Motorcycle Tech Archives | Wind Burned Eyes

Honda E-Clutch Use Expands to the Rebel 250 in Japan, Which Hints at What’s to Come

Honda has long been a pioneer in motorcycle innovation, and their latest advancement, the E-Clutch system, is set to redefine the riding experience. This electronic control technology automates clutch operation, allowing riders to shift gears without manually engaging the clutch lever. The result? A semi-automatic experience, which means smoother starts and gear transitions, making riding more accessible and enjoyable for both novices and seasoned riders.

This technology has been used on different motorcycles around the world, but now Honda is putting it on the Rebel 250 that is sold in Japan. This is a clear indicator that Honda plans to expand the use of its E-Clutch system. Could we see this system on more motorcycles in the US and across the globe? I would bet money we will.

Check Out the RICTOR Skyrider X1 Flying Motorcycle

The age of future mobility has officially arrived, and RICTOR’s Skyrider X1 is the bright, buzzing harbinger of this electric airborne revolution. At CES 2025 in Las Vegas, RICTOR unveiled its flying motorcycle, a sleek eVTOL that promises to redefine how we think about getting from point A to point B.

Forget the grind of bumper-to-bumper traffic; with the Skyrider X1, personal flight is no longer just for science fiction—it’s practically at your doorstep. Looking like a cross between a scooter and a helicopter, this is a weird and enticing vehicle.

Garmin zūmo R1 Radar: A Blind Spot Safety System for Motorcyclists

Garmin’s new zūmo R1 Radar system offers a compelling option for riders seeking radar-powered safety without buying a whole new bike.

Designed as an aftermarket add-on, the R1 Radar brings blind spot warnings and enhanced visibility to motorcycles that lack factory-installed radar tech. For $599, it’s a safety upgrade that could make all the difference on the road—but it has its limitations.

The Donut Lab Electric Motors: Redefining Power and Torque at CES 2025

The Donut Lab electric motors debuted at CES 2025 and they were as bold as they are revolutionary. The startup showcased a quintet of all-electric motors, each boasting a see-through design that is as lightweight as it is powerful.

From drones to hypercars, Donut Lab promises to upend electric powertrain standards with an audacious mix of minimal mass and maximum output. The flagship? A 630-kW (845-hp) motor with a jaw-dropping power-to-weight ratio of 15.75 kW/kg. That’s no small feat in a world where cutting mass often compromises torque.

Honda Gold Wing Patent Reveals Lidar Technology for Advanced Rider Assistance

Radar technology is rapidly becoming essential for modern touring motorcycles, with European and Japanese manufacturers vying for the most advanced features.

While BMW, Ducati, and KTM use Bosch radar systems, Honda lags behind, opting to develop its own radar technology for its flagship Gold Wing. Bosch’s advanced radar systems provide essential features like adaptive cruise control and blind-spot detection, and Honda’s unique approach aims to integrate radar, cameras, and lidar for a 360-degree view of the surroundings.

Everything You Need to Know About Two-Stroke Motorcycle Engines

Some engines are more than metal and combustion. They’re poetry in motion, fuel-soaked passion, and a rebellion with spark plugs. Few engines embody that wild heart more than two-stroke motorcycle engines.

Sure, the four-strokes may have taken over with their clean lines and sophisticated efficiency, but the two-stroke is the scrappy underdog that never quite left the fight. It’s loud, raw, unapologetic—and for many, it’s a first love that never fades.

So what makes the two-stroke tick? What gives it that untamed edge that still makes riders’ eyes light up? Buckle up, because we’re diving deep into what makes two-strokes both feared and adored.

Everything You Need to Know About Four-Stroke Motorcycle Engines

Motorcycling is a blend of adrenaline and mechanical beauty. While riders savor the wind in their faces and the power beneath them, what often goes unsung is the meticulous orchestration occurring beneath the fuel tank—the beating heart of a motorcycle engine.

Among engine designs, four-stroke motorcycle engines are a master of longevity and efficiency. It’s a marvel of innovation that has stood the test of time, carried riders through generations, and evolved with each tick of mechanical ingenuity. This guide offers an all-encompassing exploration of what makes this engine design the star of the show.

KTM’s New TFT Displays Provide a Better Experience for Motorcyclists

KTM’s new TFT displays mark a leap in motorcycle tech, bringing riders closer to their machines than ever before. With two new displays—an 8-inch vertical and 8.8-inch horizontal touchscreen—KTM isn’t just slapping on fancy screens; they’re revolutionizing how riders interact with their bikes.

Check Out the New Garmin inReach Messenger Plus

Well, folks, Garmin just rolled out a real game-changer with the inReach Messenger Plus. It’s more than a satellite communicator—it’s your trusty companion when the cell signal’s gone, and the adventure’s still going strong.

The New Yamaha Semi-Automatic Transmission Debuts on the MT-09

The Yamaha semi-automatic transmission enters the brand into a new arena. Its new Y-AMT debuts on the 2024 MT-09. This system, standing for Yamaha Automated Manual Transmission, is a significant stride in the evolving world of self-shifting motorcycles and is set to roll out across several models in the near future.