Lit Motors

[MrH]

Anyone else following this company besides me?

http://litmotors.com/

Seems like a really cool concept.  2 wheels like a motorcycle, but balances using gyroscopes.  Steer by wire induces lean to get it to turn, but you actually have a cabin so you can drive it in the wet.

It'll probably be hilariously cautious in stability control programming, but I could see this being a really fun commuter.  I would totally consider buying one.  Electric power train and a totally different feeling to drive I'm sure.

Rumors are BMW and Apple are trying to buy them.  BMW just released a self balancing motorcycle concept, so there's talk that they want to acquire Lit Motors to help with it.

[giant_mtb]

I'm confused. A motorcycle already has two gyroscopes for balancing. When not in use, you put your foot or kickstand down. 

[Payman]

Yup I've been following it. Really cool. The concept goes back to the 1920's with the Monotrace. That machine had outriggers that deployed when you hit and hold the brake. Regular motorcycles only have the gyro stability effect when it's moving. Stationary the motorcycle will fall over if you don't put your legs down (duh). With the Lit, the internal gyros keep spinning when the machine is stopped, keeping it upright and steady. You only deploy the outriggers when you park and power it off.

[MrH]

Yeah.  The internal gyroscopes are then used to induce the lean and cause it to turn.  Really cool concept IMO

[Payman]

[12,000 RPM]

Concept has been around for a while

I like it. Depending on efficiency and fun, would consider one to replace the bike. Just dunno how robust/reliable those gyros are. Failure could go south FAST. Gyros on my bike now are much more predictable/reliable

[shp4man]

Interesting concept. Not a motorcycle, but interesting.

[giant_mtb]

Concept has been around for a while

I like it. Depending on efficiency and fun, would consider one to replace the bike. Just dunno how robust/reliable those gyros are. Failure could go south FAST. Gyros on my bike now are much more predictable/reliable

+1

Trains, buses, trucks, cars, OK

Keep that frou frou eco bullshit away from my brum brum.

[12,000 RPM]

I didn't realize this was electric. Yea never mind.

[Cookie Monster]

So... what's the point of this thing?

[giant_mtb]

So... what's the point of this thing?

Training wheels for people who want to "ride" a motorcycle.  That's what I see.

Otherwise...seems pointless.  Why pour all this money and tech into it?  Just give it 3 or 4 wheels and call it what it is...a little electric car thingie. 

[CaminoRacer]

If you look at it through the lens of improving car efficiency, it makes sense.

But it's not a motorcycle and will never replace a motorcycle. 

[MX793]

I consider nothing with a steering wheel and a chair-like seat to be a motorcycle.  This thing is a 2-wheeled automobile.

[MrH]

Yeah, it's a tiny two wheeled car that leans into turns.  Pretty cool if you ask me.

[giant_mtb]

Yeah, it's a tiny two wheeled car that leans into turns.  Pretty cool if you ask me.

CarSPIN Forums > Auto Talk > Motorcycles