The bellyaching of the fairness of the rules is a point lost on me. The requirements set forth by Craig applies to his event only and doesn't necessarily apply to everyones daily riding cycle. Take it as it is, because that is what it is.
Just because a Caddy CTS-V can circulate the Nurburgring in a hurry doesn't mean that you are going to do that, but it sells. Just because that SUV can go off-road doesn't mean that you are going to do that, but it sells. Just because Craigs requirements call for 4 or 5 bags of groceries doesn't mean you do it, but you'll be glad if you find a great sale on cheetos or TP or whatever.
The point is that motorcycle development has stagnated in the area of efficiency and usefulness. I did a comparison on a forum that compared a 1994 Nissan Altima and a 2012 Hyundai Elantra. These cars are really close in horsepower, weight and utility. Turns out that in town mileage increased over 50% and freeway was like 78% better. Aerodynamics played a big role in this as well as significant drivetrain improvements. Other technological improvements relating to safety, comfort and features stomp the old Atima in every way.
Geez! Imagine if we could apply these same improvements to our bikes! We could have smaller tanks or longer range or both, increased safety, comfort and features. The technology is already there, it just needs to be applied to motorcycles. Craig is pushing the limit of the extremely conservative motorcycle buying public. Motorcycling really really needs a catalyst to change our antiquated ideas of motorcycles!! FIM has essentially dictated that sportbikes look a certain way since the '50s. Fuddy duddies still think cruisers should look like my Dads '46 Indian Chief. Enough already!
A fully modern motorcycle is none of these, it is something we haven't seen before. It is something that does more than your bike does now, and also does what your bike already does - better. Let this event help shape the future. It is still too early to tell what the future of motorcycling will be looking like but I think Craig has an idea that is just too good to kill.
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Good design is simple. Getting there isn't.
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