Innovations in motorcycle design

[The_Big_K]

[This post comes from an electrical engineer who's a complete newbie to the world of automobiles & therefore his questions might look 'too basic']

With that disclaimer, I'll put my questions straight -

I haven't seen any innovative designs when it comes to the motorcycles. Every year, Honda / Yamaha / TVS / Kinetic & Bajaj folks introduce new motorcycles, with only the 'fiber' body changed [my observation].

For example, Hero Honda is advertising its latest 'Hunk' motorcycle in India. I don't see anything new except a new headlight and few extra plastic parts here and there .

So, is there anything new in these motorcycles? Can Automobile, Mechanical folks throw some light?

[rishisolanki]

ya i might can tell u
very new techonolgy is the ELECTRONIC FUEL INJECTION in bikes like hero honda Glamour PGMFI and Bajaj Pulsar DTS-FI. This technology has replaced the traditional mechanical carburetors with the electronic ones
Also in bajaj there is a newer technology which is DTS-SI digital twin spark swirl induction used in BAJAJ XCD derived from the mother technology of DTS-I digital twin spark swirl ignition
u can find out more on this on BAJAJ's website

[gohm]

Firstly, what a great site! Here goes for post number 1 on my favorite subject, motorcycles.

Although maybe not a lot of major design changes in motorcycles, there have been component changes just as automobiles. Fuel injection, shaft drive, single-sided swingarm, anti-lock brakes, hydraulic clutch, linked brakes, telever front suspension & underseat gas tank (bmw), fuel & oil storage in frame (buell), traction control (race bikes only currently) & "engine as the frame" design. Not to mention led lighting & computer display panels.

John

[The_Big_K]

Originally Posted by gohm

Firstly, what a great site! Here goes for post number 1 on my favorite subject, motorcycles.

Although maybe not a lot of major design changes in motorcycles, there have been component changes just as automobiles. Fuel injection, shaft drive, single-sided swingarm, anti-lock brakes, hydraulic clutch, linked brakes, telever front suspension & underseat gas tank (bmw), fuel & oil storage in frame (buell), traction control (race bikes only currently) & "engine as the frame" design. Not to mention led lighting & computer display panels.

John

Welcome to CE John!

I'd love to hear about the DTSI thing that's currently hot in the market.

[gohm]

DTSI, digital twin spark ignition, has been around for awhile used by several companies (bmw, mg) and currently in use by Bajaj in an updated form. Honda has the credit for first bringing the system into production. As it's name implies, it comprises of two spark plugs per cylinder located at either end. This system allows for a faster (resulting in more power), more complete burn cycle during combustion. Unlike a standard single igniter, the fuel mixture is burned more quickly because the time duration of the flame to travel the cylinder length is shortened. A cleaner more complete burn helps to reduce emmissions (In my opinion the main reason the sytem is in use, especially with stringent new Euro regs) while increasing hp/torque and improving fuel economy. Bajaj has paired the system with offset ports (also not new) which creates a swirl effect with induction further inhancing effect. Although a good cost saving measure, I do not feel the use of CV style carb is a good matching with this system. Bajaj currently has litigation filed against another manufacture for patent violations however I do not know the specifics or outcome of the case.

John

[The_Big_K]

Originally Posted by gohm

DTSI, digital twin spark ignition, has been around for awhile used by several companies (bmw, mg) and currently in use by Bajaj in an updated form. Honda has the credit for first bringing the system into production. As it's name implies, it comprises of two spark plugs per cylinder located at either end. This system allows for a faster (resulting in more power), more complete burn cycle during combustion. Unlike a standard single igniter, the fuel mixture is burned more quickly because the time duration of the flame to travel the cylinder length is shortened. A cleaner more complete burn helps to reduce emmissions (In my opinion the main reason the sytem is in use, especially with stringent new Euro regs) while increasing hp/torque and improving fuel economy. Bajaj has paired the system with offset ports (also not new) which creates a swirl effect with induction further inhancing effect. Although a good cost saving measure, I do not feel the use of CV style carb is a good matching with this system. Bajaj currently has litigation filed against another manufacture for patent violations however I do not know the specifics or outcome of the case.

John

Thanks for the information, John!

[gohm]

You're welcome! I hope some of the info was new.

[rishisolanki]

hey gohm can u tell us more about buell?????

[gohm]

Sure! Buell was started by Eric Buell who worked for Harley but wanted to develop sport bikes. He left to form his own company. Harley later purchased Buell after they became successful. They are v-twin powered (same engines Harley uses) with some of the best advances in recent times in design. Fuel/oil is stored within the frame & swingarm. This lowers the weight producing improved handling & turn-in. On the down side, any frame or swingarm damage will be $$$. Inside mounted brake rotors eliminate torsion loads on the hub. This reduces unsprung weight which increases stopping power. They also sport a mass centralized exhaust which also improves handling. I applaud Buell's technological advancements and hope others follow suit (bmw is also good at this). I must also be honest though that although nice, they are not for me. I do not care for the styling, ergonoics nor the short wheelbase.

[The_Big_K]

Originally Posted by gohm

Sure! Buell was started by Eric Buell who worked for Harley but wanted to develop sport bikes. He left to form his own company. Harley later purchased Buell after they became successful. They are v-twin powered (same engines Harley uses) with some of the best advances in recent times in design. Fuel/oil is stored within the frame & swingarm. This lowers the weight producing improved handling & turn-in. On the down side, any frame or swingarm damage will be $$$. Inside mounted brake rotors eliminate torsion loads on the hub. This reduces unsprung weight which increases stopping power. They also sport a mass centralized exhaust which also improves handling. I applaud Buell's technological advancements and hope others follow suit (bmw is also good at this). I must also be honest though that although nice, they are not for me. I do not care for the styling, ergonoics nor the short wheelbase.

Wow Gohm! Thanks for information! Good to have motorcycle enthusiasts on CE.

[ranvir1986]

well speaking of the case that Bajaj was up against TVS has been ruled in favour of Bajaj. TVS Flame was the bike in question and was accused to have acquired the Bajaj DTSI tech. TVS has been ordered by a Chennai court to remake the bike.

[ranvir1986]

Talking of innovating bike design, i believe two strokes are a much viable and inexpensive option to try on. Its a petty that some Norms have gotten the better of them but of late, yamaha and other two stroke racing contendors have introduced variable size ports that allow a punch throughout the range of rpms a bike can get.

[gohm]

Thanks for the update on the Bajaj/TVS case! Two stroke engines are inexpensive, they just cannot readily meet today's emmission standards.

[ranvir1986]

Very true that two strokes are polluting and noisy but thats where the variable geometry ports come in handy. More thought into this might actually save the 2 strokes from getting extinct. More over these are ten times simpler than a 4s

[Zak-47]

Does anybody really needs more than those bikes availlable? OK, in every new bike-generation you get a bit chassis improvement. But can you really feel it?
The companies have to bring out new products, so they earn their money. But a lot of horse power has been available for a long time.
Who cares about polluting the environment while riding a motorbike?