This motorcycle had plenty of high end electronics, like Custom Cycle Control Systems' proprietary air ride suspension, electronically-adjustable foot controls and an onboard rearview camera system instead of mirrors.
I hate to admit that sometimes I follow the crowd, but if a large group congregates around a booth, I've got to see what all the hubbubs about. The motorcycle in question was in front of Butch Yaple's
Custom Cycle Control Systems' tent. At first I wondered what all the commotion was about. But after closer inspection, I realized there was a whole lot more than meets the eye.
The first thing that caught my attention was the two small monitors mounted between the bars. Yaple has done away with side mirrors and replaced them with a video monitoring system. The cameras are mounted in the bottom of the tubular Maximum Metal Works frame, one on each side. I've seen rear view systems on cars, but this was the first time that I've seen the concept implemented on a motorcycle. Of course, you might have some explaining to do if you got pulled over because Yaple was a little nebulous about the legalities of it, but it's an innovative concept.
Yaple's ingenuity doesn't stop there. He's also internalized all wiring on the bike, which gives the bars an extremely clean look. And while he's not the first to do this, he's taken it a step further by making a quick disconnect system for the handlebars. They come off at the triple tree. It's quick and easy. All you have to do is undo two bolts. The throttle cables disconnect as well, making it easy to work on.
"I got tired of having to unattach everything every time I worked on it," Yaple said.
And necessity is the mother of invention, isn't it?
Instead of standard hand controls, the motorcycle has a hidden Pingle Electric Shift, thereby eliminating the need for visible forward controls. The internal hand controls are paired with an American Suspension Perimeter Valve/Phantom front end with an internal brake line. The result is an ultra-tidy front end.
But Yaple didn't stop there. He's also installed an electronically-controlled system for the foot controls. At the press of the button, the pegs rotate up in a slow arc, and are instantly adjustable for a rider's preference. I didn't ask him whether it has a memory to remember previous rider settings because I was too much in awe watching the pegs rotate around.
The motorcycle also had no kickstand because it's equipped with Custom Cycles' proprietary air ride suspension. Again, with the push of a button, the bike rises up evenly and was ready to ride in just a few seconds.
Instead of mirrors, Custom Cycle Control Systems devised a rearview camera system that made plenty of curious onlookers stop to check it out.
The bike showcases Custom Cycle Control Systems' motto, "Keep it clean." And I give Yaple props for his ingenuity. It's one of the most technologically sophisticated bikes that I've seen. Whether we'll all be riding bikes in the future with camera systems standard is anybody's guess. But we're such a techno-crazed society, there's no telling what tomorrow holds in store. If they do come standard, you can tell everybody that you read it first courtesy of Motorcycle USA.
Here's a copy of the spec sheet Yaple had on display with the motorcycle.
Hollow clamshell top tree - The top tree houses quick disconnects for the electrical functions, along with the valves machined in the tree that seal the hydraulics when it gets bolted together. Also a two piece gyro action throttle actuator.
Hidden Starter - The starter is built into the custom primary cover.
Climax Hand Controls and S.A.S. - Using our Climax hand controls and Simplified Air Suspension we can hide all fluid reservoirs, hydraulic lines, throttle cables, switch wires, air compressor, and eliminate air lines.
Hidden Oil Filter - The oil filter is located at the top of the oil bag under the seat, this allow for hidden lined and a clean oil change.
Hidden Pingle Electric Shift - An electric shift is used, eliminating forward controls therefore giving us room for adjustable foot pegs / parking stands.
Custom Primary Covers - Hollow Coil and Carb Covers - These covers hide all the electrical and throttle functions.
60/40 Hand Braking
Anybody else headed to Laughlin? Let us hear about it in the MCUSA Forum.
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