Fancy a Two-Wheeled Lift?
Motorcycle taxis are nothing new in the third world, but according to The new Cafe (racer) Society, London is quickly catching onto the trend. Virgin-- already involved in everything from commercial airlines to galactic travel-- is now offering two-wheeled transportation for hire.
The service utilizes ABS-equipped Yamaha FJR1300s, and amenities include Arai open-face helmets, Hein Gericke protective clothing, and cellular-enabled intercom systems. The minimum charge is £25 (about $50), and a ride from central London to Heathrow will run you £70 (roughly $140.)
I'm guessing this service won't attract too many seasoned motorcyclists, but can envision it becoming a popular with moto-curious passengers looking for a more adventurous way across town. Could one of these moto services make it in your hometown, or is this a Euro-only phenomenon? Comment with your thoughts.
Photo © Virgin
Comments
Pass…I’m a lousy passenger. I can think of 3 people I’d get on behind… and I’m 2 of them.
Sir Richard is into everything, isn’t he?
The story completely missed the whole point about using motorcycles for this service. The point is: Motorcycles are the fastest way to get to the airport.
From Virgin’s website:
Q. Why do you use motorbikes?
A. We use them because they are the quickest way through traffic (they can halve the normal journey time to the airport for instance) and because they are not subject to the same delays as every other form of transport – be it traffic, road-works, tube strikes, leaves on the line, baggage handlers at Heathrow or traffic wardens.
Ohhhh! Silly me…I thought they used bikes because they didn’t want to listen stupid people and drunks babble.
The whole ‘better in traffic thing’ completely escaped me! That’s pretty smart!
How many helmets does it have to carry for all the different sized heads? Also after a while they’re going to be getting pretty grotty. Like wearing other peoples underpants.
Yes, motorcycle taxi not only in third world country, they are very popular in Communist China too. But I think the passenger seat for this purpose should be installed facing backward and the passenger grabbed onto his/her own fixed handlebar and have a car seatbelt or at least a lap belt
(5) They wouldn’t have to carry helmets, they could keep them at the depot, and use disposable (or washable) liners.
I’d like to try it…once.
Daffyd, comment #7, said the helmets would be at the depot, but according to the article in the New Cafe Society, they say they carry the helmet and other goodies for the traveller. Also if you flag it down, there’d have to be a helmet available.
In City’s motorcycles although dangerous are the fastest means of transport beside’s “Public trains”.
The London Motorcycle taxi cost is pure “5-Star luxury” to the average tourist, no wonder London is considered one of the World’s costliest City’s.
Greetings. Sounds like a “plan” to me!
People who can directly relate to motorcycle riding, having at least ridden on one as a passenger, will definitely be more sympathetic to our cause, which is, of course to safely continue to ride on our “bikes”, whenever and wherever we can/choose. Some will probably scorn, but at least we can get more positive publicity (light) from this. I am for any positive thing that promotes the sport/lifestyle of riding motorcycles.
Ride Safe! Be/Stay Blessed!
It would be fun however, what about your lugage?