Yamaha unveils 125cc motorcycle capable of 188 MPG

Courtesy Gizmag.com

Here is an interesting bit of news coming out of Japan; Yamaha unveiled its latest concept motorcycle that is capable of reaching distances of 188 miles on a single gallon of gas. 

Sitting somewhere between a motorcycle and a bicycle, the Y125 is a state-of-the-art machine that weighs a mere 176 lbs.  Yamaha used their first motorcycle, the YA-1, as the model for their new machine; and boy does it look spectacular.  I love the look of retro motorcycles (especially bikes built in the 30’s and 40’s); and this bike does not disappoint. 

 With a 125cc 4-stroke motor, LED lights, a belt drive instead of a chain, and a lightweight frame and brakes, this bike is a modern work of art.  Unfortunately these are all the specs I can dig up at the moment, but I will definitely update as soon as I can find some more.  Here is a link to more pics and a write-up at Gizmag; no doubt worth a look.    

Courtesy Gizmag.com

EMS in Texas using motorcycles to aid injured motorists

(Well this isn’t exactly one of the most recent stories I've reported but I thought it was interesting anyway....)

 

Photo courtesy of Govtech.com

The next time you are in Texas, sitting in bumper to bumper traffic due to an accident on the interstate and you hear the siren of the EMS working its way to the scene, you might see the blur of a motorcycle flying by instead of an ambulance.  

Apparently starting last June the EMS in Austin, TX, have been using motorcycles as a first response unit on interstate 35; following a strategy employed in the UK as well as in Miami, FL.  

Being able to maneuver in and out of traffic gives the motorcycles an edge over ambulances; allowing them to arrive a few minutes ahead of other rescue vehicles, providing them with the advantage of a few extra moments in life threatening situations.

“That can be special if the person is in severe respiratory distress or was having a cardiac problem," Eric S. Jakubauskas, commander of Austin-Travis County EMS Special Events, told Govtech.com.  "Two to three minutes can mean whether you resuscitate the person or you don’t.”  

Much like traditional police motorcycles outfitted with lights and sirens, these BMW G650 X-Ps aren’t your typical weekend touring bikes.  With an upgraded suspension, life-support equipment, and even an on-board defibrillator, these motorcycles are designed for one purpose; to save lives.