So, how do you reckon bikes should change?  Should they go for progress in the engine area?  Maybe a complete change to some different fuel?  Should they keep trying to wring more power out the current designs? What about transmissions? Or can we look forward to seeing the demise of the prehistoric chain final drive?  Should we pray for the end  equally prehistoric foot gear change or even mechanical gears for that matter?

I would like to see bike be able to stand up to a winters riding, without having to wahs it everytime I got home. Having parts that were reasonably priced would also be helpful.

No back to reality and something achieveable. I would mind a hover bike like one of those ones on star wars.  :Oo:  :O

I wouldn't like bike to go the same way as cars. Part the enjoyment for me, is that bikes really haven't changed that much over the years. Everything you do has an affect on the handling of the bike. I wouldn't like to go down the road of the interactive driving system, whatever the feck that is.

Chain and sprockets could do with getting wellied.

Depends, dunnit?

Of course, the R1 doesn't have quite enough performance for today's weekend warrior.

Courier bikes need to be narrower, while requiring space for at least three top boxes.

Tourers, has anyone fitted a sink yet?  No?  Well, let's wait for the chemical toilet option before leaving a deposit.  

Weather protection.  Ah, RIP the C1 which leaves the BMW range soon.  One day someone will make along-asting truly waterproof and warm suit, that doesn't let that annoyingtrickle down your neck, doesn't have pockets that fill up, etc.  We won't buy it 'though.  Won't be 'cool' to be warm.

Safety.  We must have bikes with better brakes and tyres.  But we won't go faster, honestly, we'll keep the extra in reserve for emergencies only.

Chains:  would you buy a chain-drive car?  QED

Cynic, me?  Nah . . .  :cool:

Oh yes!  Thanks for the reminder BD.

Cleaning.  How much longer is it going to take for oven technology to migrate onto bikes?

Self-cleaning, take the bike for a thrash to warm it up, all the muck falls off.

PS  Serious one for above.  Why do cars last so long, but bikes rust rot and generally fall to bits and break?  I dunno . . .

don't recall seeing the pistons on my car's brakes - all protected by rubber gaiters - so why can'y yhey do that to bikes.
Bikes are exposed - therefore use stainless bolts etc - how much would it really up the cost?
do we really need tyres that wear thru the centre while the outers are unscathed?  touring tyre - make it so - put some decent HARD rubber down the middle - only used for acceleration really not braking or cornering.

ditch the chain

Cant you already get those type of tyres ? I thought they were called dual compound , im sure bridgestone make them.

Dual compound - they all make em! Prob is they're crap at lasting because you need more grip if you've got less wheels!

I don't want to lose the feeling of riding an internal combustion engine.

Better security, and cubby holes, like on scooters.

Better economy with no lack of power, and not much extra weight.

Buy a Beemer!

I recon hydraulic transmission may be next, belts are bulky, shafts relatively expensive, chains are probably at the limit of their developement, Yamaha have had some very sucessful applications on of roaders particularly 2 wheel drives.  :eyebrow:

Strange you say that i have only ever had one car that was over 20 years old but had at least 10 bikes that was over 25 years old & i know at least 3 of them are stll running around now

a 1970 BMW
a 1971 honda ( think it was 71 L reg )
a 1958 triumph ( only lent this one for a couple of weeks think it was a bonnieville )
i have seen all 3 of these bikes in the last year still plodding around.