Motorcycle Cupholder (Ninja 400)

Problem

The popularity of motorcycles has doubled from 4.3 million in 2002 to 8.6 million in 2021 according to IIHS. But, the current motorcycle's cupholder designs originated from bicycle cupholder design and are problematic when used in motorcycle application. For example, a cup holder placed on the handlebar causes an uneven distribution of weight and an awkward grip, putting the motorcycle rider in a state of unease and potentially panic if they were to lose control. The fact that it is placed on the handle bars promotes the idea of drinking while riding. Distracted driving, including eating or drinking, was involved in 8% of fatal crashes and 15% of crashes causing injuries in 2018, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The cupholder’s position is poor ergonomics, promotes unsafe behavior and is a safety hazard in a crash for the rider, meaning it has to change. 

Proposal Statement

The proposed design relocates the holder from the handlebars to a secure, non-disruptive mounting point near the rider’s center of gravity. Specifically, it will attach using an existing bolt hole next to the rear brake reservoir, a location that does not interfere with steering, keeps the added weight balanced,and side-effect minimized.

For prototyping, the cupholder will be 3D-printed, with production models manufactured from either glass-fiber-reinforced nylon for lightweight durability or CNC-machined metal for maximum strength. The design will feature a spill-retaining lid and may incorporate a print-in-place gyroscopic mechanism that enables the beverage to remain upright during leaning and tilting, thereby reducing the risk of spills. This design ensure stability, minimize rider distraction, and preserve convenience—allowing riders to carry beverages without sacrificing safety or control.