Honda ' s tradition of pushing radical new ideas in motorcycling is being upheld with a new development project for a future three-motor electric bike and with the E-Clutch system that reaches showrooms in 2024 . Patent applications have emerged showing a development of the radical Riding Assist-e electric concept bike , ( which debuted in 2017 with computer-controlled steering and a variable steering head angle to change the wheelbase ), allowing it to balance itself even without a rider aboard . The new development of the idea takes the concept of rider assistance a step further by adopting as many as three electric motors - two powering the rear wheel and a third driving the front - to create an unprecedented level of computer assistance while leaving the rider in control . On the face of it , having two motors powering the rear wheel , with one chain final drive on each side , seems illogical . After all , the wheel is going to turn at the same speed as it would with one motor and chain driving it . But Honda isn ' t thinking about the drive that the motors provide - the focus here is on the influence that they have on the bike ' s balance . Both motors are mounted longitudinally but turn in opposite directions . Anyone who ' s ridden a boxer BMW , a Gold Wing or a V-twin Moto Guzzi will know that the torque reaction of a longitudinal engine will try to tilt the bike as you rev it , and that ' s exactly the effect that Honda is using here . In normal use , both rear motors work together and because they counterrotate , they cancel out each other ' s torque reaction . However , Honda envisages using that torque reaction , modulating the torque from the two motors to help the bike tip into corners faster and to stand it back up again on the way out of them . The left motor , turning clockwise , will tug the bike over to the left if used on its own . The torque from the right motor , turning

counter-clockwise , tilts the bike to the right . So , by juggling the torque from both , the electronics can influence the bike ' s lean angle . The third motor , mounted in the front wheel hub , uses the same phenomenon . With both wheels on the ground , it helps spread the total power output across the two tyres ,

making the most of their potential traction , but Honda also believes it will be useful under hard acceleration when the front wheel lifts . With the wheel in the air , reverse torque is used on the front motor , creating a reaction that tries to bring the nose back down again , allowing

' E-clutch reaches production '

the bike to accelerate faster without flipping over backwards . While that piece of drivetrain technology is clearly still years away , Honda ' s E-Clutch - introduced on the 2024 CB650R and CBR650R but likely to be adopted across many more bikes in years to come - will be available by the middle of next year . It ' s perhaps the simplest and cleverest attempt yet to make a semiautomatic transmission , using a computer-controlled servo motor to operate a completely standard clutch while retaining the normal barmounted

lever and cable operation , allowing it to be overridden at any time or switched off entirely if you ' d prefer conventional clutch operation . Adding just 2 kg to a bike ' s weight , the E-Clutch features two small electric motors and a set of reduction gears , all mounted inside the clutch cover and attached to the conventional clutch

linkage , allowing a normal cable or hydraulic clutch system to be retained . Pulling the bar-mounted lever overrides the electronics , leaving the rider in ultimate control , and gears are still shifted using the normal , mechanical left foot lever . When active , the E-Clutch is controlled by its own ECU , taking information from the bike ' s speed , revs , throttle position and gear position . A quickshifter-style load sensor on the gear linkage tells the system when you want to change ratios , and there are three settings - hard , medium and soft - to change how much pressure is needed on the manual gear shift before the clutch operates . Come to a halt and the clutch automatically dips to ensure the engine doesn ' t stall , and when the system is active pulling away from a standstill , it is simply a case of engaging first gear and opening the throttle . The E-Clutch does the rest , ensuring a smooth getaway and preventing any chance of a stall . Since the system is also tied into the engine ' s ride-by-wire throttles , the injection and the ignition , it promises to make up- and down-shifts faster and smoother , and an on-dash display will show if you ' re in too high a gear and should change down . Simpler , lighter and cheaper than Honda ' s DCT semi-auto gearbox , and able to be fitted to virtually any bike without major changes to the existing transmission and clutch , there ' s every chance that the E-Clutch will be offered across a huge part of Honda ' s range in years to come .

Finland based electric sport bike manufacturer Verge has been reshaping its senior leadership team as it chases international growth and stakes a claim to a place in the U . S . electric twowheel space . It has hired Haydn Baker as its new Chief Programme Officer . Baker ' s career has included senior roles at McLaren Automotive in the UK and at U . S . EV manufacturer Rivian . Former CFO at the British Aston Martin Lagonda set-up , Mark Wilson has been tasked with looking after the money at Verge .

BDN has reported that intercom maker Cardo has acquired the Austria based Pierer Mobility ( KTM etc .) linked Riser bike navigation app - giving Cardo access to navigation functions with expanded social media utilities . Cardo CEO Alon Lumbroso : " Riser has created an innovative motorcycle app that enhances the riding experience . This acquisition will enable us to provide our customers with an even wider range of solutions , including navigation , community and safety ." Stefan Pierer added : " I am delighted to see Riser find a new home with Cardo , and we have every confidence that together they will achieve great success ."

Leatt has introduced a Helmet Replacement Programme , offering discounts on new helmets if a less than three-year old , damaged helmet no longer offers the expected safety levels . The Leatt Crash Replacement Programme will see Leatt helmet partners worldwide offering up to a 40 % discount on a new replacement helmet within three years from purchase .

Yamaha Motor has changed its Chinese joint venture partner . Effective November 2023 , Yamaha added itself to the already crowded stable of CFMoto collaborators , after agreement was reached for Chongqing Jianshe Mechanical and Electric Co ., Ltd ., the previous partner in Yamaha ' s motorcycle manufacturing joint venture in China ( Zhuzhou Jianshe Yamaha Motor Co ., Ltd ./ ZJYM ), to transfer ZJYM ’ s equity interest to Zhejiang CFMoto Power Co ., Ltd . ( CFMOTO ). The name of the new business is Zhuzhou CF Yamaha Motor Co ., Ltd . ( ZCYM ). Yamaha Motor has positioned China as one of its important production and sales bases and will continue to discuss the direction of the joint venture with CFMoto going forward , with the aim of further raising competitiveness .

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