This one is going to seem like a bit of insider’s football, but, if patent filings are anything go by, Honda may be looking at completely redesigning some of its motorcycles’ front suspension.

Now, that might not seem like a very big deal, but the classic front fork – which adorns about 95 per cent of the motorcycles on the planet – is a crude affair.

Even the high-end race stuff, like Ohlins’ superbike racing-ready FGR300 that can cost thousands of dollars, is really a triumph of development over engineering. But, if the current technology is so archaic, why then, I hear you asking, do motorcycle manufacturers persevere with such retro tech?

Well, I could try to tell you such new technology is more expensive (which is not necessarily accurate). Or that alternatives have yet to prove themselves on the race track, the usual crucible for vehicle testing (somewhat true, but not necessarily relevant).

Sadly, the real reason motorcycle suspension is stuck in yesteryear is far more prosaic. As it turns out, motorcyclists are a hoary old lot who don’t like people messing with traditional styling or technology and, though many bike makers have tried alternatives, no one, save BMW, has successfully marketed “one of those funny front ends” to a mass market.

Honda first gained a foothold into this alternate suspension business in 2018 with its Gold Wing. Officially dubbed the Hossack system – after its inventor, Norman Hossack – it’s essentially an automotive double-wishbone system turned 90 degrees, with a fork-like apparatus replacing the steering knuckle.

And, while cynics might note the reason the Gold Wing was able to pull off this advancement is the odd-looking front end is hidden by acres of bodywork, the tangible benefits for Wing riders are manifold.

Because of its orientation, a motorcycle’s traditional front suspension, the front fork, dives during braking, exacerbating weight transfer and shortening the wheelbase, both of which reduce stability. Hossack double-wishbones eliminate both, greatly boosting stability especially during emergency panic braking. The odd-looking arrangement also reduces unsprung weight, which, in theory, should help the ride, a fact born out in our tests of the new Gold Wing. In short, the only disadvantage of the Hossack arrangement appears to be style.

Interestingly, according to Visordown, the patent application appears to show the new arrangement mounted to the frame of Honda’s CB1100, the company’s recently released retro-rod that hearkens back to the company’s superbikes of the ‘80s — odd choice for a futuristic suspension. Visordown also says the Hossack system might appear on Honda’s C125 Super Cub. That might make more sense, since the Cub has always been an awkward-looking little beast.

Unfortunately, all this speculation might be for naught. Honda released patents way back in 2016 for a similar front end grafted onto its RC213V MotoGP racer, and nothing came of that experiment. Whatever the case, we’ll soon see if these design patents are just more flights of fancy for Honda’s engineers or if the world’s largest bike manufacturer is finally ready to move motorcycle chassis design into the 21st century.