Their unwavering commitment to achieving the highest air quality standards is evident in their proactive approach to emissions testing. In a groundbreaking collaboration with Cambustion, they've achieved the seemingly impossible – live emission testing in real-world driving situations. This remarkable feat represents a giant leap in the realm of driving emission testing, defying conventional expectations.
In an industry where conducting such tests was deemed impractical due to the size and complexity of required measuring devices, Dr. Jekill & Mr. Hyde®, in partnership with Cambustion, has successfully shattered those limitations. This innovative initiative aligns with their core values, emphasizing the importance of meeting the strictest air quality standards. As environmental awareness grows and legislation becomes more stringent, the company remains at the forefront, proactively ensuring compliance.
The dedication to environmental responsibility goes beyond current standards. While their existing exhaust systems adhere to the EURO 4 standard, Dr. Jekill & Mr. Hyde®'s research and development department is already gearing up for the challenges of EURO 5. This forward-looking approach exemplifies their commitment to staying ahead of regulatory changes. The recent emission testing milestone is a testament to their proactive stance and determination to push the boundaries of what's possible in creating environmentally conscious motorcycle exhaust systems.
In May 2018, Luka Meijers, Concept Engineer at The Jekill and Hyde Company, found himself at the Testing Expo in Stuttgart (Germany) with the company's Research and Development (R&D) team. It was during this event that he encountered Mark Peckham, Director at Cambustion, a company specializing in testing services and emissions analyzers for the automotive industry in Cambridge, UK. Prior to this meeting, Luka and Mark had exchanged emails, discussing innovative ideas about on-board motorcycle fast transient emissions tests – a groundbreaking concept involving testing on a moving motorcycle in a real-life situation, a feat never attempted before.
During their serendipitous encounter at the Expo, Mark expressed skepticism about the feasibility of mounting their equipment on a motorcycle, emphasizing that it was designed for in-car use, not motorcycles.
Undeterred, Luka and Mark decided to explore the possibilities further. This marked the beginning of an exciting collaboration that would push the boundaries of emissions testing in the motorcycle industry.
The initial skepticism was met with curiosity, and a decision was made to conduct an exploratory test – a stationary measurement next to a test bench. This encounter set the stage for a groundbreaking venture that would challenge conventional norms and ultimately lead to the successful testing of emissions in a live situation, defying expectations and contributing to The Jekill and Hyde Company's commitment to environmental responsibility.
In a daring endeavor, the team at Dr. Jekill & Mr. Hyde® faced one of the most challenging tests in the world: assessing emissions transients during real-world motorcycle riding. The question loomed—could they mount this intricate research tool on a Harley-Davidson, and would it be rideable? Taking on the challenge, Luka spearheaded the efforts to uncover the answers. Reflecting on the experience, he humorously noted, "The most exciting part was driving on the left side off the road. But all kidding aside, it went pretty well, considering the sensitivity of the emission meter and the fact that it was a brand new Harley-Davidson."
Within weeks of the initial encounter, fueled by the momentum of innovative ideas, the fastest emission meter in the world found its way onto a Harley-Davidson Sport Glide at The Jekill and Hyde Company headquarters in Belfeld, The Netherlands. This swift progression showcased the agility and commitment of both teams in pursuing groundbreaking solutions.
The NOx measurement on the motorcycle proceeded seamlessly, generating results that were not only thorough but also pushed the limits of the R&D department's computational capabilities. The rapid pace of 1,000 measurements per second left even the fastest computer in the department momentarily overwhelmed. Luka Meijers, recognizing the significance of this advanced technology, remarked, "These guys have more than just a quick meter. This is interesting. I think we're ready for the next step."
Without hesitation, plans were made for the next phase of testing. While laboratory conditions offer controlled environments, the real test lies on the streets – the true frontier of innovation. The journey continued as the teams geared up for the next stage, transitioning from Belfeld, The Netherlands, to Cambridge, UK, to explore the possibilities of on-road emissions testing. This dynamic collaboration exemplifies the shared commitment to pushing boundaries and shaping the future of emissions testing in the motorcycle industry.
A full day of driving, measuring, and logging emissions, dashcam recordings, GPS, and engine data unfolded as Luka Meijers and the Cambustion team embarked on a groundbreaking test. This collaborative effort pushed the boundaries of on-road emissions testing, achieving what many deemed impossible. The culmination of their efforts resulted in a successful live situation emission test – a remarkable accomplishment and a testament to The Jekill and Hyde Company's commitment to meeting the highest air quality standards.
This achievement, marked by the seamless integration of technology and real-world driving scenarios, challenges preconceptions in the market. The prevailing belief that such tests were impractical due to the large size and complexity of necessary measuring devices was decisively disproven. Luka Meijers and the Cambustion team's success not only defied expectations but also opened new avenues for advancing emission testing in the motorcycle industry, aligning with The Jekill and Hyde Company's core values and commitment to environmental responsibility.
Creating an exceptional exhaust system involves a meticulous process that delves beyond external aesthetics. While a Dr. Jekill & Mr. Hyde® exhaust undoubtedly boasts an appealing exterior, it is the intricacies within that truly define its quality and performance.
The development of an exhaust system is a nuanced journey, requiring time, numerous tests, precise measurements, and an exhaustive exploration of facts.
To expedite and enhance this intricate process, a specialized X-Ray machine becomes an invaluable tool. This advanced technology plays a crucial role in ensuring that the internal components are meticulously crafted, aligning with the commitment to provide Dr. Jekill & Mr. Hyde® customers with a seamlessly enjoyable riding experience.
In essence, the visual allure of the exhaust is complemented by the carefully engineered internals, creating a symbiotic relationship that resonates with riders. Dr. Jekill & Mr. Hyde® engineers prioritize extensive testing as a fundamental step in the development process, incorporating computer simulations, prototypes, and various methodologies to craft exhaust systems that epitomize perfection.
When subjecting an exhaust to a battery of tests, the engineers at Dr. Jekill & Mr. Hyde® seek profound insights into its internal workings. Traditionally, one might expect the process to involve tools and cutting open the exhaust for a thorough examination. However, given that each prototype at this stage is a meticulously crafted system, the prospect of cutting it open poses challenges, requiring the immediate creation of a new exhaust for further testing.
To overcome this hurdle, the research & development department at Dr. Jekill & Mr. Hyde® continually explores innovative methods to expedite the testing process without compromising the prototype. The goal is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the exhaust's internal dynamics without resorting to destructive measures like cutting. Through ingenious techniques, they enable a non-invasive "look" inside the exhaust, eliminating the need for traditional milling machines and preserving the integrity of the prototype. This approach exemplifies their commitment to efficiency and precision in exhaust system development.
Drawing inspiration from medical diagnostics, we've all experienced X-rays to assess our physical condition. Taking a cue from this, one of our engineers had a thought: "If X-rays can reveal the inner workings of a limb, why not apply the same to an exhaust?" With this idea in mind, we decided to take action. Transporting a selection of our exhausts to a specialized X-ray facility, akin to a concrete bunker, we utilized a method categorized as nuclear fuel. To clarify, being present in the room during the X-ray process would be detrimental to one's life expectancy. Rest assured, all X-rays are conducted under the strictest safety protocols.
This unique X-ray approach provides our engineers with a non-destructive means to explore the inner intricacies of an exhaust. By acquiring additional information, they gain insights into the effects of heat and various factors on components such as the valve, catalyst, and other elements within The Exhaust. This innovative and meticulous examination ensures a deeper understanding of the exhaust system's behavior, contributing to the refinement and optimization of our products.