When common sense seems more than ever in danger of imminent extinction, people like Jason ChinnockCEO of Ducati USA, make us regain faith in the world. In a recent interview, he made it clear what a motorcycle is designed for, in addition to standing firm against the possibility that models will be manufactured that can offer autonomous driving systems.
Jason Chinnock urges not to confuse mobility with piloting
We should not be explaining this, much less that someone of the importance of Jason Chinnock should be arguing why mobility, no matter what type, has nothing to do with piloting. A motorcycle is not designed and manufactured solely to go from point A to point B. It is influenced by a series of technical, material and even mystical aspects that turn mere movement into an experience.
This conclusion seems not to be understood by a part of the industry and, as a consequence, they devise countless new technologies with which the pilot increasingly finds himself in a more assisted mode by the machine. In any case, Jason Chinnock puts white on black in one of his latest interviews, stating that he hopes that motorcycles capable of autonomous driving will never be marketed.
Although he understands that this function can be interesting when we talk about cars, his position is diametrically opposed within the motorcycle sector, since, in his opinion, a motorcycle that pilots itself “it would completely eliminate the reason for riding a motorcycle.” Furthermore, referring exclusively to the brand for which he works, he explains clearly and concisely:
“We’re not building mobility. We’re building motorcycles. We’re building something for joy and fun.” Basically, that’s what it’s all about when you get behind the controls of a motorcycle. Even those that were originally intended for citizen use with no expectations other than getting around. The sensations that we can feel while driving are hardly comparable to those of a car.
Regarding this he concluded: “If it takes away your ability to handle it and experience it, then just get in a capsule and go from point A to point B.” We don’t know if autonomous motorcycles will arrive sooner or later. When that happens (if it finally happens), an era will end where these were much more than a means of transportation and for many, even a way of life.
