Recapping the best motorcycle innovations of the last 50 years

Dodsfall · 01-02-2012, 10:52 AM

Cycle World magazine celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Motorcycles have changed a lot over the last 50 years. Cycle World contributor Paul Dean made a list of the top motorcycle innovations since 1962.

Liquid-cooled motocross bikes
Although liquid-cooled motorcycles had been around for years, it wasn't until 1981 that Yamaha released a liquid-cooled motocross bike. The YZ 125 was the first.

Long-Travel rear suspension
In the early 60's, the travel for the rear suspension on an off-road machine was about 3 to 4 inches. This gradually increased to about 12 inches of travel to handle rough riding conditions.

Full face helmets
In 1967, Bell started selling full face helmets. Although the first models didn't have a lift up visor, they provided much better protection than previous models.

Radial tires
Radials have been around in automotive applications since the 1940's. It wasn't until 1987 that the first radial motorcycle street tire was sold.

Jofa mouth guard
The Swedish company Jofa made mouth guards for motocross riders in the 1960's based on their hockey mouth guards. They were replaced in the 1970's by better safety equipment.

Self-canceling turn signals
These were introduced on the 1976 Yamaha RD400 C, a two-stroke twin. Amazingly, they are still not standard equipment on many motorcycles today.

Aluminum alloy wheels
These have become the standard for many models today. Light and strong, the aluminum alloy wheel can be finished and cast in many different colors and styles. Interestingly enough, the first production model using these was again the 1976 Yamaha RD400 C.

Electronic fuel injection
First introduced on the 1980 KZ1000G, EFI was looked at sceptically by many riders. Today, fuel injection is being used on most new motorcycles.

[Cycle World]

hogcowboy · 01-02-2012, 12:09 PM

What, no ABS brakes? I loved them on my BMW when I had it.

Inn_Keeper87 · 01-02-2012, 02:02 PM

How about Electronic Ignition ? Wasn't everything kickstart before?

Dodsfall · 01-02-2012, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Inn_Keeper87

How about Electronic Ignition ? Wasn't everything kickstart before?

Electronic ignition is using some sort of computer for the spark timing instead of points and a mechanical or vacuum advance.

The electric starter has been around longer than 50 years. The 1914 Indian was equipped with one!

01-02-2012, 10:52 AM	#1
Dodsfall Administrator Join Date: May 2008 Location: Illinois, USA Posts: 15,928	Recapping the best motorcycle innovations of the last 50 years Cycle World magazine celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Motorcycles have changed a lot over the last 50 years. Cycle World contributor Paul Dean made a list of the top motorcycle innovations since 1962. Liquid-cooled motocross bikes Although liquid-cooled motorcycles had been around for years, it wasn't until 1981 that Yamaha released a liquid-cooled motocross bike. The YZ 125 was the first. Long-Travel rear suspension In the early 60's, the travel for the rear suspension on an off-road machine was about 3 to 4 inches. This gradually increased to about 12 inches of travel to handle rough riding conditions. Full face helmets In 1967, Bell started selling full face helmets. Although the first models didn't have a lift up visor, they provided much better protection than previous models. Radial tires Radials have been around in automotive applications since the 1940's. It wasn't until 1987 that the first radial motorcycle street tire was sold. Jofa mouth guard The Swedish company Jofa made mouth guards for motocross riders in the 1960's based on their hockey mouth guards. They were replaced in the 1970's by better safety equipment. Self-canceling turn signals These were introduced on the 1976 Yamaha RD400 C, a two-stroke twin. Amazingly, they are still not standard equipment on many motorcycles today. Aluminum alloy wheels These have become the standard for many models today. Light and strong, the aluminum alloy wheel can be finished and cast in many different colors and styles. Interestingly enough, the first production model using these was again the 1976 Yamaha RD400 C. Electronic fuel injection First introduced on the 1980 KZ1000G, EFI was looked at sceptically by many riders. Today, fuel injection is being used on most new motorcycles. [Cycle World] __________________ 2008 XL1200R To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Last edited by cg_jenn; 01-07-2012 at 03:36 AM..

01-02-2012, 12:09 PM	#2
hogcowboy Crash Dummy Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Texas between Fort Worth and Wichita Falls Posts: 910	What, no ABS brakes? I loved them on my BMW when I had it. __________________ 2007 Electra Glide Ultra Patriot Guard Rider

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01-02-2012, 02:02 PM	#3
Inn_Keeper87 Pilot of Gixxer Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: North County San Diego Posts: 140	How about Electronic Ignition ? Wasn't everything kickstart before?