In Detail: BPG Werks DTV Shredder

You'd be wrong to call the DTV Shredder a Segway on steroids. This all-terrain dual tracked vehicle from BPG Werks operates in a space all its own. BPG Werks DTV Shredder: TRANSLOGIC 131
You'd be wrong to call the DTV Shredder a Segway on steroids. This all-terrain dual tracked vehicle from BPG Werks operates in a space all its own.

Inventor Ben Gulak first caught our attention with his transforming UNO motorcycle. The UNO could transition from a traditional motorcycle to a unicycle-like mode. Unfortunately, the complex engineering and components required for the transformation were impractical, so Gulak shifted his focus to the next project: The DTV Shredder.

BPG WERKS

The Shredder's two continuous molded rubber tank treads are powered by a 196 cc, 4-stroke motor putting out 13 horsepower, topping out at about 30 miles per hour. The motor routes power through a dual-CVT differential.

The first thing you notice about the Shredder is that the rider stands upright on a platform similar to a skateboard deck. The board provides turning ability in the same fashion as a skateboard. When leaning to one side, that side's continuous track slows down causing the Shredder to pivot in that direction. Completely drive by wire, the Shredder uses an Arduino circuit board to control both steering and throttle.

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A one gallon gas tank provides about one hour of riding for a 30 mile rage (that's 30 miles per gallon, for those keeping track). And you can ride on just about any terrain, from mud to deep snow. The Shredder can even ford through water as high as 10 inches thanks to a sealed carburetor.

The Shredder is like nothing else out there. It can best be described as a combination jetski, ATV, and off-road skateboard. In fact, the Shredder is so unique that it has grabbed the attention of the U.S. military. Even with all the versatility of the Shredder, the military asked for some upgrades, like two 20 kW motors in each track to replace the original engine and CVT setup. The military version is powered by a bank of lithium-ion batteries, which get electricity from a small German rotary engine. The batteries allow for stealth mode functionality, powering the Shredder for about an hour. For even more power, the rotary can join in powering the electric motors with the batteries, resulting in a top speed somewhere between 40 and 60 miles per hour.

BPG WERKS

It's innovations like the Shredder that could reverse the decline in sales for the power sports sector. It's like nothing you've ever seen or rode, and it's that unique value proposition that is why people are so interested. At $3,999, it's within reason for many people looking for a fun off-road toy.

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