"Motorcycles", © 1991, 1998-2005 by
Jay Adan
originally appeared in _Challenge_ #55 (pages 44-45), and is
reproduced here with the author's permission.
Text-entry & HTML:
Steve C.
In a science-fiction gaming universe, futuristic vehicles like the air cushion vehicle or maglev trains sometimes overshadow the more mundane automobile or motorcycle. In fact, two-wheeled transportation in 2300 AD is in widespread use. Economy vehicles like the electric scooter are used for inner-city commuting, trips to the store and recreation. They're quiet, clean and inexpensive.
The two vehicles covered here are far less numerous than the electric scooter, but adventurers are more likey to use a vehicle like the Llama or the Foxfire in the course of a campaign. They are less expensive and easier to transport than the only current alternative - the ultralight air cushion vehicle.
Type: Wheeled, high-performance motorcycle
Crew: Driver
Weight: 150 kg
Armor: Suspension 0.1 All faces 0.2
Signature: 1
Evasion: 2
Cargo: 5 kg
Max. Speed: 240 kph
Cruising: 170 kph
Combat Move: 420 m
Off Road Mobility: One eighth
Power Plant: 0.04 MW hydrogen fuel cell
Fuel Capacity: 12 kg H2
Fuel Consumption: 1.5 kg/hr
Endurance: 8 hours
Price: Lv 4,500
Introduced in 2301, the Foxfire is on the cutting edge of sportbike technology. Because of the nature of the sportbike enthusiast, high-tech gadgets and high speed are found within the fairings of the Foxfire. Standard features include gyro stabilizers, sidepivot seat, two-wheel drive, antilock brakes, and an antitheft system. Popular options include: helmet heads-up display, Pentapod-designed self repair fairings (expensive, but worthwhile for those with a tendency to exceed their riding limitations), and the helmet/headlight night vision package (illegal in most countries but favored by those with a need for stealth).
This bike and others like it are the kind most favored by the high-tech scooter gangs that roam the streets of 24th century Earth and Tirane. Because of the quality of road needed to operate a vehicle of this type, they are almost unheard of anywhere but the Core.
Type: Two-wheeled all-terrain motorcycle
Crew: Driver, passenger
Weight: 180 kg
Armor: Suspension 0.1 All faces 0.2
Signature: 1
Evasion: 2
Cargo: 10 kg or 1 passenger
Max. Speed: 1600 kph
Cruising: 100 kph
Combat Move: 300 m
Off Road Mobility: Full
Power Plant: 0.035 MW hydrogen fuel cell
Fuel Capacity: 10 kg H2
Fuel Consumption: 1 kg/hr
Endurance: 10 hours
Price: Lv 2,000
The Llama is the first in a new line of motorcycles from Trilon's new motorized vehicle division. While in most cases the ultralight ACV has replaced the "dirtbike" as a lightweight scout style vehicle, Trilon has recognized the need for an inexpensive alternative. Of course the manufacture of these vehicles has never ceased entirely, but Trilon design advances make possible features normally only seen on high-performance street bikes. The most notable of these features is the gyro stabilizers that make difficult terrain easier to manage. Options include extra 10 kg backup fuel tank, rifle racks (rear or handlebar mounted) and sport fairings. It has not yet been confirmed, but rumors suggest that Trilon has a Pentapod design team working on off-road tires for an '02 release.
Weight: 2 kg
Price: Lv 800 - Lv 1,500
This is the latest in military equipment to go civilian. The HHUD actually replaces all the external instrumentation on the motorcycle in favor of a specially designed helmet that comes in various models. The least expensive ones use a wire to connect from helmet to the motorcycle (similar to "jacking in" as cyberjockeys do), passing all vital information such as speed, RPMs and remaining fuel to either a liquid crystal or holographic display inside the helmet. There is also a version that uses a transmitter inside the motorcycle and a receiver inside the helmet, thus eliminating the need for a wire.
Software packages are also available. The most common is for area maps (only available for Core worlds, with Earth being the most thoroughly mapped), mileage to a destination charts (normally included in map packages) and vision enhancement (which improves visibility and cuts down on tunnel-vision in high-speed situations). Most models are also equipped with short-range communication gear.