{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"S11E09: What If Motorcycles Were Banned? A trip back in time to explore the future","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/s11e09-what-if-motorcycles-were-banned-a-trip-back-in-time-to-explore-the-future","audioUrl":"https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/revzillapodcast/HSLS_S11E09_PODCAST_v2.mp3?dest-id=1064744","description":"In honor of \"Back to the Future\" turning 40, industry experts like Ryan Fortnine, Matt Oxley, and Ari Henning take a trip back in time with Zack & Spurg to explore five massive motorcycle \"What if\" scenarios: What if Boeing built motorcycles? What if Harley-Davidson abandoned \"heritage\" for \"cutting-edge\"? How would a different World War II outcome have changed German and Japanese engineering? What does a truly safe motorcycle look like? If gas motorcycles were banned tomorrow, would the community survive on electric and hydrogen alone? Plus, Zack analyzes his actual Alpinestars airbag crash data, comparing his 65-mph highside to Marc Marquez's infamous tumbles. Check out more from RevZilla:  Common Tread: News, opinions, and written reviews RevZillaTV: Bike reviews, How-To's, and product videos "},"annotations":[{"startTime":513.6,"endTime":515.4,"type":"term","title":"high side","url":"/glossary/high-side","quote":"\"what a 65 mile an hour high side looks like,\"","canonicalId":"term:high-side","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"A high side is a type of motorcycle crash where the rear wheel loses traction and then suddenly regains it, causing the rider to be violently thrown over the bike. It is one of the most dangerous types of motorcycle accidents due to the abrupt and forceful nature of the throw.","simplifiedExplanation":"A high side is when a motorcycle slips and then suddenly grips again, throwing the rider off the bike. It can be very dangerous because it happens quickly and with a lot of force."}},{"startTime":1035.1,"endTime":1039.5,"type":"brand","title":"Rolls-Royce","url":"/glossary/rolls-royce","quote":"You know what Rolls-Royce also produced a turbo for? A jet turbine engine?","canonicalId":"brand:rolls-royce","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Rolls-Royce is a renowned British manufacturer known for luxury automobiles and aerospace engines, including jet turbines and marine turbines.","simplifiedExplanation":"Rolls-Royce is a famous company that makes very fancy cars and also powerful engines for airplanes and boats."}},{"startTime":1189.6,"endTime":1198.4,"type":"term","title":"E-V-T-O-L","url":"/glossary/evtol","quote":"And what Dustin gets into in his article is E-V-T-O-L, which is electronic vertical takeoff and landing. These are small aircraft that can take off vertically, fly and then vertically land. So think like a helicopter,","canonicalId":"term:evtol","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"E-V-T-O-L stands for electronic vertical takeoff and landing. It refers to small aircraft that can take off and land vertically using electric propulsion, aiming to replace traditional helicopters.","simplifiedExplanation":"E-V-T-O-L means small electric flying machines that can go straight up and down like a helicopter. They are a new kind of aircraft that might be easier and quieter to use."}},{"startTime":1378.26,"endTime":1380.0,"type":"car","title":"Kia EV4","url":"/cars/kia/ev4","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/09/2026_Kia_EV4_%28Rear%29_on_display_at_the_2025_NYC_Auto_Show.jpg","quote":"...unt of electronics  that are in a Ducati Pentagon EV4  in general aviation anytime soon.","canonicalId":"car:kia:ev4","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Kia EV4 is an electric vehicle representing Kia’s push into the EV market with modern technology and design. It features advanced electronics and efficient electric powertrains, reflecting the automotive industry's shift toward electrification. Its mention underscores the growing presence of electric vehicles in everyday transportation.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Kia EV4 is a car that runs only on electricity instead of gas, which helps reduce pollution. It has lots of modern gadgets and is part of a new wave of electric cars. People talk about it when discussing new, cleaner cars.","imageAttribution":"Raszbeary (CC BY 4.0)"}},{"startTime":1854.9,"endTime":1857.0,"type":"brand","title":"Harley","url":"/glossary/harley","quote":"If you're a Harley lover, you'll be thinking, whoa, whoa, whoa, Harley has advanced, they have evolved.","canonicalId":"brand:harley","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Harley refers to Harley-Davidson, an iconic American motorcycle manufacturer known for its distinctive V-twin engines and cruiser-style motorcycles.","simplifiedExplanation":"Harley-Davidson is a famous company that makes motorcycles, especially known for their loud and powerful bikes."