Motorcycle riding on monster wheels is a Batcycle on steroid ready to steamroll anything that lies ahead

If ever the Gotham City vigilante desired for an upgrade to the Batcycle (or Batpod if I may) this would be it. The crazy DIY project by a bunch of friends from North Idaho, who’ve built unique automotive projects in the past, is something that’ll spark your instinct for dominance.

Starting their journey with hobby builds on YouTube, the dudes have now amassed millions of views courtesy of their out-of-the-box creations. Their previous builds include the world’s fastest snow bike, 100 HP jet boat, off-road Tesla Model 3 and a crazy fast shopping trolley.

Designer: Grind Hard Plumbing

Their latest exploration is a monstrous bike that looks like the love child of a monster bike and a powerful motorcycle. The power on this one comes from a KTM 1190 Adventure V-twin motor, riding on 46-inch monster truck wheels fitted with mud tires and actuated by a hydraulic steering wheel. Everything on this naked machine is kept together with a stellar trellis frame and those gigantic tires turn as intended (with some effort in standing position) with the pair of single-sided swingarms suspended from the wheels.

Label it as a Batcycle or maybe a Mad Max-style apocalyptic two-wheeler, the machine is built purely for entertainment purposes by the crazy pals. For that, the lay-back position of the chopper makes sure you don’t flex any muscles unwantedly to land in trouble with painful cramps. Turning this monster is not going to be something usual due to the huge size of the front wheel, so the team fitted it with a hydraulic steering system and a drive piston controlled by the handlebar to provide the needed leverage. Even with this assist, the bike seems like a handful while turning!

If you notice closely there is a certain lag from the time when the steering is turned and the wheels actually turn. A gamer would instantly refer to that as latency in the real world. From what we see, the machine is darn hard to control and maybe with some more subtle additions and tweaking it’ll get close to a normal motorcycle. Of course, the project is ongoing and we’re eager to see the monster chopper in action someday with silky smooth steering input and control mechanism.

 

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MIT researchers developing open source hydrogen powered motorcycle for other developers to improve on

Electric battery-powered vehicles might seem the future but in the long run, they are harmful to the environment in their wicked way. The next best thing is the hydrogen-powered drivetrain and many automotive manufacturers are already exploring the possibility. Sure, the cost of such vehicles is not practical enough to go mainstream, still, constant innovations in technology are getting things closer to fruition.

MIT’s electric vehicle team is also exploring the possibility with their hydrogen-powered electric motorcycle prototype. The two-wheeler uses a new hydrogen-based testbed and is open source for other proactive automotive developers to test out as the files are available online. Led by Aditya Mehrotra, a graduate student working with mechanical engineering professor Alex Slocum, the Walter M. May and A. Hazel May Chair in Emerging Technologies, the project aims to take clean energy alternatives to the next level with innovation.

Designer: MIT

According to Aditya, “We’re hoping to use this project as a chance to start conversations around ‘small hydrogen’ systems that could increase demand, which could lead to the development of more infrastructure.” The team took a 1999  Ducati Supersport donor motorcycle frame as the basis and fitted an electric motor, drive train, hydrogen tank and other custom-made components to develop the design. Some components were donated by industry sponsors and the two-wheeler took shape over the period of one year.

The heart of the system is a fuel cell developed by South Korean company Doosan and it’s mated to the supporting gas cylinder for drawing energy. Until the drivetrain is fully developed the bike runs on this hybrid system. The bike is still in the early stages of development and is going to be purely a concept of proof for other designs to follow. To this accord, the team is mindful enough to create a handbook detailing the process of development and fail-safes in case anything goes wrong.

This is important because “a lot of the technology development for hydrogen is either done in simulation or is still in the prototype stages because developing it is expensive, and it’s difficult to test these kinds of systems,” as per one of the team members. There have been previous efforts to develop such hydrogen-powered vehicles but nothing that’s completely open-source like this one. The project is an ongoing endeavor until the cost of the fuel cell is made commercially viable.

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Joyce’90 electric bike with integrated boombox and pop-up headlights comes in peppy design

If the micro-mobility market was looking for an evolution that Gen-Z would love, it’s right now. That’s because TOZZ has just revealed its new hip electric motorbike. This is the Joyce’90 by the sub-culture brand based in Istanbul that’s known for its e-mobility solutions for the young generation that doesn’t follow anything mainstream.

Smart design with sustainable production is their niche and durable construction is their forte. All these attributes are reflected in the Joyce’90 e-bike that shines with its peculiar pop-up headlights. The interesting USP of the electric motorcycle is the integrated Bluetooth boombox, because why not?

