The Fork In The Road

‘Robotics are playing an increasing role is many aspects of our lives, but it’s hard tosee how some of the latest technologies are going to be applicable to bikes.’ Design guru Glynn Kerr discusses this ticklish issue.

- Glynn Kerr

FOR YEARS, I’VE been labouring the point that motorcycle design and technology follow those of cars; and often with a lag of many years. The finances of the motorcycle industry are peanuts compared to the automobile world, which is why for many years the two arguably most innovative two-wheeler companies are Honda and BMW. Both have car divisions that can bankroll their less profitable motorcycle siblings, and cross-pollinate a whole bunch of technology that they could otherwise simply not afford. It’s also why I was one of the few who openly applauded Audi’s takeover of Ducati. And me, a 916 owner, no less. Has Ducati lost its Italian flair in the interim, as everyone feared? Nope. But their financial future is certainly more secure.

Well, despite this inspired wisdom on motorcycle hand-me-downs, things might be about to change. Road transport is at a turning point, after which cars are going to be very different beasts from the ones we’ve grown up with. Some of the latest car design studies have no windows, because nobody will need to see where they’re going (although I bet the occupants will still want to look at the scenery occasionally). A few interiors offer swivelling seats around a central table, so the occupants can have a business meeting, or share in a friendly family environment while hurtling down the freeway. One recent BMW study featured bookshelves no less, illustrating the company’s confidence in accident-free autonomous motoring. There’s nothing like a few hefty tomes flying through the air to liven up the experience of a frontal collision.