}},{"startTime":1864.3,"endTime":1867.7,"type":"term","title":"ABS","url":"/glossary/abs","quote":"and ABS and boom, exclamation point boxes.","canonicalId":"term:abs","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"ABS stands for Anti-lock Braking System, a safety feature that prevents the wheels from locking up during hard braking, helping maintain steering control.","simplifiedExplanation":"ABS is a safety system in vehicles that stops the wheels from freezing when you brake hard, so you can still steer and avoid accidents."}},{"startTime":1888.2,"endTime":1891.7,"type":"concept","title":"sport bikes","url":"/glossary/sport-bikes","quote":"with whether it was sport bikes that were introduced by Japanese companies in the 80s","canonicalId":"concept:sport-bikes","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Sport bikes are motorcycles designed for speed, agility, and performance, often featuring lightweight frames and aerodynamic styling.","simplifiedExplanation":"Sport bikes are motorcycles built to go fast and handle well, often used for racing or quick riding."}},{"startTime":1894.6,"endTime":1898.6,"type":"concept","title":"adventure bikes","url":"/glossary/adventure-bikes","quote":"or adventure bikes as they came to popular, stuff like that.","canonicalId":"concept:adventure-bikes","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Adventure bikes are versatile motorcycles designed for both on-road and off-road riding, often featuring rugged construction and long-travel suspension.","simplifiedExplanation":"Adventure bikes are motorcycles that you can ride on streets and rough trails, made tough for different kinds of roads."}},{"startTime":1916.8,"endTime":1919.7,"type":"term","title":"American V-twin","url":"/glossary/american-v-twin","quote":"Patrick Garvin is our in-house Harley expert and American V-twin expert, I suppose,","canonicalId":"term:american-v-twin","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The American V-twin refers to a type of motorcycle engine configuration with two cylinders arranged in a V shape, commonly used by American motorcycle manufacturers like Harley-Davidson.","simplifiedExplanation":"An American V-twin is a kind of motorcycle engine with two parts that make power, shaped like a V. It's popular in American motorcycles."}},{"startTime":1919.7,"endTime":1923.9,"type":"term","title":"American flat track","url":"/glossary/american-flat-track","quote":"and American flat track expert as well. But the thing about Patrick Garvin that I like so much","canonicalId":"term:american-flat-track","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"American flat track is a type of motorcycle racing held on oval dirt tracks, emphasizing sliding and cornering skills, and is closely associated with Harley-Davidson's racing heritage.","simplifiedExplanation":"American flat track is a kind of motorcycle race on dirt tracks where riders slide their bikes around corners. Harley-Davidson motorcycles often race in this style."}},{"startTime":1936.8,"endTime":1940.2,"type":"term","title":"supercharged","url":"/glossary/supercharged","quote":"Like he also likes a supercharged Kawasaki ZX-10\nnow and again, you know what I mean?","canonicalId":"term:supercharged","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Supercharging is a method of forcing more air into an engine's combustion chamber, increasing power output. A supercharger is a device driven by the engine that compresses air to boost performance.","simplifiedExplanation":"Supercharged means the bike's engine has a special part that pushes more air inside to make it stronger and faster."}},{"startTime":2058.5,"endTime":2067.2,"type":"term","title":"touring models","url":"/glossary/touring-models","quote":"in 2024, Harley-Davidson sold 85,000 touring models in one year.","canonicalId":"term:touring-models","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Touring models are motorcycles designed for long-distance travel, typically featuring larger engines, comfortable seating, and amenities like saddlebags and windshields to enhance rider comfort on extended trips.","simplifiedExplanation":"Touring motorcycles are made for going on long rides. They have comfy seats and space to carry things, so the rider can travel far without getting tired."}},{"startTime":2279.8,"endTime":2282.4,"type":"term","title":"cruiser","url":"/glossary/cruiser","quote":"and they maybe took a different approach to what a cruiser was. And some people liked that and bought the bikes and other people didn't like that.","canonicalId":"term:cruiser","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"A cruiser is a style of motorcycle designed for relaxed riding, often featuring a low seat height, a laid-back riding position, and classic styling. Cruisers are popular for their comfort and aesthetic appeal.","simplifiedExplanation":"A cruiser is a type of motorcycle made for easy and comfortable riding. It usually has a low seat and a relaxed way to sit while riding."}},{"startTime":2358.7,"endTime":2358.7,"type":"term","title":"cafe racer","url":"/glossary/cafe-racer","quote":"This is a cafe racer.","canonicalId":"term:cafe-racer","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"A cafe racer is a style of motorcycle that emphasizes speed and handling with minimalist design, often inspired by British motorcycles of the 1960s.","simplifiedExplanation":"A cafe racer is a type of motorcycle that looks simple and fast, designed to be quick and easy to ride."