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BMW creates two-wheel drive off-road bike
Click on the image above for more shots of the 2WD BMW concept bike
A rider needs to be just a bit off their rocker to have any chance of winning a European hill climbing event, but some really effective machinery can make the task slightly easier. With that in mind, BMW, long considered to be a rather staid and proper bike manufacturer, has gone off the deep end by creating a two-wheel drive off-road hill climbing machine. Powered by slightly modified version of the parallel twin engine used in the German marque's F800 and new GS machines, the liquid cooled mill should offer nearly one-hundred horsepower to both wheels. Getting that power to the ground in front is what appears to be a hydraulic pump and motor system mounted to the beefy front forks. Spinning forces originate from a dual sprocket with chains leading to the rear axle and up into the bodywork.
With dedicated racing machinery like this and the new 450cc four-stroke dirt bike project, BMW is most definitely leaving its mild roots behind. Unfortunately, no production plans are currently in the works for the impressive hill climbing bike, though we look forward to seeing what else comes from the fertile minds at BMW Motorrad.
Gallery: 2WD BMW Bike
[Source: The Biker Gene]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Yar 7:38PM (7/09/2008)
This reminds me of the front wheel drive Husqvarna push mower I had a while back. What a stupid idea.
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XT6Wagon 7:42PM (7/09/2008)
Sorry, but this is been done by yamaha many years ago for racing bikes. Nothing new at all.
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Tim 7:43PM (7/09/2008)
While hillclimbers are always wild looking, the 2WD aspect is not a BMW innovation.
http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/Article_Page.aspx?ArticleID=221&Page=1
There's also an American firm that offers 2WD conversions for popular motocross bikes.
http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/Article_Page.aspx?ArticleID=4079
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Temple 7:50PM (7/09/2008)
Already done by Yamaha a half-decade ago. Uses the exact same hydralic(front-drive) system too.
http://www.gizmag.com/go/2351/
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Jeremy Korzeniewski 8:11PM (7/09/2008)
I knew that both Yamaha and Christini have done 2WD bikes before. So has Rokon. This is BMW's first, though, and it's cool. Hence the post...
JK
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Richard S. 10:03PM (7/09/2008)
That chain driving the rear-wheel lools like an accident waiting to happen.....
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HotRodzNKustoms 3:29AM (7/10/2008)
usually doesn't have to wait long when hill climbing