Designer: TOZZ

At first glance, you’ll notice the reminiscences of 90s cross bikes (maybe that’s where the name is derived from) and grand tourers. As expected, the body is as tough as a bull and draped in trending color decals, and we can safely say, that millennials will hit the skip button here. Coming on to the hip youngsters who’ll fancy this ride, the 150W 2.1 boombox hides in the body to get the party started anywhere, anytime.

On the performance front, the electric bike reaches a maximum speed of 45 km/h but the company plans to limit it to 25 km/h and 250W output in the European countries to keep up with the regulations. The base battery capacity of the e-bike is 45 km but an upgraded battery pack can be fitted to increase it by double to 90 km. The ride currently in the prototype stage will ultimately be licensed as a pedelec so that it can be driven in the bike lanes in the region. When the electric bike will be available in other parts of the world?

Joyce’90 will be available for pre-order this month and deliveries can be expected soon. The price and availability of the e-bike will be revealed in the coming days on the website and social media channels.

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EyeLights Rocket One is a futuristic high-performance electric motorcycle with a fighter jet-like HUD

Building a winning motorbike design pretty much always starts off with a well-thought-out concept blueprint. However, taking it to the prototyping stage takes a lot of input. After all, barely a handful of concept designs make it past the blueprint stage and onto to the real deal.

The EyeLights Rocket One is one such successful example of a bike design done right. In fact, it took just three months to take it from a mere sketch to a working prototype. Alan Derosier, the lead designer of this augmented reality-assisted motorbike created for EyeLights SAS, managed to strike the right balance between form and function.

Designer: Alan Derosier

The Rocket One electric bike made its inaugural real-life presence at EICMA 2023 which is not surprising. According to Alan, the bike’s initial design revolved around fine-tuning the proportions and silhouettes. Then the masses and refining of the surfaces was done. That approach is pretty similar to how cars are designed. The result is a performance-oriented ride that houses huge batteries for power delivery and a respectable range.

This powerful bike has the apparent influences of the Lotus bikes, but we dare not call it a copy by any stretch of the imagination. The bike can go from 0-100km/h in just 2.6 seconds, and 1200 Nm of torque on the rear wheel produces 180 horsepower for stunning performance for an electric bike. Add to the mix a more than 400 km of range on a single charge. That is attributed to the large batteries hiding in that sleek body.

While the form factor is something to behold, the real deal is its futuristic augmented reality-aided navigation system. That comes as no surprise as EyeLights specializes in AR applications, and the Rocket One adapts its technologies from what fighter jet pilots use. The HUD of the accompanying helmet has a cluster of vital information displayed in the field of view of the rider.

For now, the bike is on the waiting list for interested buyers and we hope it doesn’t take forever to actually be available for purchase.

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Self-balancing Yamaha bike recognizes it’s owner, parks autonomously by deploying the kickstand

Japan Mobility Show 2023 is going to host some of the best automotive technology out there, and Yamaha has already got us excited. They’ve upgraded the MOTOROiD experimental bike to a newer improved version loaded with a set of cool features you’d expect to see in a futuristic vehicle. The bike will debut at the show along with five other vehicles that we’re sure are going to be equally exciting.

The smart electric bike employs artificial intelligence and loads of other modern automotive technology to stand out from others in the competition. This self-operating bike is capable of parking itself, and also recognizing its approaching owner to prepare for the next ride in the city. These features come courtesy of the Active Mass Center Control System (AMCES) and facial recognition tech.

Designer: Yamaha Motor

MOTOROiD2 is a self-balancing motorbike that deploys the kickstand when it’s time to park, and that too is automated for the rider’s delight. Yamaha is planning to add a unique feature that allows the bike to move alongside the owner, just like a drone follows you at a precise set distance. Another interesting upgrade in the upcoming model (or most probably this one) will be the ability to tilt autonomously during tight cornering. The hub motor suspended from the swingarm runs up to a motorized, pivoting mount point under the saddle, giving the entire swingarm and rear wheel freedom to move back and forth. This means the MOTOROiD2’s suspension system effectively tilts independently of the rest of the bike.

The futuristic motorbike has a very lean body structure with the front shaped like an Amorphous alien form. The industrial design influence of the bike is evident from the copper highlights contrasted with the steel and white body paint. Adding to the flair is the color-changing mood lighting that runs across the front section of the ride. That whole saddle running right through to the handlebar can be pushed up to create a dynamic look, but then you can’t hop on and ride at the same time!

