Triumphrat

cyclebob · 04-18-2007

Does anyone have an idea what would happen if all entertainment motorsports were limited to vehicles that used non petroleum powered products? Since reality isn't a motivator, finances might be.

Kinda like a 100 hp, 140 ft/lbs. torque bike that (at 150 miles per gallon Diesel) CAN'T FIND a builder! (PS...It exists in prototype [Thunderstar 1200]) OK, biodiesel)

Why are these REAL options being ignored!?! Especially by the benefactors of the profits of petroleum?!

Related, "Who Killed the Electric Car?"

Can you imagine a sport-touring (or any bike) weighing less than a current Sprint, getting 150 mpg (diesel)? This with the torque to kick a$$, and horsepower to satisfy almost everyone! It's out there, and still ignored. As much torque as a Rocket 3! 150 mpg!...! Hmnnn...! :hammer:

[ This message was edited by: cyclebob on 2007-04-18 18:57 ]

itchin · 04-18-2007

Diesel is still petrolium is'nt it.

idahotb · 04-19-2007

Bob-
I have given this some thought recently. I am getting to the point where I would really rather just stay home, hunker down, and cut the power. I really don't think that I would miss the Industrial Age, let alone the New Electronic Frontier. You could flush my car, TV, even my computer. I don't own a dishwasher, microwave, or cell phone. But I am glad that I will not live to see the end of the internal combustion engine because of my bikes. I know that this makes me a shallow person; I don't give a rat's ass about the economy, the expansion of Democratic Ideals, or any of that rot! I just want to twist the throttle and feel that rush of acceleration, hear the roar of the engine, despoil the environment, and use up a non-renewable resource. And I can't think of a better way to do it.

HiDesert · 04-19-2007

After tooling around central Europe in a diesel BMW wagon for a few days, I see your point. We averaged over 40 MPG (US) according to the computer, and the acceleration was great fun. Especially when you accidentally left it in 4th on the highway. For over 10 kilometers. That says something about how smooth and refined diesels have become. Side note: we went through Augsburg, where the world's first diesel engine was built.

The primary holdup is probably simple investor caution. No one knows if the market would accept a diesel bike. Heck, a large portion of the market won't even give up their bl@@dy pushrods! They object to liquid cooling! And look what happens to anything truly innovative, like that touring bike Yamaha built a while ago with the paraleverish front end (saw one of those in Germany).

The first company to market a diesel bike will be taking a huge risk. I think the best possibility of success would be if BMW made one. BMW has the research money, the right image of successfully doing things no other manufacturer will, and buyers who are willing to think a little outside the box. None of the Japanese manufacturers would do it, Ducati or Triumph won't and don't have the research budget anyway, and HD doesn't know how to spell R&D, much less do it. Aprilia might have a chance, but the budget probably wouldn't stand it there either.

I eagerly hope someone proves may analysis wrong; it would be interesting to see how d-bikes work and develop.

And I'm still not buying the big, bad, oil company conspiracy theory. They don't need to conspire; market forces have done it for them so far, and no conspiracy would stop BMW if they got a suitably wild hair.

DaveB · 04-19-2007

Isn't some company developing a diesel bike of about 700cc for the miltary? I think the requirement stems from the NATO common fuel policy. I saw a short insert on it on TV a few months ago and got the impression that it is definitely intended for production some time in the not too distsnt future.

I'm a Subaru nut and even they are about to launch diesel engines, still 'Boxer' flat fours. If they (a relatively small car company) can develop their own diesel engines then other companies can too.

Having said all that I can't see that I'd ever want a diesel engined bike, but times do change.

DaveB.

HiDesert · 04-19-2007

Actually, in the space of half an hour, I'm forced to eat my own words; Kawasaki has already made a diesel version of their KLR 650 for the US Marine Corps. Semper Di!

TailHooked · 04-19-2007

Man! That's BadA$$... Maybe if I'm really good, they'll let me have one on my next det...

OK... maybe not

brolane · 04-19-2007

Children, children, you have missed the entire point. The development of alternative fuels and alternative engines to burn them is completely irrelevent. The entire process is based on pure greed. As we all know, diesel fuel is a petroleum product that has not been refined as far as gasoline, yet those who have purchased diesel cars and trucks are now paying prices higher than gasoline. The oil companies really don't want anything around that will cut into their billions of dollars of profits each quarter. The plans for that superbike described above has probably been bought by our friends in the oil industry and is no safely under lock and key. It is the dollar that concerns them most. Oil companies are not concerned with the environment, better and cleaner engines or even common decency.

HiDesert · 04-19-2007

I've got news for you; the economy of the entire planet is based on greed. The Soviets tried basing it on government knowing what's best. Didn't work so well, if you like consistent supplies of toilet paper.

Keep blaming conspiracies, though. That's a lot more convenient, and makes for much more entertaining ranting. And we all know how much fun a good rant can be! :-D

bovefrankj · 04-19-2007

Quote:

The first company to market a diesel bike will be taking a huge risk

The Enfield Robin. A huge disaster in marketing terms.
Diesel engine design has come a long way in recent years though and they all seem to rely on forced induction. They may now be more viable.