Something Subaru didn't want you to know just yet
01 April 2003, 06:35 AM
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It’s not yet official but Subaru are to try their hand at motorcycles. The prototypes have already been given the thumbs up and if all goes to plan we should be seeing them on our roads by the end of 2004. In true Subaru style, these bikes are to be like nothing we’ve seen before. They will be driven by a flat four, turbo charged 904cc motor, similar in design to those that we know and love.
There’s nothing new in this, Honda have been using flat four’s since the Gold Wing was launched back in the 70’s. Indeed, they now use a flat six. Then BMW have stuck with the boxer concept throughout their motorcycle building lifetime. However, neither of these giants have ever managed more than rear wheel drive. This is where Subaru hope to pull off a coup. They plan to drive both wheels. The back with a conventional drive band, similar to that found on most Harleys. This eliminates chain wear and drastically cuts down on maintenance. The clever bit though is the front wheel drive. Obviously the handlebars need to be turned and getting around this while still sending power to the front wheel is the problem. However, by running a drive band to the front spindle via the headstock and between the forks, Subaru design chiefs believe they’ve cracked it and can now power both wheels simultaneously splitting the power 60/40 in bias to the rear.
The advantages are obvious. Just like a car, if both wheels of a bike are driven then traction is greater, stability is improved and, ultimately, the vehicle can be pushed harder and faster in situations where conventional methods would be loosing grip.
Subaru UK have already spoken to a well known tuning company, better known for their rally cars, about running a team in the World Superbikes and a certain Mr Fogarty is said to be interested in being involved from the start as well.
At present I cannot tell you more but as soon as I have any more details I will post them here. Don’t forget, you heard it here first.
There’s nothing new in this, Honda have been using flat four’s since the Gold Wing was launched back in the 70’s. Indeed, they now use a flat six. Then BMW have stuck with the boxer concept throughout their motorcycle building lifetime. However, neither of these giants have ever managed more than rear wheel drive. This is where Subaru hope to pull off a coup. They plan to drive both wheels. The back with a conventional drive band, similar to that found on most Harleys. This eliminates chain wear and drastically cuts down on maintenance. The clever bit though is the front wheel drive. Obviously the handlebars need to be turned and getting around this while still sending power to the front wheel is the problem. However, by running a drive band to the front spindle via the headstock and between the forks, Subaru design chiefs believe they’ve cracked it and can now power both wheels simultaneously splitting the power 60/40 in bias to the rear.
The advantages are obvious. Just like a car, if both wheels of a bike are driven then traction is greater, stability is improved and, ultimately, the vehicle can be pushed harder and faster in situations where conventional methods would be loosing grip.
Subaru UK have already spoken to a well known tuning company, better known for their rally cars, about running a team in the World Superbikes and a certain Mr Fogarty is said to be interested in being involved from the start as well.
At present I cannot tell you more but as soon as I have any more details I will post them here. Don’t forget, you heard it here first.
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