CANADIAN based start-up, Damon Motorcycles, are in the process of designing and making, what they claim will be, a ‘paradigm shift for safer, smarter motorcycling’. Their yet unnamed motorcycle is claimed to include a host of futuristic features such as 5G connectivity between vehicles, AI-powered machine learning, radar, onboard cameras, and a neural network, all built into the bike.
The safety systems on the Damon are said to alert riders through ‘a number of multimodal feedback mechanisms: LEDs, vibrating handlebar grips, and a digital rear-view mirror fed by the embedded rear-facing camera’. With the makers stating that the system will only alert you to a danger when absolutely necessary.
Damon is claiming that all this safety tech and early warning missile detection, will allow the rider to be ‘freed by technology to fully indulge in the sense of aliveness that two-wheel mobility brings’.
One bit of tech included on the Damon that is truly new (to us at least) is the ability to adjust the bikes pegs, seat and handlebars at the push of a button - see above. Damon claims this gives the rider the ability to switch from commuting, touring and sports-riding without having to pull over and crack open the Allen Keys!
Safety systems and motorcycles are not a new idea, but for the most part, the tech we see on the original concept is vastly more impressive than the final products specification. The Damon is covered in cameras, radar and it has the ability to ‘talk’ to other vehicles on the road via its 5G connectivity – that’s all good when the vehicle next to you is a high-tech 21st-century wonder machine – not so handy when it’s a 1998 Vauxhall Cavalier.
So, the Damon is an electric sports/commuter/touring motorcycle, with eyes in the back of its head, that can talk to other vehicles and also talk to you – although you can’t talk back.
The next giant leap in motorcycle design and tech – or answering a question that we haven’t asked yet?
If you want more info, or to book a test ride – click here.
