When does a motorcycle NOT become a motorcycle?

[DevilsFan]

We're having this debate on the Honda site. With the CTX, for example, it comes with the DCT or manual transmission. (I have the manual because I just wasn't ready or sold on the DCT yet...although it's been tough as nails so far.)

Anyway, we're debating when technology advances a motorcycle so significantly that a "Rider" no longer has to do much to "ride". In this case we're talking about Honda's new concept that's been patented, but not released on any motorcycle yet, called the Rider Assist Technology. It self-balances a motorcycle by the use of a computer. This allows the motorcycle to avoid wobbling at slower speeds.

http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/ ... om20170105

There's a few of us that are not in line with this thinking as it starts to take away from the motorcycle experience...like being a little dangerous. So, thought I'd get your takes on this. When does technology change something to where you just can't call it what it once was anymore?


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[navigator]

When you can put a leash on it and walk it like a dog, it ceases to be a motorcycle.

Would you hop on the back if you called Uber for a ride and they sent one of these under their driverless vehicle program?

[old time rider]

If it has six cly and a reverse its a dam car! Just joking.
Two of my most fun bikes were my two SR 500 Yamaha's.One cly,kick start only, and you had to line up a pointer in a small glass on top the motor with the kicker before giving it a good strong kick.Chain drive and simple locknut valve adjustments. A big one cly IMO just feels so back to basics and flint stone and FUN,a motorcycle pure and simple!

[Tbeck]

If you are on 2 motorized wheels and face in the breeze, what difference does it make if the manufacturer added safety features?
Put another way; I ride a boatload of miles each year, more than many. Does that mean others who ride less are not riders?
I say if that technology allows someone who would otherwise be unable or unwilling to do so, great.

On another note, that technology is going to do great stuff for prosthetic development.

[Herb]

If you are on 2 motorized wheels and face in the breeze, what difference does it make if the manufacturer added safety features?
Put another way; I ride a boatload of miles each year, more than many. Does that mean others who ride less are not riders?
I say if that technology allows someone who would otherwise be unable or unwilling to do so, great.

On another note, that technology is going to do great stuff for prosthetic development.

I agree with you, with the caveat that the rider is basically in control, otherwise the rider is just riding bitch. [emoji2]

[BlacktopTravelr]

I agree with you, with the caveat that the rider is basically in control, otherwise the rider is just riding bitch. [emoji2]

You say that like riding bitch is a bad thing.

[jonnycando]

The problem with this much wizardry is not how it affects we who CAN ride, it's that it's going to put people on bikes that have no business being there!

[Herb]

The problem with this much wizardry is not how it affects we who CAN ride, it's that it's going to put people on bikes that have no business being there!

Suppose pinky T could learn to ride one of these?

[Herb]

I agree with you, with the caveat that the rider is basically in control, otherwise the rider is just riding bitch. [emoji2]

You say that like riding bitch is a bad thing.

It isn't, if you are a bitch.

[Cuban]

When does a motorcycle NOT become a motorcycle?

[emoji2] The machine must have two inline wheels, but ONLY two. A single track vehicle. A motorcycle with a detachable side car still counts though.

[Suzuki Johnny]

motorcycle
noun
1.
a motor vehicle similar to a bicycle but usually larger and heavier, chiefly for one rider but sometimes having two saddles or an attached sidecar for passengers.

NOUN

A two-wheeled vehicle that is powered by a motor and has no pedals.


Legal definition of motorcycle
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The legal definition of a motorcycle for the purposes of registration, taxation and rider licensing in most countries is a powered two-wheel motor vehicle. Most countries distinguish between mopeds up to 49 cc (scooters do not count as a separate category) and the more powerful, larger, vehicles known as motorcycles. Many jurisdictions include some forms of three-wheelers as motorcycles.

In Canada and the United States[4] three-wheeled motor vehicles fall under the auspices of motorcycle regulations. The laws and regulations for legal moped usage in the U.S. vary by state.[5]

In the United States, licensing requirements vary widely among the states and territories, but generally riders are required to pass written and practical (on-cycle) competency tests. In about half the states, successful completion of a rider education course (such as those offered by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation) is accepted by state licensing agencies in lieu of examination. The specifics of the motorcycle and moped laws in the U.S. can be obtained from each individual state's Department of Motor Vehicles website.

Definition of “motorcycle” - English Dictionary
motorcycle
noun [ C ] US ​ /ˈmoʊ·t̬ərˌsɑɪ·kəl/
​a two-wheeled vehicle powered by an engine


motorcycle
Also found in: Thesaurus, Medical, Acronyms, Encyclopedia, Wikipedia.
mo·tor·cy·cle (mō′tər-sī′kəl)
n.
A two-wheeled motor vehicle resembling a heavy bicycle, sometimes having a sidecar with a third wheel.


motorcycle (ˈməʊtəˌsaɪkəl)
motorbike a two-wheeled vehicle, having a stronger frame than a bicycle, that is driven by a petrol engine, usually with a capacity of between 125 cc and 1000 cc

n., v. -cled, -cling. n.
1. a motor vehicle resembling a bicycle but larger and heavier, chiefly for one rider but sometimes having two saddles or a sidecar for passengers.
v.i.
2. to ride on a motorcycle.
[1895–1900]
mo′tor•cy`clist, n.

motorcycle
Thesaurus

Noun 1. motorcycle - a motor vehicle with two wheels and a strong frame motorcycle - a motor vehicle with two wheels and a strong frame
bike

dirt bike, trail bike, scrambler - a lightweight motorcycle equipped with rugged tires and suspension; an off-road motorcycle designed for riding cross country or over unpaved ground




I guess it remains as to what country you're living in to find a suitable definition of a "Motorcycle"..

But since we are defining our own views.......here's my take on it

If you are able to "climb on" the vehicle without opening an attached door or canopy and it puts your knees in the breeze
then I would call that riding a motorcycle...
now we can all debate the age old question about trikes or three wheelers whether they are considered true motorcycles
...but they been around for a while and folks been riding them for decades... [emoji106]

[old time rider]

Bruce said"It's a chopper baby!"

[Lechy]

When riding becomes boring instead of fun.
[emoji41]

[JFL Live]

It self-balances a motorcycle by the use of a computer. This allows the motorcycle to avoid wobbling at slower speeds.

I'm surprised Harley didn't come up with that...

[RoadKing]

When the snow and ice are gone, and I live that long, I'll again throw my leg over my scooter and it will never cease being a motorcycle and what others call a motorcycle will be irrelevant.

[SuzyRidr2]

As the rider of an old 2001 VL1500 and proud member of the less than 3,000 miles annually club, I look at most of this high tech stuff as things that would be nice to have but not necessary for what I do. I read about engine modes, stability control, inertial measurement units, hill hold control, automatic slipper clutches, reactive cornering lights and my eyes glaze over. Hell, I'd consider ABS to be cutting edge if I had it and it's been on motorcycles, what, 20 years?

[BlacktopTravelr]

I want to know how it stays upright?

[old time rider]

Just got in from a little ride.First in four days! A little slip and slide getting to the black top in the snow.Thought the nice cool 32 would pop the old IA member name back in but still a blank. Going back up to low 40s and even higher rest of week for highs so life good again!

[jonnycando]

I want to know how it stays upright?

Gyroscopes....the same thing that makes autopilot work in an airplane.

[Sandmanrrr]

people on bikes that have no business being there!

That is a huge concern