Motorcycles are about to take a big leap into the future. Thanks to a new prototype from Thrustcycle, self-stabilizing motorcycles could be cruising the streets in 2017.
The GyroCycle keeps upright by using internal flywheels to create a gyroscopic effect. While this is generally felt by every rider at higher speeds, the stabilization here will occur even while standing still. An added benefit from the same technology is that the bike will be less likely to lose traction and slide under itself during a turn. This grants the rider greater control and increased safety.
Self-balancing motorcycles could open up a new market for new and old riders alike. Those who are hopping on for the first time won’t have to learn how to balance such a heavy vehicle. Likewise, older riders often lack the strength to hold a motorcycle up. This has fueled much of the market for three-wheeled trikes. The GyroCycle would provide another alternative with a more traditional, two-wheel design.
While Thrustcycle is aiming to bring the first gyroscopic motorcycle to market, this doesn’t mean it will be alone. Not too long ago, BMW unveiled its very own Motorrad Vision Next 100 concept motorcycle. With either case, these new bikes are safer, cleaner, and quieter. The lack of a gas-powered motor will be a turn-off for some, but tech heads will love the futuristic look of these gyroscopic motorcycles.
Price is going to be a big issue with such high-tech vehicles. This is where the GyroCycle is likely to edge out the competition. No official price has been released yet, but Thrustcycle has suggested that the price will be under $20,000.
With multiple self-stabilizing motorcycles in development, it seems like we are getting one step closer to owning a Tron lightcycle. Someone just needs to get those Disney rights.
BYD has launched the third-generation Qin Plus DM-i in China, and the first thing that caught my eye is its price. According to CarNewsChina, the plug-in hybrid sedan starts at 79,900 yuan, which is about $11,980. That’s an incredibly low price for a brand-new car, especially by US standards.
What’s even more impressive is the range. The Qin Plus DM-i can drive up to 137 miles on electricity alone, which should cover most people’s daily commutes without using a drop of gas. Once the battery runs out, the 1.5-liter engine takes over. Thanks to its 17-gallon tank and roughly 91 mpg with a drained battery, the combined range reaches up to 1,423 miles.
Apple won the PC market’s worst quarter, but that’s not the entire story. It won the race by stumbling less than everyone else.
PC makers shipped just 57 million computers worldwide in Q3, which might look good, but it’s a 21% year-over-year plunge (via Counterpoint Research). And despite Apple’s Mac shipments falling by 11%, to 5.6 million, its market share rose from 8.7% to 9.8%. How did that happen?
Update (October 22 23:54 PT): In response to our query, GM clarified that offline recording support is already available on eligible vehicles. Like Tesla's Sentry Mode, it requires owners to connect a USB drive to save incident recordings, which can be viewed on the vehicle's infotainment screen. The upcoming Connected Cameras feature will build on this by giving owners remote access to these recordings via the revamped OnStar app, allowing them to check footage without walking out to their car.
General Motors has announced plans to add a new Connected Cameras feature to its OnStar service starting next year, giving drivers a way to monitor parked vehicles remotely and capture footage of certain incidents.