10 Motorcycle Innovations That Didn't Catch On

🏍️All-wheel drive motorcycles, like the Rokon, offer better traction and are suited for off-road adventures.

🚲Grip shifts, like those found on Vespas, offer a unique way to control the clutch and shifter by twisting the whole mechanism on the grip.

🔧Front suspension innovations, such as girder-style suspension, have not been widely adopted due to design challenges and brand image.

🚗Motorcycle-car hybrids, like those with roofs, have not gained popularity due to the preference for traditional-looking motorcycles and the inherent freedom of motorcycles.

🛵Linked brakes, which combine the front and rear brakes with a single pedal or lever, have been abandoned in favor of separate brake controls for better handling and safety.

Why haven't self-driving motorcycles become popular?

—Self-driving motorcycles face challenges in terms of safety, control, and the desire for rider input and experience. Many riders prefer to have complete control over their motorcycles rather than relying on a computer system.

Are there any motorcycles with automatic transmissions?

—While there have been attempts at automatic transmissions for motorcycles, they haven't gained widespread popularity. Honda's semi-automatic transmissions and Yamaha's power steering system are some examples, but full-blown automatic transmissions are rare.

What are some failed motorcycle innovations?

—Some failed motorcycle innovations include oval pistons, oval-shaped to accommodate more valves, and the Honda matic, which removed the need for a clutch but faced limited adoption. Other examples include the automatic transmission, self-drivings motorcycles, and motorcycle-taxi hybrids.

Why haven't front suspension innovations been widely adopted?

—Front suspension innovations, like girder-style suspension, haven't been widely adopted due to design challenges, potential impact on brand image, and the preference for traditional front fork setups that have been used for many years.

What are the advantages of all-wheel drive motorcycles?

—All-wheel drive motorcycles, like the Rokon, offer superior traction, making them ideal for off-road adventures and riding on challenging terrains like bumpy rocks and steep hills.

00:00Introduction: The video explores 10 motorcycle innovations that failed to gain popularity and examines the reasons behind their lack of success.

02:06All-wheel drive motorcycles: Examples like the Rokon offer better traction and are designed for off-road adventures.

05:24Grip shifts: Though featured in Vespas and Lambrettas, this unique clutch and shifter control mechanism hasn't gained widespread adoption.

08:55Front suspension innovations: Unique suspension systems, like girder-style suspension, have faced challenges in terms of design and brand image.

10:45Motorcycle-car hybrids: Attempts to combine motorcycles and cars, including models with roofs, haven't gained popularity due to the preference for traditional-looking motorcycles and the freedom motorcycles offer.

12:46Linked brakes: While some motorcycles have had linked brakes controlled by a single pedal or lever, separate brake controls have become standard for better handling and safety.