performance combined with a new level of on-road capability.

The Polaris Revolver is powered by a 500cc liquid-cooled 4-valve engine mated to a 5-speed transmission driving the wheels which are wrapped in on-road tires.

Concept Cars: Honda DN-01

Make	Honda
Model	DN-01
Concept year	2005
Production year	-
Engine	680 cc

The Honda DN-01 concept motorbike was first shown at the 2005 Tokyo motorshow.

The DN-O1 is powered by a 680 cc V-twin four stroke engine running through a continuously variable automatic transmission, which can be switched to a six speed manual transmission controlled by gear selection buttons on the handlebars.

Concept Cars: Kawasaki ZZR-X

Make	Kawasaki ZZR-X
Model	Tramontana
Concept year	2003
Production year	-
Engine	-

The Kawasaki ZZR-X concept was first shown at the 2003 Milan Motorcycle Show. The ZZR-X was billed as a high speed tourer, but its ingenuity lies in the adjustable riding mode mechanisms which allows the rider to adjust the ZZR-X to suit road conditions and riding styles. 

The Kawasaki ZZR-X can be changed to suit low speed touring, with raised screen and protective fairing, all the way up to full-on sport mode, where the screen and fairing move into their most aerodynamic position.

The fairing also changes shape depending on speed, modifying its shape to the optimum profile.

The Kawasaki ZZR-X concept has other clever design solutions, including; radical cone-shaped, rim-mounted disk brakes designed for maximum cooling efficiency, a mass-centralised fuel tank, a large storage space in front of the seat, and a silencer built into the curvaceous bodywork.

Concept Cars: Honda NAS (New American Sports)

Make	Honda
Model	NAS
Concept year	1999
Production year	-
Engine	1000cc V-Twin

Design started on the Honda NAS motorbike concept in 1999 at Honda's research and development department in America.

NAS, standing for New American Sports, was intended to push the boundarys of sports bike design for the American market.

Designers of the NAS realised that the overwhelming majority of sportsbikes had been initially designed and engineered for the track, Honda bikes included, their intention was to try and offer another option, a sports bike built for the road. 

The NAS Designers also wanted to create a machine with more personality which would be easier to make a bond with, a mischievous face can definitely be made out hiding in the headlight fairing.

However the NAS was not all about form, some of the most ingenious engineering solutions in the motorcycle market were seen on the NAS.
For example the unique mono-arm suspension is constructed of carbon fibre and aluminum, with the damper and spring neatly enclosed within a massive steering head.

Concept Cars: Honda Concept 1

Dodge produced the Tomahawk concept to hammer home its power orientated design philosophy, which encompasses cars such as the Viper, Magnum SRT-8 and Hemi Super 8among others, it was never intended for mass production.

Dodge sold a very limited number of Tomahawks as rideable pieces of modern art to a select few of rich enthusiasts.

Overall the design of the Dodge Tomahawk is one of clean machined lines housing the massive, partially exposed engine and 4 oversize wheels.

Make	Dodge
Model	Tomahawk
Concept year	2003
Production year	-
Engine	8.3 litre V10

The insane potential widowmaker Dodge conceived and subsequently named the Tomahawk was first seen in 2003 at the Detroit Auto Show. The bike is powered by the same 500 hp 8.3 litre V-10 found in the legendary Viper, and is capable of propelling the concept up to 300 mph+, theoretically. However in practice the poor aerodynamics of the bike would cause it to become unstable at high speeds and it would be suicidal to try.

Dodge produced the Tomahawk concept to hammer home its power orientated design philosophy, which encompasses cars such as the Viper, Magnum SRT-8 and Hemi Super 8among others, it was never intended for mass production.

Dodge sold a very limited number of Tomahawks as rideable pieces of modern art to a select few of rich enthusiasts.

Overall the design of the Dodge Tomahawk is one of clean machined lines housing the massive, partially exposed engine and 4 oversize wheels.

Concept Cars: Derbi Mulhacen

Make	Derbi
Model	Mulhacen
Concept year	2005
Production year	-
Engine	659cc single cylinder

In the 70’s, ‘scrambling’ erupted with force all over Europe and was present in a multitude of demonstrations. To own and enjoy one of these two-wheeled wonders was to participate in the myth of American motorcycling. With scramblers came a philosophy of life, ‘On-Road’, where basically the universe revolved around a bike. The ‘Scrambler’ signified liberty and for three decades came to symbolise something of an icon of youth culture.

Derbi's selection of the name 'Mulhacén' has not been made without reason. The 3482 metre high mountain of the Iberian Peninsula, with the highest forest track in Europe, invites ‘conventionalists’ to exceed limits and touch the sky, with just the motorcycle for company, soaking up the nature and freedom of the surroundings.

Concept Cars: Confederate Renovatio Project

Make	Confederate
Model	Renovatio
Concept year	2006
Production year	2007
Engine	1686 cc V-twin

The Renovatio (Latin for "Rebirth") concept motorbike from Confederate Motorcycles based in America is a radical concept bike designed by Confederate's lead designer Ed Jacobs.

The Renovatio is extremely minimalistic with all the mechanical elements of the bike on show. With large attachment points easily accessible on the engine, upgrades and various configurations can easily be exchanged.

The 135 horsepower, 125 ft/lbs of torque V-twin engine of the Confederate Renovatio concept was built by Katech Inc. of Detroit. Katech was hired to design five prototype engines, they chose to base the 1686 cc (103 cu in) V-twin on General Motors LS7 7.0 litre V8. Katech were also responsible for the 16 cylinder engine found in the Cadillac Sixteenconcept car of 2003.

Confederate already manufacure two high-end and unique bikes, the Confederate Wraith and the Hellcat F131. The Confederate Renovatio is a concept created inline with Confederates current vision. Production of the Renovatio is scheduled for 2007.