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BMW R 18 The Crown celebrates BMW Motorrad’s 100th anniversary in classic steampunk theme

It’s been a century-long since BMW Motorrad first released a motorbike and the journey continues. Now, German motorcycle builder Dirk Oehlerking has crafted a breathtaking masterpiece paying homage to the brand’s rich heritage and commemorating 100 years of innovation and craftsmanship.

Dubbed “BMW R 18 The Crown” the deeply low-slung build exudes a regal presence, seamlessly blending classic aesthetics with modern inclusions. It is in fact inspired by the industrial culture and the proximity to industry and crafts.” That completely reflects in the exquisite handmade leather seat, premium paintwork, and meticulously crafted details showcase the exceptional attention to detail by the owner of Kingston Custom.

Designer: Dirk Oehlerking

The BMW R 18 Crown combines the timeless elegance of the R 18 series with exclusive design elements and advanced engineering. Yes, that’s the same R 18 that is the favorite canvas for motorheads to improvise on. Take for example the Spirit of Passion created by Dirk back in 2021. This time though the donor R 18 is completely unrecognizable adorned in a steampunkish attire.

The elongated body frame is complemented by a gold-plated radiator cover, pinstriping accents, and a hand-painted crown emblem, symbolizing the pinnacle of BMW Motorrad’s legacy. That explains the small crown on top of the BMW logo on the bodywork, and I’m not sure if purists will appreciate the inclusion!

Underneath the majestic exterior, the BMW R 18 Crown boasts a 1.8-liter Big Boxer air-cooled flat twin engine, delivering 116 pound-feet of torque and 91 horsepower. The massive torque output ensures effortless acceleration for an unforgettable riding experience given it’s so close to the tarmac. Not to miss the deep, resonant sound when the engine is fired up echoing German marque’s relentless engineering prowess.

This R 18 Crown comes with the backing of advanced technology and a refined suspension system, to bring comfort and handling precision, so that riders can conquer freeways and winding roads with ease. For this build, Oehlerking goes for a double-sided swingarm and central suspension strut.

The front end has received the maximum facelift in the form of a classic bike glare and there’s no fork to hold it in place. The powertrain is concealed under the thick Champagne Platinum bodywork that hugs the pair of handcrafted stainless steel exhaust manifolds. The 8-liter fuel tank is visually inseparable from the body and is followed by the aluminum seat that looks a bit uncomfortable for long hauls.

The BMW R 18 Crown is more than just a motorcycle; it represents a century of BMW Motorrad’s passion for innovation and design excellence. With its captivating aesthetics, impressive performance, and limited-edition status, the R 18 Crown becomes a prized possession for motorcycle enthusiasts and collectors alike!

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Cyberpunk worthy electric bike conceptualized in upbeat metallic body frame hues

Motorbikes as future ideation have always been the favorite canvas for concept designers to explore with freedom. From the wide array of two-wheeler designs one can think of, a futuristic machine is what gets motorheads’ heart racing.

The Ayra bike is a prime example of a ride with the DNA of a city bike and performance racer on steroids that can take on any road legal machine in a straight line dash for glory. The invincible character reflected in the aerodynamically tuned build is what sets this racing machine apart from the ordinary.

Designer: Radka Zvarova

Robust monoshock swingarm setup on the rear and the front maintains the structural integrity of the bike while lowering the stance for a more reassuring ride setup. The wide apart wheelbase distributes the weight of the machine in a delicate balancing act of automotive engineering.

Handlebars are integrated into the main unit to decrease the sideways air drag and not strain Ayra’s electric motor any more than desired. That’s presuming it is fed by a powerful electric motor since Radka doesn’t make any mention of the powertrain of this motorbike. Going by the design layout here, in all probability the central unit houses the compact electric motor that can be charged via a fast charging unit.

The Cyberpunk appeal of the motorbike is something to behold here, given the extent to which the front stretches in this concept. That should make the Ayra highly maneuverable at chicanes, in a way, juxtaposing it with the flavor of a café racer. The headlights adopt a hunter-eyes-like stance, similar to a wild cat crouching down to pounce on its prey unaware.

Decals and graphics have a minimalist geometric presence in a contrasting mono-color that complements the polished metal body frame. There are quite a few classy color options to choose from that are primarily targeted toward the young crowd. So, who wants Ayra to come to life someday?

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This monstrous nuclear-powered bike is teleported from an unknown realm

When the Akira bike from Cyberpunk world, Acree the wonder Transformers two-wheeler and the legendary Tron motorcycle are mashed up into one the result is destined to be special.

Forget electric motors, hydrogen-powered fuel cells or hybrid engine technologies – this nuclear energy-driven concept beats them all – setting the tone for a dystopian world where AI has evolved to dominate humans for supremacy.

