SoylentNews is people
SoylentNews
from the I'm-sure-I-parked-it-around-here-somewhere dept.
DARPA is developing a hybrid-powered motorcycle to soundlessly penetrate remote areas and execute complex, lightning-fast raids. The idea is to develop a hybrid power system that relies on both electric and gas power, allowing special ops to go off-road and zip past enemy forces with the silence of an electric engine, while also being able to handle extended missions and higher speeds with a supplemental gas tank. "Quieted, all-wheel-drive capability at extended range in a lightweight, rugged, single-track vehicle could support the successful operations of U.S. expeditionary and special forces in extreme terrain conditions and contested environments," says Wade Pulliam of Logos Technologies which was awarded a contract for a preliminary design to see just how viable the project is. "With a growing need to operate small units far from logistical support, the military may increasingly rely on adaptable, efficient technologies like this hybrid-electric motorcycle."
Logos plans to fit its quieted, multifuel hybrid-electric power system with an all-electric bike from San Francisco-based manufacturer BRD Motorcycles that uses an existing (and what BRD calls "barely legal") racing bike, the RedShift MX, a 250-pound all-electric moto that retails for $15,000. The RedShift MX has a two hour range, but will be extended with a gas tank the size of which will be determined by the military in the research period. The focus on the electric element suggests that DARPA is more concerned with the stealthiness of the motorcycle than it is efficiency. "The team is excited to have such a mature, capable system from which to build, allowing an accelerated development cycle that could not be achieved otherwise," says Pulliam.
(Score: 3, Interesting) by SlimmPickens on Sunday April 27 2014, @07:27AM
I was seriously looking at the nice electric bikes from zero motorcycles but the range killed it, I knew I would go on a lot of long rides. I'm glad I went the 2014 ninja 650L, except for some build issues it's the perfect bike for me.
These BRD bikes look very nice though. I'm sure I'd be pleased with AWD hybrid electric bike.
(Score: 3, Funny) by Bartman12345 on Sunday April 27 2014, @07:47AM
I wouldn't mind getting an electric motorcycle, but I think I would miss the noise of the engine... it adds quite a lot to the experience.
Perhaps I could do what we did as kids, and attach a playing card between the spokes of the wheels with a clothes peg. A cheap way to get some authentic engine noise, and maintain your street cred.
(Score: 5, Insightful) by gidds on Sunday April 27 2014, @09:44AM
Yes -- it also adds quite a lot to the 'experience' of anyone who lives near you or your route...
(Sorry to be That Guy. But a few people round my way seem to think that owning two wheels instead of four somehow obligates them to make as much noise and disturbance as possible. I'm sure that doesn't apply to all bikers, of course, but it doesn't take many to make life miserable.)
[sig redacted]
(Score: 5, Interesting) by Nerdfest on Sunday April 27 2014, @02:35PM
I ride, and I'm "that guy" too. The "Hardly" crowd that seems to think a motorcycle's purpose is to convert fuel to sound are unbearable to ride near, much less live near. Some of the sport bikes really push it at high RPMs as well. You can hear them for miles.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Sunday April 27 2014, @03:45PM
Sing it, brother.
(Score: 2) by starcraftsicko on Sunday April 27 2014, @08:42PM
But the correct term for those few people 'round your way, and in fact for an alarming percentage of the 'cycle riding persons, is 'fag'. You may feel that it is a neologism [wikipedia.org], but the term is the most appropriate I have found.
See here [youtube.com].
and here [youtube.com].
and finally here [southparkstudios.com].
I propose that the new silence technology be made mandatory.
This post was created with recycled electrons.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Monday April 28 2014, @04:41PM
How would you know that? Do bikers fuck your ass too often?
(Score: 1) by hoochiecoochieman on Monday April 28 2014, @04:37PM
Not that much, really. Beyond a certain speed you can't hear shit because of the wind against the helmet.
If I could find an electrical motorcycle with decent power, range and price, I'd buy it. It doesn't exist yet, but it will, eventually.