Motorcycle Inventions You Didn't Know Existed

I have utmost respect for people who come up with an idea for a product and despite how out of reach or outrages or complex it may be, go for it and make it come to fruition. How many people do you think laughed in Gary Dahl’s face when he came up with the idea of the “Pet Rock”? Yup, it’s exactly what it sounds like, a rock you keep as a pet, and it made Mr. Dahl a millionaire. Here are some “out there” motorcycle products that may or may not take off but we respect the innovation and enthusiasm of the creators.

The Motor Sandal

Bata, a shoe company out of Switzerland, came out with a sandal specifically designed for motorcyclists. The company claims the sandal has features that are engineered for foot protection and comfort while on a motorcycle. The sandals are made from a heat resistant material and feature a gear shifter protector, toe bumper, reflective strips, and a fiberglass foot plate. I can see this taking off in a place like Florida because most bikers there ride in flip flops anyway.

Light-Up Riding Shoes

I found out about this invention because a customer actually came in and asked for these by name. Apparently a company called ROAME came out with riding shoes that connect to your bike’s turn signals and brake light and light up simultaneously with your motorcycle’s light indicators. The shoes come with a transmitter box and wirelessly connect to your bike. The shoes are also equipped with abrasion and impact protection. I used to love light up shoes as a kid, now I have an excuse to have them as an adult.

Helmet AC

Don’t feel like your helmet gets enough airflow on those hot summer days? Well, not you can get an air conditioning unit for your full face helmet. An Indian company called BluArmor released a product that straps on to your full face helmet and creates a microclimate around you that is 6-15 degrees lower than the surrounding temperature. It’s a snap on product that only takes about 30 seconds to install and it’s Darth Vader approved.     

LED Message Display

Ever wanted to tell that driver that almost hit you what you really think? Well, now you can! A product called MotoChat is a license plate bracket with an LED message display. Say what you want in your micro bluetooth the message is displayed on the bracket. You can also program the display to coordinate with your bike light indicators and display a message informing those behind you when you are slowing down or braking. This is actually a great idea! I have so much to say to LA drivers, I’d like one of these on my bike and on my car!

Visor Wiper

For most of us, having a squeegee on the finger of our glove to wipe the visor on a rainy day is enough. But if you happen to be riding through a monsoon, get yourself an automatic helmet visor wiper. It works just like the windshield wipers on your car and have multiple setting and modes. It might make your helmet look a bit silly but the usefulness is hard to dispute.

Skunklock

SkunkLock is the first ever bicycle, motorcycle, scooter, and moped lock to "fight back" against thieves by spraying them with a vomit inducing chemical. If someone tries to cut the lock off your bike, they will be sprayed with the chemical forcing the thief to run away coughing, crying and gagging. It’s perfectly legal and does not have any serious long term physical consequences for those sprayed. If this thing takes off, the name alone should be a good enough deterrent for chasing thieves away.  

High Fashion Gear

There are many colors, styles, and types of riding gear but let’s be honest – a motorcycle jacket is a motorcycle jacket and there is only so much you can do to make one stand out. Well a company out of San Francisco is taking on the challenge of doing something different. Plutonium Clothing has released a motorcycle line for women that takes a high fashion approach to riding gear. The gear has armor and is made from durable abrasion resistant materials while displaying an excessively unique look. I’ve never been into high fashion so this one is a bit tough to swallow but hey, I’m sure some ladies can rock it.

Helmet Brake Light

This is another invention that seems to be a great idea. Brake Free is an ultra bright smart LED brake light that instantly improves a motorcycle's visibility. It mounts on the back of the helmet you already own and its sensors work automatically to let others know whenever you slow down--braking, engine braking, or downshifting. Anything that makes you more visible and gets the attention of the drivers around you can’t be that bad of an idea.

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