Shimano's New Carbon Fiber Derailleur

In addition to developing battery powered derailleurs, Shimano looks to also be making advances in traditional mechanical derailleurs.  A recent patent application (found here) details a new rear derailleur that will have a body made out of carbon fiber reinforced nylon.  The patent application claims this will yield significant weight savings.  An image of the new derailleur is below.

Harley Adding Reverse Drive to Big Twins

Harley's trikes have had a reverse gear for quite some time.  Now it looks like Harley has figured out how to build a transmission with a reverse gear that is compact enough to fit in all of its big twins.  According to this patent application, the reverse drive is shown going into a Rocker, but the size and shape of the tranny suggest that it could plug into any big twin, even older models.  Given Harley's aging consumer base, this may prove to be a popular option.  Some photos from the patent application can be found below.

Mazda's Next Gen Rotary Engine

Direct injection? Check.  Twin spark? Check.  Looks like there are a substantial number of improvements in store for Mazda's next generation Renesis engine.  The details can be found in this patent application, and a diagram of the new rotary mill is below.  Let's see how long it takes Mazda to get this engine into production.

Yamaha's Fuel Cell Motorcycle

The day of the fuel cell motorcycle may soon be upon us.  Based on this patent application, it looks like Yamaha is working on incorporating a fuel cell power source into the frame of a motorcycle.  The image below suggests that there is still space for a conventional combustion engine, so perhaps this will be a "hybrid" motorcycle.  Hopefully we'll find out soon.

New Harley Three Wheeler

According to this European patent application, it looks like Harley Davidson is going after some of Can-Am's Spyder sales.  The photos below just leave us speechless.