Feet Forward Motorcycles are Technically Better

Prepare to be outraged. Recumbent motorbikes barely exist - only a few have tried and failed. But their advantages are world shaking.

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Directed and Edited by Luke McAdam

[assistanttothetravelingsec]

Please do a part 2 and tell us more details on how it steers, feels, accelerates, who makes them, etc

[astronautindisguise]

Love the fact that this entire video feels like an homage to Wes Anderson. From the cinematography to the title cards, everything feels right out of his playbook.

[Mobiusshazarr]

Katsuhiro Otomo used this design in Akria in 1990 for the future of motorcycles, it was even electric. It goes to show the style can look amazing but still be thought of as a motorcycle. I would love to see a future like this.

[hadorstapa]

In cycling we call these 'recumbents'. They were invented in the 1890s and proved very successful in major cycling races until the UCI banned them in 1933 - arguably because they were becoming too successful in challenging traditional upright/diamond frame cycles.

[TheMuckrakers]

Well this vid just made me realize that Kaneda's "motorcycle" in Akira isn't precisely a motorcycle but a feet forward. It would explain why so many attempts by folks to make the real deal never get it totally right. They keep trying to build it from a motorcycle perspective rather than a car/bike hybrid perspective. Neat.

[shivamarya]

So Akira's bike design was LEGIT, I knew it.
The camera work and editing is great btw

[teddfelisco]

Love the Wes Anderson vibe of the video, it really matched the look of the bike! Great work from the fortnine team as always :)

[KimSE]

You guys are getting very, very, very good at these indeed. Fantastic script, camera work, editing - the lot. Ryan's a star and FortNine films are brilliant.

[WWADV]

Congrats, you have done it... you have become the Top Gear of Motorcycling w/1 third the host and 1/1000th the budget

[Hamalot]

The Wes Anderson feel of this whole video is fantastic. I love it so much. Keep it up!

But to pick a nit you likely already aware of, at least in the city, the standing position offers two huge benefits for two-wheeled vehicles: visibility and maneuverability. You have a better perspective higher up to see ahead and predict things. And that higher center of gravity, while a problem in acceleration and braking, allows for quicker turns, just like you pointed out in your video about how people are leaning the wrong way. Now, does that offset the benefits of a recumbent cycle like you mentioned? I suppose that would depend on one's priorities. I can see these becoming big in the electric bicycle world, and especially for delivery, where the goal is more all-day comfort and cargo capacity instead of fun.

[kilianortmann]

This is one of your best videos yet (and there is strong competition).
Quirky topic, thorough research, impressive videography, a bit of light comedy and a surprising amount of valuable information.
Absolutely impressive once again.

[firekite]

I absolutely love how gorgeous and well put together this video was, in addition to learning about a style of two wheeled vehicle I never really understood.

[dancydance]

I'm immediately sold on the idea for electric motorcycles being more efficient, but the safety concerns and faster acceleration really make this seem like a no brainer. I am confident enough in my genitals to not be all that concerned with being seen in one either - sign me up.

[Levi_Allen]

I wish I saw you ripping the roads of Squamish in this thing while filming. On a side note the cycle analyst computer on that beauty is the cherry on top and hearing the hubs free wheel clicking away while ripping at 50 kmph must be fun. Edit/ it might be deep cove actually but sentiment stay the same.

[mbryson]

I always have to watch your videos twice. Once being awed by how well you put everything together, once to actually absorb the information you're sharing.

You have a gift, sir, thank you for sharing it!

[getmeagator]

I absolutely lost it at the end when the test dummy drove away after the crash. Bravo, sir!

[Dave-swdm]

Another masterpiece Ryan. The entertainment value in a motorcycle video is 10/10. For me, the ability to bail, and/or control a rear tire slide, would make feet forward a concept that would just put me in a Miata. 🙂

[fasfan]

You left out one more point: We nerds can tap into our dream of driving Kaneda's bike from Akira!

[azetaburn]

Having got 2 motorcycle accident throughout my life, this kind of motorcycle may make me felt confident again riding a bike, if it was accessible to public purchase.

[valoe]

I love the Wes Anderson cinematography you've added to this video. I think the influences were spot on, especially with the subject vehicle you're driving.