We must admit, that this one caught us a bit off guard as well. After all when you reall compare motorcycles with cars, the bikes merely sip on the fuel while cars guzzle on it. So its not a surprise that most car manufacturers are concentrating on making 4 wheeled hybrids only.

But given that motorbikes require so much less energy, it would make sense to make hybrid versions of these - imagine having a bike with a potentially unlimited range. Things however are not so easy as you may think - once more due to the battery technology which effectively remains unchanged from the original concept a hundred years back.

However, Honda believes that it can shrink a hybrid engine enough to be mounted on a motorcycle frame. The hybrid motorbikes will be available in engine displacements between 200 and 1,000 cc, and, according to Honda, will be 50 percent more fuel-efficient. Production costs will be cut by using common components in both hybrid cars and motorcycles. Expect the hybrid bikes to be out as soon as 2010.

Note : Image for representational purposes only

Source