Honda Motorcycles will be introducing its second self-balancing motorcycle concept at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show. Earlier this year, Honda had introduced its first self-balancing concept which was based on the Honda NC700, at the Consumer Electronics Show. That was a petrol-powered concept. This time around, Honda has put its self-balancing technology to an electric two-wheeler.
The 'Riding Assist-e' concept makes use of the same technology as the original Riding Assist concept. The Riding Assist-e concept does not use gyroscopes to keep itself upright at low speeds. Instead, it uses robotics which have been developed from Honda's UNI-CUB personal mobility device. The concept bike uses the frame of the NC700 where the chassis holds the electric motor which delivers power to the rear wheel through a drive-shaft mounted on a single-sided swingarm.
The electric motor and the self-balancing system are two different technologies and Honda says that it has much to develop and learn on both fronts. Self-balancing motorcycles as a concept are targeted mainly towards beginners. While the concept definitely sounds interesting, it remains to be seen how Honda puts the application to mass production.
Article Source : NDTVAuto
