Vehicle: Car: Shape
SUV Motorcycle   (+1)  [vote for, against]
a solution to gridlocked roads and other parking

If you can’t beat the traffic, join it, between the lanes of choked motorways and between the spaces of clogged parking lots. Seating four in comfort, high above one story vehicles, your “model T” rolls on two large wheels, one behind the other.

To balance off-center loads and when cornering, the SUV motorcycle utilizes hydraulic chassis tilt and active fuel ballasting. The engine is between the wheels, and to enter and exit, one rides the suspended seat from/to the ground. Of course, parking can be done via remote control when there’s no clearance under the seat.
-- FarmerJohn, Jul 02 2003

sketch http://www.geocitie...rjohnnie/mcsuv.html
[FarmerJohn, Oct 04 2004, last modified Oct 21 2004]

ecomobile http://www.polysoft...m/ecomobile/c03.htm
[sartep, Oct 04 2004, last modified Oct 21 2004]

BMW R1150GS Adventure http://www.bmw-moto.../r1150gsa_main.html
[darsy, Oct 04 2004, last modified Oct 21 2004]

BMW C1 200 http://www.motobykz.co.uk/Quasar.htm
[FarmerJohn, Oct 04 2004, last modified Oct 21 2004]

Bicycular Segway Prams http://www.halfbake...ar_20Segway_20Prams
some very similar thinking [FarmerJohn, Oct 04 2004]

Hah! The sketch certainly got a laugh. +
-- bristolz, Jul 03 2003


Like a tall ecomobile with possible need for gyrostablization.

I like being high up on the road, so this is a plus.
-- sartep, Jul 03 2003


My first bike was a 22nd hand Yamaha DT125. While it was not the biggest of bikes, I sat as high as a SUV (great visability) and could traffic weave.

Plus it cost about a hundred and fifty bucks.
-- FloridaManatee, Jul 03 2003


Yes, I'm with sartep. This idea definitely needs a mention of gyroscopes.
-- egbert, Jul 03 2003


Slight problem with the parking garages.
-- Cedar Park, Jul 03 2003


I'd like to see this thing pass the Elk test.
-- Trodden, Jul 03 2003


Just a pity lane splitting is illegal in most parts of the US, and what a stroke of luck that it's not here in the UK.

Just in case you're not already familiar with it, the closest thing to an "SUV Bike" is probably the BMW R1150GS Adventure (see link)
-- darsy, Jul 03 2003


I thought you were going to refer to the BMW C1 200, bike with a roof. In Sweden, one must use a helmet even on this, and lane splitting is allowed if the traffic is backed up.
-- FarmerJohn, Jul 03 2003


Echoes of Professor Pat Pending and the convert-a-car. +
-- DrBob, Jul 03 2003


Heads will turn.
-- 2 fries shy of a happy meal, Jul 03 2003


That's a very Seussian sketch you have there, {FJ]. [+]
-- tekym, Jul 03 2003


Just make sure you don't use Firestone tires!
-- DrCurry, Jul 03 2003


Well *you* return time and again, bm.
-- oldster, Jul 04 2003


<fuel ballasting>?

So does it refill on the fly so as to always have ballast available? But I always figured fuel efficiency was greatest under least load, meaning we should all be fueling up just barely enough to make it to the next fuel station...
-- n-pearson, Jul 04 2003


You have uncovered a glitch in an otherwise nearly perfect design.
-- FarmerJohn, Jul 04 2003


[blissmiss]: I know he is (I've been here for more than a year now and many of his ideas are some of my favorites), I was just commenting that that sketch reminded me very strongly of Dr. Seuss's drawings (the SUM coming around the corner in particular).
-- tekym, Jul 04 2003


FJ, most of your ideas are both great and entertaining, but this is just too cutesy/gimmicky/absurd to merit a vote from me.
-- JRandMoby, Jul 05 2003


Well, you might like the next one better.
-- FarmerJohn, Jul 05 2003


Too cutesy / gimmicky / absurd? BAH! There's no such thing.

But where are the cupholders?

Did I hear someone say 'gyroscopic stabiliszation of an SUV?' Reminds me of a past conversation...
-- RayfordSteele, Jul 05 2003


Would it be electric start or cranked?
-- PaddyPat, Aug 12 2003


use the motors flywheel as a gyroscope!!!!!! EEEEE!
-- umm0i, Nov 27 2004



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