One particularly unusual product that's been floating around the web lately is Rocketshields, a canopy intended to offer wind protection by attaching to a bike's pre-existing fastening points. The product takes the enclosed BMW scooter concept and applies it to virtually any motorcycle, including the ZX-10R seen here.
Company founder David Fermil claims the goal of the bodywork is to enhance riding comfort, mentioning on his website that "I no longer have to wear a full face helmet that squishes my fat cheeks, fogs up when its too cold or too hot, impairs my peripheral vision and hearing, and makes my head smell like a sweaty sock."
I personally tend to ride with as much head protection as possible and enjoy the experience of wide-open motorcycling, but how do you feel about putting a roof over your head while you ride?
1. Bring it on. If a roof is what it takes for peace and quiet on two wheels, I'm in.2. No way! Keep cages away from bikes; roofs belong on cars.
3. I'm not sure. I wouldn't know if I liked an enclosed motorcycle until I tried one.
Click here to view poll results.
Photo © Rocketshields
Click to enlarge
What’s next… seatbelts?
If you want to ride with that much quiet and no wind buy yourself a damned car
I don’t think I have ever seen anything uglier and more stupid than this.
BMW tried & failed,some people never learn !
If I wanted a top, I would have purchased a convertible. I hated looking through my windshield (so cut it down a bit) This would create the same effect. Rain gear works great, in fact it is a rare rain that will get you too wet. I’m just trying to understand the reasons for a top. Sorry it doesn’t work for me!!
UUUUUUUGLY!!! Hopefuly it will die a painful death.
I’m reminded of a bike called the quasar that had a roof. I think this is ok for couriers and utility riding in all weather, like the covered scooters all over Paris doing business. But for two-wwheeled freedom and fun, it would be like wearing a condom while “you know what”.
This lid on a motorcycle is dangerous due to the gusty wind of near by vehicles passing by.
one word… HANIOUS…
It’s all about choices. Give me more. I live in western Washington, USA (Seattle area). It rains here. Lots of rain. No raingear keeps you dry in this environment. You don’t have to use one on your bike, but I’d like to give it a try. The Monotracer/Ecomobile from Peraves (http://www.peraves.ch/index_english.php) is just to expensive. this might be just the ticket.
I’m a lifelong biker who also has a ‘car’. This is not such a bad idea as it first seems – if neatly implemented to look good too..
Adding other advantages:
An extension of the idea for the low riding feet first market with leg and feet guards.
Back support for passenger.
Quickly removable so optional.
Keeps you warmer.
Helps in those drenching storms.
Cheap to implement en masse.
Less tiresome on long hauls.
Baggage rack to the rear.
Easy to plug in extra headlights, gps, beer holders, etc..
Increases the number of days for a pleasurable ride.
The Monotracer and BMW C3 were made helmet exempt for the EU. This was the holy grail for MAG members.
I’m a BMW GS rider who hates the very idea of riding behind a screen. Being able to tilt or slide the screen slats down might make it acceptable.