CAF-E Futuristic Hybrid Motorcycle Concept

This hybrid futuristic motorcycle concept was appeared in cyberspace four years ago. I know as I was browsing on the internet a lot of sites discuss this futuristic hybrid motorcycle. But I am so interested in this bike, so on this occasion I will discuss about the motor that has a very remarkable concept.

This concept coming from the famous Australian motorcycle designer Tim Cameron, that has designed a new hybrid motorcycle called the CAF-E. The motorcycle relies on a hybrid drivetrain that he says is similar in principle to the Hybrid Synergy Drive that powers the Toyota Prius. The internal combustion engine is a parallel-twin design that gets extra juice from an electric supercharger. We're not certain that adding an electric supercharger would be a better use for the battery's added oomph, but it's an interesting concept in any case.

CAF-E hybrid motorcycle concept by Tim Cameron. (Picture from: http://www.timcamerondesign.com.au/caf-e.htm)

That engine is mated up to an electric motor through an electronically-controlled continuously variable transmission that sends power to the rear wheel through a shaft drive. A large 180V lithium ion battery pack sits low in the chassis, likely for optimal weight distribution. At least one of Cameron's past designs has already gone into production, so the CAF-E is probably worth keeping an eye out for in the future.

CAF-E hybrid motorcycle concept detail and cutaway. (Picture from: http://www.timcamerondesign.com.au/caf-e.htm)

Since it’s a petrol-electric hybrid, the CAF-E is powered by a parallel-twin engine with twin superchargers and an electric motor that’s fed by a lithium-ion battery pack. "It is a 'parallel hybrid,' meaning the petrol engine and the electric motor work together to provide the driving power," says Cameron.

"The secret to this arrangement is the transmission, based around Toyota's clever 'Synergy Drive, a computer-controlled planetary gear arrangement that combines the output of both powerplants seamlessly according to load and conditions. It is a stepless CVT type of transmission, which also makes it very compact and ideal for a motorcycle application," he adds.

Right side view of CAF-E hybrid motorcycle concept. (Picture from: http://future-motorcycles.com/)

"Motorcycles are already an economical transport ‘alternative’ but what if you could buy something that could not only out-perform everything else on the road, but at the same time got double or even triple the mpg of existing machines whilst putting out less emissions?" says Cameron.

"The hybrid technology I’m showcasing in the CAF-E has already been proven in the car world and I don’t think the CAF-E would be that expensive to produce. Toyota, Honda and General Motors have already shelled out huge amounts of money to develop the technology in the first place – I’m just adapting it over to two wheels. I envisage something like this costing upper-range Harley money," he concludes. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | TIM CAMERON DESIGN | FUTURE MOTORCYCLES]
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