Interesting thread! I like to follow technology (it's my job), and I think there will be much more on-board electronics in vehicles.
GPS, someone laughed at above, is almost in vehicles now. I found a product the other day, a 1 ounce tiny GPS unit that could be put in a vehicle or even (get this) model airplane! The price was reasonable too. In five years expect many cars to have GPS, and maybe some bikes, but probably first on tourer bikes. Honda VFR has some trick electonics now - maybe they will be first with GPS??
With performance changes, expect the first changes to be the CHEAP ones. The reason our bikes have ram air and not turbos is that ram-air is cheap! A couple of bits of plastic tube. And it sort-of works.
They will add more cheap stuff, I have toyed myself with the idea of ACTIVE ram-air, with variable size scoops that open or close the mouth depending on road speed. This would give lots more power at low speed, but not cause leanness/air drag at high speed. I can bet the bike makers have thought of it too... Still cheap, might work?? Wouldn't it sell some bikes though...
I like the idea of active aerodynamics too. Imagine a tilt spoiler, nose or tail, that can adjust for different speeds. No real new technology or material development needed, just some research time...
Active suspension, a computer controlled valve in the forks/rear that compensates for temp, or gives a dash mounted button adjuster?? What about auto suspension? Makes is cushy soft on a bumpy country road, but can detect hard track use and firm it up. Heck, why not just get the computer to firm it just for that second of hard braking...
So you can guess my prediction...
Much more of the "hook a computer up to it" stuff, we have the technology now, and they WILL make it.
Sorry to ramble on, but if you want to know my favourite invention (this one might take a few years) I like the idea of active spoilers on the front wheel/fairing, that detect when the bike is at full lean, and change the downforce for THAT SIDE to actively push the tyre sideways (so push it DOWN onto the road) to increase traction. We will probably be riding this stuff before Indy car or F1 legalise it for race use! Don't you love bikes??
