Something different would be people trading in their hyper-sport bike that they can't even come close to riding or their ton-and-a-half monster cruiser for small fuel efficient standards and enduros and they ride most of the time instead of treating their bike like a toy.
Manufacturers then put R&D into utilitarian but fun bikes, so you get a 250lb, 450cc twin, with 70hp that gets 60+mpg and someone 5'10" can flat foot but handles like a supermoto. Has switchable heated grips and seat, accessory socket, optional hard luggage, CVT transmission with manual control, Buell like belt drive, non-linked ABS brakes, underbody exhaust, comfy all-day seat, and could be ridden in the rain for a year without any rusting.
Aka, take the Derbi 50cc supermoto, cram the Aprilia small twin in there, uses the latest and greatest materials for everything, have BMW gadgets and comfort and a Buell style exhaust and belt drive. Lastly have Lotus like engine efficiency.
Give me that and I would spend every penny I have to get it and would be happy to have the best commuter around.
As far as high-tech engines go it looks like the Japanese are betting on hybrid and hydrogen engines, good or bad. Personally if people bought normal bikes the manufacturers could spend their R&D money making them more efficient without having to switch fuel types. My 650CS gets 60mpg so I KNOW there could be a lot of improvement there without getting too fancy. But would people give up their wang extensions for something normal and utilitarian, I doubt it. They feel they need a liter class torture rack or 2300cc 700+lb two wheeled boat to be a man.