}},{"startTime":2412.9,"endTime":2413.5,"type":"brand","title":"Buell","url":"/glossary/buell","quote":"Harley Davidson, then in the early 90s, partners with Buell,","canonicalId":"brand:buell","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Buell was an American motorcycle manufacturer known for producing sportier motorcycles with innovative engineering, often partnering with Harley Davidson in the 1990s.","simplifiedExplanation":"Buell was a company that made faster, sportier motorcycles and worked with Harley Davidson in the 1990s."}},{"startTime":2534.5,"endTime":2539.0,"type":"term","title":"economy of scale","url":"/glossary/economy-of-scale","quote":"\"...and it just doesn't work out at an economy of scale that allows them to keep doing it...\"","canonicalId":"term:economy-of-scale","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Economy of scale refers to the cost advantages a company gains when production becomes efficient, typically by producing large quantities, which lowers the cost per unit.","simplifiedExplanation":"Making lots of something usually makes it cheaper to produce each one, which is called economy of scale."}},{"startTime":2647.7,"endTime":2651.0,"type":"brand","title":"General Motors","url":"/glossary/general-motors","quote":"In the sort of like general motors, you know, I don't know if general motors is a great example, considering general motors, you know, killed off Pontiac and killed off Osmobile and so on and so forth.","canonicalId":"brand:general-motors","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"General Motors (GM) is a major American automotive manufacturer known for producing a wide range of vehicles under various brands including Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac, and formerly Pontiac and Oldsmobile.","simplifiedExplanation":"General Motors is a big company that makes many cars and trucks. They used to make cars under names like Pontiac and Oldsmobile but stopped making those."}},{"startTime":2653.5,"endTime":2656.3,"type":"brand","title":"Pontiac","url":"/glossary/pontiac","quote":"considering general motors, you know, killed off Pontiac and killed off Osmobile and so on and so forth.","canonicalId":"brand:pontiac","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Pontiac was a brand of automobiles owned by General Motors, known for sporty and performance-oriented vehicles before it was discontinued in 2010 as part of GM's restructuring.","simplifiedExplanation":"Pontiac was a car brand that made sporty cars. It stopped making cars in 2010."}},{"startTime":2797.1,"endTime":2801.1,"type":"concept","title":"conglomerate","url":"/glossary/conglomerate","quote":"That was where my mind went with this whole thing is like a conglomerate in 2025 of all of these things","canonicalId":"concept:conglomerate","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"A conglomerate is a large corporation that owns multiple different companies or brands, often across various industries.","simplifiedExplanation":"A conglomerate is a big company that owns many smaller companies all together."}},{"startTime":2807.92,"endTime":2808.5,"type":"brand","title":"KTM","url":"/glossary/ktm","quote":"They wouldn't all be called a KTM or all be called a BMW,","canonicalId":"brand:ktm","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"KTM is an Austrian motorcycle and sports car manufacturer known for its off-road motorcycles and recently expanding into sports cars through partnerships.","simplifiedExplanation":"KTM is a company that makes motorcycles and some sports cars. They are famous for their dirt bikes and have also worked on cars."}},{"startTime":2807.92,"endTime":2808.5,"type":"brand","title":"BMW","url":"/glossary/bmw","quote":"They wouldn't all be called a KTM or all be called a BMW,","canonicalId":"brand:bmw","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"BMW is a German luxury car and motorcycle manufacturer known for performance vehicles and premium quality.","simplifiedExplanation":"BMW is a company that makes cars and motorcycles. They are known for making fast and fancy vehicles."}},{"startTime":2898.3,"endTime":2901.3,"type":"concept","title":"restomod","url":"/glossary/restomod","quote":"\"And like, it's this whole like Resto-Mod, automotive side of things. But like, imagine if that was being done from the factory.\"","canonicalId":"concept:restomod","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"A restomod is a classic car that has been restored and modified with modern technology, such as updated drivetrains, brakes, and suspension, to improve performance and reliability while retaining the original style.","simplifiedExplanation":"A restomod is when an old car is fixed up and given new parts like better brakes and engines so it works like a new car but still looks old."}},{"startTime":4060.16,"endTime":4063.78,"type":"car","title":"Volkswagen Beatles","url":"/cars/volkswagen/beetle","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a4/1957_Volkswagen_Beetle%2C_export_model%2C_in_front_of_Porta_Nigra_in_Trier_2023-05-01.jpg","quote":"...ling in the hay with the fair maidens.  