Re-Imagining The Great American Road Bike

Besides the already increased saddlebag size, making this change would also create a look that is more visually balanced on both sides of the motorcycle, keeping the look of the bike essentially the same coming or going. Using two pipes would also eliminate the need for any engine tuning changes (to accommodate any change to muffler size, performance mapping for two into one exhaust, etc.), and upward repositioning of the exhaust pipes would again be possible here, again allowing better cornering clearance.

Finally, how about this idea? In the review, the Victory was the only motorcycle available with a trunk-passenger backrest. Mention was made of the convenience of being able to move the trunk-backrest forward and back 1.5 inches to accommodate passenger comfort. Well, what if you're traveling without a passenger? It's a very nice backrest. Why shouldn't the rider get some benefit from it? How about making it adjustable by 1.5 feet (see lead photo on page 63).

While the backrest cushion might have to be repositioned downward for it to be more usable for either rider or passenger, you get the idea. Putting the trunk on rails and allowing it to move it forward or back as needed would accommodate any rider and passenger size. It might even be designed so that it can be removed from the bike for more of a "standard bagger" look, should the owner not need the extra packing room. Just a guess, but I would imagine that with the trunk in its full forward position, a larger air envelope would be created around the rider, for a quieter ride with less buffeting.

While everyone has their own opinion on style choices and the modifications shown here might not appeal to everyone, most would probably agree that these changes would increase the functionality and purpose that the bike was designed to do. Most full-dressed touring models, including Victory's Vision, Harley's Road King and Glide series, and Honda's Goldwing already use an exhaust pipe on each side of the bike, and those bikes all gain the benefit of increased saddlebag capacity because of it.

As a guy with an engineering background, I have always been a big fan of the "form following function" idea. I think it would be a good day for motorcycling in general when manufacturers not only take a bike's style into account, but also incorporate design ideas that increase the usability of features and amenities for their prospective buyers. It is my guess that they would increase the number of prospective buyers in their dealerships because of it.