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New, Safer, Motorcycle - Genesis |
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File under Safety Special-Bikes
Author: Mike Werner
Location: Normandy, France
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In the UK, a small British company called Genesis Motorcycles, is producing a safer motorcycle/scooter. As we all know, riding a motorcycle is fun, but dangerous. Due to increasing oil prices and mega traffic jams, many commuters are taking to powered two wheels. Many don't bother with training, nor have the spirit or ability to properly ride a motorcycle.
So, there are many deaths on the road. Unfortunately, this has repercussions on us motorcycle riders; higher insurance premiums and stricter laws !
In comes the Genesis Mark III. Using a shell like approach, the Genesis prototype is currently based on a Suzuki 650 cc engine, achieving 80-100 mpg !
The engine is placed in the rear, not in the middle. Since it's equipped with a shell, you require no special clothing. It's heated, so no need to wear a coat.
The rider is seated in a proper seat, attached to a three point seat belt. The fuel tanks are protected, and give you a 400 mile range.
So the advantages of a Genesis like motorcycle are obvious to the "business" rider, who is commuting from the burbs into town for business: - You can filter through traffic, hence saving time.
- You're protected from typical motorcycle accidents
- You use less fuel than with a car
- You don't need special clothes, helmets (depending on countries), etc.
The idea is not new. BMW had released the C1, but withdrew it. Other manufacturers use scooter platforms to put a shell over it. The difference with Genesis is that is has been built from the ground up.
In the UK, several authorities and universities have expressed an interest in the vehicle. Genesis is also into the next round of the Michelin Challenge Design in the USA.
Genesis does not have a website (yet), but if there's an interest, let me know, and I'll pass it along.
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