Stretching the boundaries of tech
I will speak to Ducati, BMW, and CanAm. As far as two wheelers, since 1985 when the inline fours came out for BMW, they have consistently pushed the technological line with regard to cruise control, engine electronics, ABS, and suspension. Ducati and BMW now have ABS that compensates for lean angle, headlights that "lean" into the turn for better corner illumination, electronically adjustable suspension that responds to changes in road condition in milliseconds, and millions of other dollars worth of research and development. The California Superbike School uses full power BMW supersport bikes because the electronic controls can keep the students from over riding their skill. That application of technology in a super small and lightweight package is difficult. Same thing with the Spyder. Melding automotive technology into an all weather, lightweight platform is an enormous undertaking. It was an entirely new platform, with the exception of the powertrain.
Harley always had the right idea. Market the lifestyle, not the bike. That way they condition their buyers to love the lack of technological progression. Now that they have redesigned the top end for cooling, I reckon in a couple of years we will start to see the fallout from that move. And for the new Honda Neowing, I guarantee some recalls on a boxer four hybrid unit. And if my experience with the hydraulic locking suspension on a Piaggio MP3 500 is an example, it will take a while for Honda to sort out their setup. But they will. Riders won't abandon the technological forefront because of the value they get from it. And that Neowing looks sweet.
