It will supposedly be available in 2004. And Yamaha reportedly tested an R1 with 2WD. What will this do for motorcycling?

Gizmo.com.au

 

Schematic of the hydraulic system that drives the front wheel.

 

Cool data, interesting concept. Good post. Keep up us updated.

 

I'm not up to speed on the relative efficiency of hydraulic power transmission, but I am surprised that we don't see a lot more of it.

Imagine a 1/4 mile car with nothing but a tank of hyrdaulic oil at 10,000psi

 

Ah, The Rokon reincarnated.

http://www.rokonron.com/

Ron.

 

Oh, this is a LOT better than the Rokon. A lot lighter. I wonder how much weight the motor adds to the wheel, though. Unsprung mass is the worst kind, afterall. I also wonder why they went with a hydraulic motor and not an electric motor.

Either way, I'm hoping Yamaha builds a 2WD dual-sport next year. I was all excited about the Aprilia V-Twin dual-sport, but I think 2WD would be even more exciting.

It snowed like crazy last night, so I've put my bike away for the first time all year. Cold doesn't bother me too much, but snow is too much to deal with. 2 wheeled vehicles don't do so well on slick surfaces. If this 2WD bike makes a big difference in snow, I'm buying one.