The Near Future

A very new (and now in production) is the Alligator A6 (A6 = 6th Generation), built by Dan Gurney, an American driving legend, the Alligator is built around the benefits of its main principle: a low center of gravity. Before you start to snicker or laugh at the looks, read this:

When Cycle World tested an A6, its 0-30-mph time of just 1.1 second turned out to be quicker than any streetbike the magazine has ever tested!

How about the low center of gravity on braking? Just as impressive was the A6's braking performance, stopping from 60 mph in just 114 feet, nine feet shorter than the radial-mount brakes slow Kawasaki's new ZX-6R.

When Cycle World tested an A6, its 0-30-mph time of just 1.1 second turned out to be quicker than any streetbike the magazine has ever tested!

Eddie Lawson quotes: "It's pretty amazing in this day and age that you can build something unique and that hasn't already been done," Lawson continues. "I enjoy it because I can get on a motorcycle and it's different and it's fun." and yes, he purchased an Alligator A6 for himself.

So, thank you Dan Gurney for living your dream, and quite possibly revolutionizing the motorcycle industry at the same time.

With gas and oil prices going through the roof and supplies of the non-renewable resource getting lower everyday motorcycles should continue to grow in demand. Today most of us ride motorcycles in North America for fun or as a hobby but it is not this way in other parts of the world. Even in first world countries (like the UK) people are riding them due to the savings in gas, oil, insurance over other vechicles and even riding them year round. Will that happen here as well? Yes, and probably sooner rather than later. As I write this, gas is over $2.10US a gallon in the U.S.A, and here in Canada (I'm Canadian BTW) we are paying up wards of 91 cents a litre! Last year it was 33% less (in both Countries).

So there is a greater need for motorcycles than ever before, but what will they evolve into?

Updated: September 24, 2003:

Revealed at 2003 Milan Motorcycle Expo: Kawasaki ZZR-X

"Probably the most radical machine of the show has yet to turn a wheel under its own power. The ZZR-X is Kawasaki's forward-looking concept bike that combines advanced technology, super-sport potential and touring capability. "This is the ultimate high-speed tourer,” reads the Kawasaki press material. “The future of supersport touring."

The ZZR-X features hub-mounted steering that uses a two-pronged aluminum swingarm actuating a shock absorber instead of the ubiquitous telescopic fork. Handlebars sweep through the area that looks like a fuel tank; the actual tank is placed near the center of the bike. Perimeter rim-mounted disc brakes are fitted to both wheels.

Touring amenities include a shaft drive hidden inside the aluminum rear swingarm, an adjustable-rake, flip-up windscreen and a large storage area in front of the seat. Kawasaki doesn’t mention any details about the ZZR-X’s engine, but it’s safe to say there will be ample power if the bike is ever built. The rear seat cowl flips up into a backrest, probably to keep the passenger from flying off at 186 mph."

Updated: October 24, 2003:

Revealed at 2003 The Tokyo Motorshow : Suzuki G-Strider

Suzuki presented their G-Strider concept motorcycle, a cross between a scooter and a motorcycle. The two wheeler is powered by a 916 cc engine with automatic transmission.

Revealed at 2003 The Tokyo Motorshow : KTM

The new 990RC8 is a streetfighter type, with a 75° V2, 999.8 cc engine.

The seat is the fuel tank, giving this 175 kg (385 pounds) motorcycle a low center of gravity.

Top speed: 280 kilometers per hour ( 174 miles per hour)

Car manufacturers to make motorcycles?

Dodge introduced its Tomahawk V-10, 8.3-liter (505 cubic inch) concept motorcycle at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on January 6, 2003. The superbike features independent four-wheel suspension, and its engine, borrowed from the Viper sports car, can propel the Tomahawk at speeds of nearly 400 mph [sic], according to Dodge. REUTERS/Rebecca Cook

The 1,500-pound Tomahawk can reach 60 miles an hour in about 2.5 seconds, and has a theoretical top speed of 300 mph. Each pair of wheels is separated by a few inches and each wheel has an independent suspension. [Chrysler Chief Operating Officer Wolfgang] Bernhard said four wheels were necessary to handle the power from the engine.… Chrysler executives said while the chrome-draped Tomahawk was outlandish, they were seriously considering whether to build a few hundred at a price of at least $250,000 each.