The bike that won't fall over

[Sparky65]

Is it a bike or a car? Interesting prototype being developed in the US as seen in this report from the BBC.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programme...ne/9776325.stm

[Allworld]

I have read about this. I am a year rounder and commute everyday on my MC, so this would be a great addition to my stable.

[Werks]

I've been following the Lit C-1 for a while now. Until I see a video of it cruising at 70mph and also blasting through
the twisties, I'll remain highly skeptical.

The claims of 120mph, 200+ miles per charge, and a $19,000US price tag seem too good to be true, if you get my drift.

Then again, if Lit can pull it off as advertised, I'll have one standing upright in the garage

Tom

[MarkST]

I happened to catch a story on it last night. Reporter did not test ride They reported $US24000 but just a few hundred to get on waiting list. Targeting MC riders. Sounds like delivery more than a year off. I wonder how the gyros that provide stability affect the ride.

[Werks]

They reported $US24000 ....

Here's the video where they claim 19K. I can only imagine what it will actually cost if it ever goes into production.
I hope they don't follow the Motus business plan

You Tube

You Tube

[jamesau]

It would seem to me that the very gyros that keep it from falling over are going to keep it from leaning like a proper motorcycle. (Unless they can very quickly change the axes of the gyros rotation or stop them from spinning).

The X-Tracer is a similar concept but with outriggers that deploy/retract at low speed; it would seem this technology is simpler, lighter, and retains the handling characteristics we're accustomed to with our bikes.

X-tracer here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...v=TX86tcpzW6g#!

[triumphpat]

The gyros don't have to work at road speed just when slow or stopped. I did notice they didn't show the machine banking into a corner. I reckon it had a 240 rear tyre which I think would make turn in slower. Also I wonder about the price difference between this and the x-tracer at around $100k.

[Snoops]

Interestingly, the opening statement "one of the most common accidents on a motorbike is falling over whilst turning a corner" is an absolute load of cobblers!

They've obviously not done much research. . . or they're using this statement to convince buyers that this is just what they need!

Interesting concept though...but its hardly a motorbike - more a plaything!

[Gavinm]

I don't think its going to have the motorcycle companies running scared but it looks like it could fill a gap between bikes and Smart cars. The giro technology is fascinating but agree with all above that it would just be really weird going around a corner upright so must only work for low speeds.

Would be interesting if the technology can eventually be miniaturised. It would be useful in large bikes, imagine a big gold wing stopping and just sitting upright. It would certainly make the slow speed stuff you have do in our driving tests a piece of cake if the bike just stayed upright by itself and of course it would look totally weird when you pull up at the lights and just sit with your feet on the pegs.

[Beach]

Hmmmmm..... Interesting concept with a lot of claims and aspirations. I will believe it when I see production models rolling out of a factory.

From what I can see it doesn't have much in the way of practicality such as luggage space, to win over its target market. Most will simply opt for a small fuel efficient car.

At $19,000 or even $24,000 each, they will need to sell a lot of units and have a lot of capital behind them before they gross dollar one.

The cost of compliance alone, for many countries will mean it won't sell very far from its country of origin.

Quite a few vehicle manufacturers (two and four wheels) have gone broke before they get close a steady production run.