KTM tests two-wheel-drive motorcycle
Following the footsteps of Yamaha with their 2-Trac two wheel drive system for motorcycles, Austrian motorcycle manufacturer KTM has developed it’s own version and has been testing it on a motocross bike.
KTM says the results are good, allowing the bike to accelerate much harder out of corners due to less slippage. However, it’s harder to take the inside line around a turn due to both wheels being powered, which causes the bike to run wide and straighten up. Kurt Nicholl of KTM says the system would benefit amateur riders more than professionals because pros have gotten used to riding with the back wheel slipping most of the time.
KTM’s two wheel drive system uses a mechanical/hydraulic system to distribute torque between the front and rear wheels. How exactly does it work? There is a small hydraulic motor inside the front hub, powered by hydraulic fluid pumped through the two tubes running down the fork leg. You can see the tubes in the image in this post. The motor drives the front wheels.
One of the major problems with this system is weight, it adds 6 kg to the bike, and half of that is directly on the front hub. KTM says reducing the system’s weight to 2 kg will revolutionize bikes the way Audi’s quattro revolutionised car drivetrains.
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August 8, 2006 @ 3:20 am
I thought what on earth is KTM doing with bikes. Turns out to be a different KTM.
All wheel drive. Is it a first on bikes?
August 8, 2006 @ 3:47 am
i’ve mentioned in my post that the first on bikes is yamaha’s 2-trac.
August 8, 2006 @ 8:31 am
If I am not mistaken, two wheel bikes is not a new developement. I have read it in our local mag “Roda-Roda” before and that what about 15 years ago. After so long, they have yet to solve the problem. Probably, they should provide a torque split of 35:65 to solve the problem. But then again, it’s always easier said than done.
August 8, 2006 @ 9:33 am
There’s a KTM store at SS2, they are from one of the Alps country if I’m not mistaken. Specialised in cross country bikes.
August 8, 2006 @ 12:13 pm
Actually have been following the results of the Paree Dakar each year for the results of the 2wd Yamahas. This bodes well if KTM can take the development to the next level. Yamaha was working with its subsidiary Ohlins in the 2wd concepts and have steadily improved each year in the results.
Been trying to design one (in paper) for bicycles. Hardest part is to generate the pressure needed to transfer the torque to the front. And the weight of the drive unit in the front hub for a bike.
Using fluid to transfer torque/drive is a good way to start. opens the door to new chassis design and layout applications.
August 8, 2006 @ 12:55 pm
hmm, quite rare for u Paul to update us bout the news on motorcycle industry..keep it up!
August 8, 2006 @ 1:43 pm
An all-wheel drive bike, cool, would really like to try one someday. Maybe they can develop something like the Skyline’s ATESSA system for the bike; rear-wheel drive under normal conditions, all-wheel drive when slip is detected, but that will take time.
August 8, 2006 @ 1:43 pm
its a miracle .
lolz !
August 8, 2006 @ 2:08 pm
huh??
August 8, 2006 @ 2:59 pm
KTM stands for Keretapi Tanah Melayu??
August 8, 2006 @ 5:34 pm
cool, this will make off road bikes really off road, like i can go pick up tthe durians and dokong at our dusun wihout worrying (back in the dusun people use the Honda C70, always get trapped in the knee high mud
)..i think this really helps climbing the wet&slippery hills in Malaysian jungle.
August 13, 2006 @ 1:06 am
PAUL CAN U ALSO TALK ABOUT SCOOTER OR MOPED…
everyone who have car,now also have a bike or scooter.Honda now have Honda Clcik and Honda Air Blade…Please BRo…
January 18, 2007 @ 3:09 pm
hi,
two wheel drive , a brilliant concept……….
a little harder concept to work on…..im working on the same concept and i think that would make it this year positively..
me trying harder and trying to make it possible.
its a good concept and is working on the same hydraulics concept.
January 18, 2007 @ 3:10 pm
hi,
two wheel drive , a brilliant concept……….
a little harder concept to work on…..im working on the same concept and i think that would make it this year positively..
me trying harder and trying to make it possible.
its a good concept and is working on the same hydraulics concept.
ok