He wanted Volkswagen Beatles with 2.2 kids in them  so that they could grow up...","canonicalId":"car:volkswagen:beetle","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Volkswagen Beetle is an iconic compact car known worldwide for its distinctive rounded shape and cultural significance. Originally designed as an affordable and practical vehicle, it became a symbol of the 1960s counterculture. Its mention often evokes nostalgia and discussions about automotive history.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Volkswagen Beetle is a small, round car that lots of people recognize because it’s been around for a long time. It’s known for being simple and easy to drive, and many people have fond memories of it. It’s often talked about when remembering classic cars.","imageAttribution":"Palauenc05 (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":4653.3,"endTime":4660.7,"type":"concept","title":"crumple zone","url":"/glossary/crumple-zone","quote":"With automotive, so much of the engineering goes into like the crumple zone. And like how much of the impact can be taken by the vehicle itself,","canonicalId":"concept:crumple-zone","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"A crumple zone is a structural feature in vehicles designed to absorb and dissipate energy during a collision, reducing the force transferred to occupants and improving safety.","simplifiedExplanation":"A crumple zone is a part of a car that is made to bend and crush in a crash so it can protect the people inside by making the crash less strong."}},{"startTime":4723.02,"endTime":4724.56,"type":"car","title":"Dodge Road Runner","url":"/cars/dodge/road-runner","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/ed/1968_Plymouth_RoadRunner_A12_%2831074287571%29.jpg","quote":"...circle back to it, I promise.  Did you ever watch Road Runner  and Wiley Coyote Road Runner cartoons","canonicalId":"car:dodge:road-runner","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Dodge Road Runner is a classic American muscle car from the late 1960s and early 1970s, known for its powerful V8 engines and affordable performance. It was designed to offer raw speed without unnecessary luxury, making it a favorite among muscle car enthusiasts. Its mention often relates to muscle car culture or nostalgic automotive discussions.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Dodge Road Runner is a strong and fast car made a long time ago that many people liked because it was simple and powerful. It was built to go fast without extra fancy stuff. People talk about it when they remember old muscle cars.","imageAttribution":"Sicnag (CC BY 2.0)"}},{"startTime":5292.74,"endTime":5294.42,"type":"car","title":"Toyota Prius","url":"/cars/toyota/prius","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/74/2014-2021_Toyota_Prius_%CE%B1_Touring_Selection.jpg","quote":"...ered trucks, semi-trucks, big ships,  your hybrid Prius, still fine.  Gas-powered motorcycles, no longer.","canonicalId":"car:toyota:prius","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Toyota Prius is a pioneering hybrid vehicle known for its fuel efficiency and environmental friendliness. It combines a gasoline engine with an electric motor to reduce emissions and save fuel, making it a popular choice for eco-conscious drivers. Its mention highlights the contrast between traditional gas-powered vehicles and more sustainable options.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Toyota Prius is a car that uses both gas and electricity to help save fuel and pollute less. It’s famous for being good for the environment and saving money on gas. People talk about it when discussing cleaner and greener cars.","imageAttribution":"TTTNIS (CC0)"}},{"startTime":6501.32,"endTime":6506.0,"type":"car","title":"Toyota A90","url":"/cars/toyota/supra","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/aa/Toyota_GR_Supra_Racing_Concept%2C_Paris_Motor_Show_2018%2C_Paris_%281Y7A1779%29.jpg","quote":"liquid cooled KTM is called LC8 yeah and those were 75 degrees I believe yes and  then there was like the 90 there was a 90 degree V twin from Ducati or Suzuki or  yep or Honda I did not hear that I didn't hear performance V twin no that's","canonicalId":"car:toyota:supra","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Toyota Supra is a legendary sports car celebrated for its performance and tuning potential, especially the fourth-generation model. It has a strong enthusiast following and is often discussed in contexts involving high-performance engines and motorsports. Its mention likely relates to its iconic status in automotive culture.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Toyota Supra is a fast and sporty car that many people love because it looks cool and goes really fast. It’s famous for being fun to drive and easy to make even faster. People talk about it when they want to discuss exciting cars.","imageAttribution":"Matti Blume (CC BY-SA)"}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"RevZilla","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/s11e09-what-if-motorcycles-were-banned-a-trip-back-in-time-to-explore-the-future/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}