BioBike, a biodiesel motorcycle made in Australia, gets over 100 mpg
Here in the Unites States, riding motorcycles is more likely to be for pleasure than for practical purposes, but that is not the case in all areas of the world. A group from Australia is proving the worth of their biodiesel-powered motorcycle by showcasing in alongside other alternative-fueled vehicles taking part in special classes during the running of the World Solar Challenge. The bike, known as BioBike, uses a Yanmar 400c diesel engine running on biodiesel through a CVT transmission. No gears to shift on this bike, and the high torque output likely makes this a relaxed rider. The frame is a modified Husaberg unit, meaning that it's chock-full of high tech and high-priced parts, including the suspension components -- which is good considering that the machine is a bit heavier than the donor bike. Although there are no plans to offer the bike commercially, the amount of interest shown might prove the concept viable.
[Source: Gizmag]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Michael Hippenhammer 3:42PM (10/26/2007)
Just read the bio on the bio-bike team. My message, "Hurry up and get it on the market. I will buy one."
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Monica 10:14PM (10/28/2007)
I have been on a biker club bikerpals.com for over 5 years. I met many friends and riding, we always ride out together. I met my wife over there, too. I recently found there was affiliate program, they pay partner $30 paying member partner refer. I think many biker dady and biker mama can join the affiliate program and sponsor the children's charity motorcycle rally Oct. 27.
Robin
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GoodCheer 9:43AM (10/26/2007)
I don't know if the Australian Design Rules are more emissions-restrictive for motorcycles than US DOT rules. If not I would think this thing could well trail a dirt-cloud of diesel exhaust (although a 400cc engine can't be that bad, can it?).
It does say at the end of the article:
"there’s been a lot of interest (....) from Asian manufacturers who can immediately see the benefits of a highly economical, low-emissions motorcycle."
But there is no mention of emissions anywhere else. Maybe they mean low consumption. It would be cool to commute for 2 weeks on a 3-gallon tank of veggi-oil.
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werepants 1:40PM (10/26/2007)
Emissions are much less of a concern with biofuels, if I'm not mistaken - I don't think vegetable oil creates carbon monoxide or many of the other nasties in regular unleaded.
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