Why Don't More Motorcycles Use Turbochargers?

When comparing my last motorcycle and my current car, it becomes evident that the balance between power and weight plays a critical role in their performance. My old motorcycle weighed only 500 pounds and had 100 horsepower, giving it a favorable 5 pounds per horsepower ratio. In contrast, my current car tips the scales at nearly 4500 pounds with around 316 horsepower, resulting in a less favorable ratio. Interestingly, modern motorcycles are capable of producing even more power, as evidenced by my BMW K1200S. Despite its potential, the motorcycle doesn't need turbochargers or superchargers to perform exceptionally well.

The Power of Traditional Motorcycles

High-performance motorcycles can already outperform cars, even without turbocharging. Take my BMW K1200S, for instance. Although it has a top speed of 180mph, I've never been able to reach this velocity due to the limited straight lines available where I could safely test it. On a back road test, I managed to hit 160mph before I ran out of road. The performance of these bikes is impressive, and sometimes too much for the rider to handle. This brings us to the question of whether turbocharging could provide any real benefits.

Turbocharging: A Solution or a Problem?

One might argue that turbocharging could be useful to make a smaller, lighter motorcycle with comparable power. However, the reality is that such bikes wouldn't be significantly lighter or cheaper, and they would introduce another issue: turbo lag. Turbocharged bikes built by major Japanese companies in the '80s suffered from this problem. When you open the throttle in the middle of a turn, there's a delay before the turbo starts producing power. This delay can be dangerous, especially on a motorcycle, where riders need to respond quickly and precisely.

Why Turbochargers Haven't Taken Over the Motorcycle Market

Despite their potential, turbocharged motorcycles haven't gained widespread adoption. One possible reason is that even with their extra grunt, they pack too much punch for everyday riding. Safety remains the top priority, and a turbocharged motorcycle could be a beast at the wrong moment. The example of the Suzuki Hayabusa demonstrates this point. It has an impressive 600 HP, but this power becomes a delicate balancing act on a motorcycle, where a lack of traction control can be deadly.

Market Forces and Technological Hurdles

The lack of love for forced induction in the two-wheeled world may not be due to technical limitations alone. For smaller motorcycles, turbocharging can be financially unviable due to development and production costs. On the other hand, larger motorcycles may face safety concerns when adding a turbo, leading to potential rider overwhelm. Both ends of the spectrum have reasons to avoid turbocharged bikes.

Moreover, the market may not be demanding these innovations. While turbocharged motorcycles have been around since the '80s, they haven't gained significant traction. This lack of demand could be attributed to a refined focus on what buyers want, rather than pushing the technological envelope.

Conclusion

The question of why more motorcycles don't use turbochargers is complex. It could be a combination of safety concerns, market forces, and the unique challenges of integrating these systems into motorcycles. For now, the thrill of riding high-powered motorcycles remains achievable without the need for turbocharging.

Tips for Readers: When considering a high-performance motorcycle, focus on the power-to-weight ratio and safety features. While turbochargers can increase power, they introduce new challenges that may not be worth the trade-offs for many riders.