Designer: Sadegh Faramarzii

Called the Nuke Tactical Superbike, this intimidating ride is built for the kill. Not to be mistaken for a future Predator movie plot, this monster is not for the faint-hearted. Clocking more than 100 miles per hour on this one should be a walk in the park, thanks to the wide stance and big chunky set of three wheels. No, this s not a trike by any stretch of the imagination, since all those three wheels are aligned in a straight line. Especially the two adjacent wheels on the rear.

There’s yet another version that has just two wheels, but this one has a bigger engine, reinforced swingarm and beefy suspension. The cruiser bike persona of this Nuclear-powered machine is meant for long hauls on the freeway, outside the city limits. Sadegh pictures this low-slung motorcycle with a very chiseled muscular body, exposing the mechanical elements for elusive sex appeal.

That mighty engine driving the front wheels has exhausts on one side. It’s like a tank on two wheels, but with more top speed. I can’t help but relate this nuclear-powered bike to the Optimus Prime whenever I lay my eyes on the headlights from the front profile. Nor can I deny how cool a LEGO version of this monster on two wheels would be.

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A literal Café Racer with integrated coffee grinder harnesses dissipates engine heat to brew cup of joe

Biking and enjoying a cup of coffee on destination unknowns has a deep connection. The whole experience of riding non-stop for miles only to relax at the nearest town’s most popular café. Well, that’s the adventurous life of some lucky riders who live life as free as a bird.

To enhance their experience of biking and enjoying a piping hot cup of coffee en route to new destinations, a concept gives all motorheads another excuse to hit the freeways. A Café Racer in its true sense!

Designer: You-Hao Wu

In the automotive design arena where herd behavior of mustering up electric bike concepts is a proven formula for garnering attention, Wu takes a detour with a gasoline-powered bike that has a detachable coffee grinder, secured water tank and dedicated storage section for a portable coffee pot. No this isn’t some stale April Fool’s Day joke, but a concept dedicated to the spirit of biking and satisfying the craving of drinking coffee.

The idea of an integrated coffee grinder seems absurd but the more one thinks about it, ever so probable it seems. The dissipated heat from the growling engine is put to good use for heating up the water and brewing the perfect cup of joe – just when you’ve clocked hundreds of miles, looking for a quick coffee break. With Cafe Racer, there’s no need to search for the nearest café, it’s right there – anytime, anywhere!

A café racer in the true sense, the concept motorcycle is a convenient and practical solution for riders who deem hot coffee as their holy grail. Fitting in such a complex coffee-making mechanism doesn’t in any way hinder the riding position or weight balance of the Café Racer. The designer imagines the bike in two color options – light brown with cream and black with silver. I prefer the former because of the whole theme – remember it’s centered around brewing your own cup of coffee.

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This shape-shifting electric bike for short riders gets translucent body frame to expose the innards

To what extent can a bike design be evolved when already thousands of iterations dot the roads, and the hyper-realistic concept design world? It can be more aerodynamic optimized for wind tunnel tests, have a better visual balance, or maybe have sharper aesthetics for dominant road presence. Perhaps a shape-shifting aesthetic is something that has not been seen much in design evolution.

This is where the ATHENAS superbike draws inspiration from but for a niche set of users. Passionate bikers who at times cannot drive the best machines out there because of their short height. As crazy as that might sound, this electric motorcycle concept imagines such a set of wheels.

Designer: Zhengxuan Xie

ATHENA electric bike proposed for the year highlights the power of one’s inside values rather than the outside personality – thereby eliminating the jinx of superbike designs that are targeted at average height users. The mood board by Zhengxuan revolves around the “Power Inside” and transparency in thoughts. Hence, the translucent design of the electric bike, that in a way reminds me of the newly launched Nothing Ear (2).

For a neutral user, the translucent material signifies the strength of the outer contour when viewed from a distance, and when the bike approaches proximity the visible mechanical parts reflect the power of inside intelligence. The highlight feature of the ATHENA is its shape-shifting ability to raise or lower the whole saddle section. Now only this, the whole module can be swapped with another one depending on the driving position and personal preference.

A cool inclusion comes in the form of a graphic animation on the tank section for Start/Stop action or the representation of low-speed or high-speed in blue or red hues. For nerds, the bike’s specifications are impressive since it’s loaded with a 17.7kWh battery of 51mAh capacity. The 348-volt electric motor feeds the rear wheels for 850nm of peak torque.

It goes without saying the bike’s visual appeal is luring and makes me wonder if a future Tesla superbike could adopt such a form factor.

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