Trickle down tech: Motorcycles start to get variable-valve-timing
Soon, I plan to write an editorial about which way the motorcycle designers are going when it comes to being a green form of alternative transportation. A sneak peek: motorcycles are getting bigger, faster and less fuel-efficient. Why? The demands of the buyers, of course. But, with the same things being demanded of cars, and with very tough fuel and emissions standards, we are starting to see some technology trickle down from the automotive sector to that of motorcycles. An example of this is the variable-valve-timing that will appear on the Kawasaki Concours 14. This bike in particular is an example of a model that was well thought of, the Concours, being redone with a much larger and more powerful engine, while gaining significant amounts of power and weight in the process. Of course you know that power and weight will usually have a negative impact on fuel efficiency. In an effort to help combat this, Kawasaki has created a system on the Concours 14 which can change the timing of the intake valves to match the needs of the rider. This can create more power when necessary and reduce it when not necessary, thereby saving fuel and reducing emissions. Does the world need a touring motorcycle capable of 200mph in the first place? Probably not, but if the success of models like the Hayabusa, BMW K1200 bikes and the Honda Blackbird are any indication, we can expect to see more like it in the future. For more details and video of their system, click here and follow the appropriate links.
Honda has had a Vtec system available on their Interceptor, or VFR bikes for a few years now as well.
[Source: Motorcycle Daily]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Justin B 10:06AM (3/07/2007)
However....
Almost all motorcycles are incredibly more efficient as a form of transportation than any car. And while your right most people (myself included) don't need a 200mph motorcycle I find it much more environmentally friendly than almost any car.
As a commute alternative motorcycles make much better sense if we could just feel a little safer on the road. I live in georgia and believe one of the fastest ways to do that is to give us the lane splitting option.
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JiltedCitizen 11:38AM (3/07/2007)
Except current motorcycles, while gas efficient, pollute more than cars since their emissions are not regulated the same way.
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pdx 11:45AM (3/07/2007)
Actually, many motorcycles are not that much more efficient than some cars anymore. My Honda Valkyrie got 10 miles per gallon LESS than my Volkswagen TDI. My 2006 Kawasaki Concours gets 5mpg less than my Volkswagen TDI.
Sure, a 35mpg motorcycle is better than a 15mpg SUV, but not as good as people would think.
However, my VStar 650 V-Twin got 60mpg. But it was small and very very underpowered. VERY underpowered.
Many people in the Concours forums don't like the direction that Kawasaki is going with the new Concours. They think it is too expensive, too powerful, and to focused on the "sport" and not enough on the "touring". Just like you said, most buyers do not want or need a 200mph touring bike. Many feel that Kawasaki should have not made it so big and fast, kept the price to about $10,000. Maybe taking the old Concours and putting modern technology on it, like a fuel injected motor, better suspension, and a few amenities like adjustable windscreen and the like. At $14k it is right in the middle of all of the sport touring competition, like the Honda and BMW models. At $10k it would have sold like hotcakes.
Honda did good with it's revised Goldwing a few years back. When they went from the 1500cc to the 1800cc they made the Goldwing bigger and heavier with many more features, while increasing power, giving better handling, and increasing fuel economy all at the same time.
I am still wanting a diesel motorcycle. There are no real-world commercially produced versions as of yet...
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MikeW 12:54AM (3/08/2007)
If the ZX-14R can just do 200mph, the concours will not get anywhere near that.
More like 150-175mph range than 175-200mph
I am still looking for a motorcycle that implements exhaust gas recirculaiton, albeit internal via camshaft phasing or externally via solenoid control.
To get more low mid range power all of the current camshaft phasing system advance the intake cam (to prevent intake charge from 'unfilling')
The definitions of low-end and top-end have changed from when engines didn't routinely exceed 5000rpm.
and since the BMW K12 engine now has 13:1 compression ratio, it is very unlikely that the timing can be changed without ungainly piston/valve interference.
Where is the ZeroShift 8 speed transmission for motorcycles, it would make flogging 600cc bikes easier, and hence one wouldn't need liter class bikes [for the track]
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