Being “Earth-friendly” may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about the traditionally outlaw, octane-fueled, badass culture of motorcycles. But today a growing number of established motorcycle companies––as well as some aggressive start-ups––are investing heavily in “green” technologies.
This drive toward bikes with a lower “carbon footprint” is coming from two sources: government regulators and consumer demand.
For decades, the U.S. government has been far less concerned with motorcycle pollution than it’s been with emissions from cars, trucks and vans. This is changing. In 2004, California set new standards for motorcycle hydrocarbon and nitrogen oxide emissions, permitting a maximum of just 0.8 grams per kilometer, down from between 5.0 and 14.0 grams per kilometer (depending on engine size). And because the state is the largest single market for vehicles of any kind, as California goes, so goes the nation. In 2005, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) enacted regulations requiring motorcycle manufacturers to cut their products’ emissions by 50%. Increasing pressure from Europe (where motorcycles are even more popular than they are in the U.S.) and even the United Nations’ World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations is forcing bike makers to find innovative ways to reduce engine pollution while increasing efficiency.
Recent innovations you can look for in local motorcycle showrooms include:
- Japan’s Honda Motors is working on a new “idling stop system” that shuts a bike’s motor off when it’s idling at stoplights or railroad crossing, thus lowering fuel consumption (and emissions).
- Intelligent Design of Britain has developed a motorcycle powered by a detachable hydrogen fuel cell. Called an Emissions Neutral Vehicle (ENV), it should arrive in American and European showrooms early next decade.
- Brammo of Ashland, Oregon, is preparing to market the Enertia, an electric motorcycle with a top speed of 30 m.p.h. and a range of 45 miles.
- Hayes Diversified Technologies of Hesperia, California, now markets a diesel-burning version of the Kawasaki KLR that’s been used for years by the United States Marine Corps.
- Zero Motorcycles of Scotts Valley, California, offers a variety of dirt and street bikes powered only by electricity. (Even Jay Leno has one!)
Get Your Motorcycle Technology Training at WyoTech - Daytona Beach
Maintaining the motorcycles of today––and tomorrow––takes knowledge, skill and experience. And you can get all three at WyoTech - Daytona Beach.
With the city’s annual Bike Week and Biketoberfest festivals drawing tens of thousands of enthusiasts every year, Daytona Beach is a year-round paradise for motorcycle fanatics. And, WyoTech - Daytona Beach offers some of the best instructors, training facilities and motorcycle maintenance and repair programs anywhere.
Put yourself on the cutting edge! Contact WyoTech - Daytona Beach today to learn more about our Motorcycle Technology career training programs.
*Financial aid available for those who qualify.
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