To prevent the dangers of motorcycling associated with the contraption falling on it's side during sharp turns or in the event of a collision, when the occupant is not catapulted into midair, but remains on the motorcycle.

The bike can have wheeled castors attached to the sides so that when the bike tips it keeps rolling, instead of skidding across the road surface, mangling the driver's leg.

The rolling will also ease deceleration so the driver and the machine will not be subjected to the violent transfer of energy between the moving body and the road.

The wheels on the side of the motorcycle can also be used strategically by the driver to prevent an otherwise fatal accident by tipping the vehicle, landing safely, and using his wheels to absorb the shock of the impact or glide smoothly under one of the horrendously sized North American vehicles or tractor-trailors.

Also, custard can be used to fill the tires of the motorcycle so when they do absorb the shock, and burst, everything will be covered in custard.
-- ImBack, Aug 27 2002

Same Device, No Custard http://www.halfbakery.com/idea/Catama-Car
In this case, for purported energy efficiency. [DrCurry, Aug 27 2002, last modified Oct 04 2004]

Sounds familiar.
-- DrCurry, Aug 27 2002


Uhh... this idea utilizes castors. Your idea is not for safety, you didn't even consider it, thus, not the same idea. Your idea was for increased fuel efficiency; always a good idea to put extra parts on a machine to do that:-)
-- ImBack, Aug 27 2002


I was kind of thinking a flexible aerodynamic rollcage for motorbikes... ?
-- The_Englishman_Abroad, Aug 27 2002


That is also a good idea. I would write it up if I were you.
-- ImBack, Aug 27 2002


I am reliably informed (by one who has done it more than once) that, when falling off a moving motorcycle, the wise thing to do is to put as much space as possible between self and cycle. I suspect a roll cage may be a better idea, so long as the rider is firmly attached to the cycle, and not rattling around.
-- angel, Aug 28 2002


//The wheels on the side of the motorcycle can also be used strategically by the driver to prevent an otherwise fatal accident by tipping the vehicle, landing safely, and using his wheels to absorb the shock of the impact or glide smoothly under one of the horrendously sized North American vehicles or tractor-trailors. //

Id say when the motorcycle tips over, it is a pretty deadly accident, especially if the driver has been hit by something, and is stunned and unable to stategise anything.
-- Bugsy, Aug 28 2002


[ImBack: uh, that's not my idea, and I did note the different intentions.]
-- DrCurry, Aug 28 2002


Motorcycle riders know exactly what risks they are taking when operating a vehicle without a protective enclosure, and they are all too happy to hop on the "hog" and go for a cruise. I think this might save lives, but what hardcore rider would have something like this on his/her bike? Remember the opposition to mandatory helmet laws? What happens if the caster catches a pothole while skidding at 60 MPH?

I just noticed... //roll safely into oncoming traffic// is that possible?
-- Mr Burns, Aug 28 2002


Until the traffic is no longer oncoming...

And Bugsy, the strategy is meant to prevent the accident.
-- ImBack, Aug 28 2002



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