Izh hybrid concept

Meet the 2012 Izh hybrid concept, a petrol-electric motorcycle design that could be a glimpse of things to come.

Using his website to promote his designs, 26-year-old Igor Chak created the Izh hybrid concept, which would run a hybrid powertrain making use of an 850cc V-twin engine outputting 140hp (103kW) and an in-hub 60kW electric motor located on the rear wheel.

Hypothetically speaking, the Izh would deliver excellent fuel economy yet would be able to take on the likes of the BMW S1000R in a straight line, with a combined power output of more than 220hp from its electric and petrol motors.

This glut of power would be handled by an automatic transmission.

"My fascination with motorcycles is not purely with its aesthetics – it's with the machine within the aesthetics, the technology that you interact with," explains Chak.

"Our streets stay about the same size but become more populated, which means more pollution and more traffic. That's why I believe that the motorcycle and its evolution will be a key factor for commuters," says the young designer.

The intriguingly designed motorcycle, which features an unorthodox twin-shock rear suspension setup (on that could be a form over function design cue), boasts the kind of fairing design that makes Honda's dramatic VFR1200F look dull.

Another interesting design solution are the front forks, which have been designed a deformable element, or crumple zone if you will, to reduce the severity of head-on impacts.
 
The 2012 Izh hybrid concept motorcycle is also bristling with technology, including dual airbags, a pop-up satellite navigation screen with Bluetooth connectivity and a front-mounted night vision camera, useful for hunting elk at night in Canada.

As well as dual airbags, safety systems on the Izh include ABS, traction control, a proximity regulating radar system (that works in tandem with the night vision camera) and our favourite, magnetic brakes. There is a hydraulic back-up system in case an electromagnetic pulse goes off.

Though completely conceptual, this design could be a sign of things to come in the next few decades, particularly if Igor Chak fulfils his dream of becoming a motorcycle designer for a major manufacturer.