The 2008 National Motorcycle Show in Toronto had its fair share of custom creations, but none turned heads quite like the Uno. Amidst the sea of American V-twin influence, the Uno, with its orange and grey exterior, stood out as a futuristic oddity on two side-by-side wheels.
Uno Motorcycle Specifications:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Weight | 54.4 kg (120 lb) |
| Speed (Current) | 16 km/h (10 mph) |
| Speed (Future) | Aiming for 50 km/h (30 mph) |
| Operation | Gyro-based, body movement |
| Battery Life | Approximately 3 hours |
| Charging Time | 17 minutes (fast charger) |
Ultra Modern Meets Ultra Custom
Invented by the 18-year-old prodigy Ben J. Poss Gulak, the Uno defied convention. Ben, who spent much of his life tinkering in his grandfather’s basement machine shop, showcased a machine that looked like it belonged to George Jetson. The Uno’s appearance sparked curiosity, and the most common question echoed through the crowd: “What is it?”
The Journey to Uno
Ben’s journey into engineering began at a grade nine science fair, where he showcased a magnetic car propelled by accelerator coils. His passion for innovation and engineering led him to compete at an international level, representing Canada among 54 other countries.
A pivotal moment came during a 2006 trip to China, where Ben witnessed the environmental impact of internal combustion engines. Inspired to create a compact electric transport solution, he conceptualized the Uno. The first prototype featured a simple frame, angle iron, mountain bike wheels, and electric motors.
The Making of Uno
The Uno displayed at the National Show was Ben’s third prototype. Using Google SketchUp, Ben designed the basic drive/suspension assembly, showcasing his ingenuity despite lacking formal CAD training. Motorcycle Enhancements in Oakville played a crucial role in mounting tires on custom-made wheels.
With the help of John Cosentini, owner of Motorcycle Enhancements, Ben found the perfect Yamaha R1 frame to complete Uno’s skeletal structure. The body, crafted through meticulous molding and painting, was a collaborative effort between Cosentini and Ben.
The Operation of Uno
The Uno operates with simplicity—no controls, just an on-off switch. Leaning forward propels the machine forward, leaning back causes it to reverse. The gyro-equipped Uno interprets body movements, adjusting electric motor output for a seamless riding experience. With independent suspension, the Uno leans like a motorcycle during turns, enhancing stability.
The Future of Uno
The Uno, currently capped at 16 km/h (10 mph), is a work in progress. Ben aims to increase its speed to a zippy 50 km/h (30 mph) with the fourth-generation Uno. While North America might not be the primary market, Ben sees potential for the Uno in Europe and Asia, envisioning a greener future in crowded cities.
In My Own Experience
Having had the opportunity to try the Uno, I found it manageable and stable, though cornering required some adjustment.
Conclusion
Ben J. Poss Gulak’s Uno is more than a custom motorcycle; it’s a testament to innovation and environmental consciousness. Accepted at MIT and Stanford, Ben’s future looks bright, much like the Uno’s journey to becoming a one-of-a-kind engineering marvel.