Best Motorcycle Innovations in 2019

We love innovation--especially when it comes to motorcycles. Unlike four-wheeled vehicles, however, it's harder to think of inventive ways to make these two-wheelers stand out and make its mark in global scene. So when Consumer Technology Association (CTA) opens up its stage for motorcycle innovations to take place, we immediately take notice of it. No, 'take notice' isn't really the word here--it's too lukewarm for our taste. We think a far more suitable word here is 'embrace.' And yes--we embrace it with open arms.

Here are some of the best innovations presented at CTA's Consumer Electronics Show held in Vegas last January 7-10 2019:

Harley-Davidson's Electric Motorcycle

Harley's electric bike has finally arrived, and its first-ever electric motorcycle line, LiveWire, is--according to Harley--"just the beginning."

"We intend for the all-new LiveWire motorcycle to be followed by an exciting portfolio of two-wheeled electric vehicles."

So now that the ceiling has been breached, here are some of the things you need to know about it:

• It can go from 0-60 'under 3.5 seconds.'
• According to Revzilla.com, "the navigation is turn-by-turn through H-D Connect." This features allow the rider to "view vehicle location, available range, nearest charging stations, tamper alerts, and service information" just by using an "app-controlled cellular connection that links the rider to the bike"
• Its top speed is 110mph.
• Its price is USD29,799 or a staggering PHP1,5678,000 (we didn't say it comes cheap).

BMW's R 1200 GS Riderless Motorcycle

A bike with no rider on it? Of course--trust BMW Motorrad to make a splash, here. Introduced for the first time at CES, the prototype "will demonstrate its ability to ride off, accelerate, corner, and slow down to a standstill--completely independent of its rider--in demonstrations held during the global consumer technology event."

Note that  this isn't what the R 1200 is really made for, since it's not intended for road use. According to the company:

"The aim of the prototype is to gather additional knowledge with regards [to> driving dynamics in order to detect dangerous situations early on and thus support the driver with appropriate safety systems while turning at intersections or when braking suddenly, for example."

So in short, it will serve as a program for the development of future motorcycle systems and functions that will make them "safer, smarter, and have a higher level of connectivity to thrive in the future mobility environment."

Novus Electric Motorcycle

You should buy the  Novus Electric Motorcycle if you're the type of person who can't make up his mind whether to buy an electric motorcycle or a bicyle. But by looks alone, it's really more of bike, with those lean tires and extra thin structure.  Whatever the case, what sets it apart as an innovative product is its cool carbon fiber frame. It's actually one of the most ingenious designs ever made in electric motorcycle production.

And it's also expensive. Expect to shell out a whopping USD39,500 (or around PHP2.1 million) for this--and that's without VAT, yet.

Jarvish X-AR Helmet

They call it the smartest motorcycle helmet ever made, and Jarvish even went so far in saying that it's the helmet to 'end all helmets.'

According to its website, the X-Series' (which includes the X and X-AR models) "full-face fit is comfortable, and its stylish all-in-one design." It includes top-of-the-range, built-in HD surrounding sound speakers, voice commands, wireless charging, noise reduction microphone, front 2K camera, and anti-fog vision as standard. The X-AR also includes the HUD, AR projections, 2K rear-facing camera and optical waveguide technology.

The Jarvish X-AR costs around USD999. If it's too pricey for you, then you can opt for the Jarvish X, instead. It costs half its price--around USD449.

The Hoversurf Hoverbike

We think anything that flies is cool, so of course we're going to include the Hoversurf here. The frame is made from various carbon fiber technology, and its 253 lb weight can hover on air at a maximum speed of 96 kph (60 mph or 52 knots).

Its downside, however, is that it can only fly (actual flight time with the pilot) between 10 to 25 minutes, so forget surprising your entire clan for a late-night trip to the province. Still, you can purchase the portable home charging pack to quickly re-charge it in as little as 2.5 hours (without battery removal).

The Hoversurf S3 2019 costs around USD150,000--or a whopping PHP 7.9 million. Come to think of it, getting a car sounds a much better option, here. Or you can just take the MRT and mingle with newfound strangers, instead.