The Red Brick Times

Since 1992, Ohlins has developed a two-wheel drive motorcycle for Yamaha. Dedicated to off-road racing and rallying, the Yamaha 2-Trac uses an hydraulic motor in the front hub to drive the wheel.

For decades, the Rokon has been another 2x2 motorcycle. Built for slow-speed, off-road, cross-country travel, it uses a chain drive to the front wheel. The darn things have 15" hollow drum wheels that allow 4.5 gallons of fluid storage (water, fuel, Canadian Club) in each one. With the drum wheels empty, the beast will float for easy river portage. It is rated for 24" water crossing depth under its own power. Beyond that, use it like a raft. It will climb a 60% grade and tow up to 3000 lbs. Torque converter with three speed gearbox. No clutch. Hand controls so you can use your feet to fend off grizzly bears. Check out the accessories list. Plow, harrow, three-point hitch, power takeoff. Everything the gentleman farmer needs.

One of the problems with front-hub motors like the 1921-1925 German Megola, is the huge unsprung weight. Every road jar beats the engine like it is being dropped on the floor. Not conducive to long bearing or metal casting life. The design came from the radial aircraft engine wherein the propellor hub is mounted directly to the engine crankshaft, or via a gear reduction from the crankshaft ( like the Megola). The Megola had no clutch. Every time you stopped, so did the engine. You had to push it to get it started again. There was no kick or electric starter. But in 1921 there were few traffic jams or stop lights.
Posted 9:22 AM by Andy (0) comments

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