Reinventing the Motorcycle Wheel |
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File under New Products Special-Bikes
Author: Mike Werner
Location: Normandy, France
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Now here's a motorcycle wheel that will interest "purists".
It's the Osmos wheel, a non-conventional motorcycle wheel without a center (hub) !
This is the creative design of Dominique Mottas, a French avant-garde entrepreneur and motor enthusiast. He is one of those designers that was able to reinvent the wheel !
Mottas managed to design a wheel that did not have the traditional hub, but managed to design one with as principle a bearing with a thin section and large diameter (about 300 mm).
The rotating part: - a tyre,
- a centre-free rim,
- a brake ring
all integral with the rotating outer ring of the bearing. The fixed part: the non-rotating inner ring of the bearing on which the motorcycle's steering system is directly attached.
Apart from the esthetic part, this concept brings with it several advantages: - Increased precision due to the elimination of effects of deformation at the level of the stub axles and forks of the motorbikes.
- Elimination of structural stress, vibrations…
- Design that allows for the development of more rational steering systems in the future.
- The greater the speed, the higher the roll angle, and so maximum stability is maintained at all times.
- The reverse is also true. When the vehicle slows down, the roll angle is reduced thereby increasing maneuverability.
- This system means improved roadholding and will undoubtedly be an added advantage in competition.
- Increase of breaking power
- Breaking power applied close to the ground
- Excellent ventilation
- Possibility for further development
This sounds very much like a real innovation for motorcycles.
Though I'd say it would be a problem when you use it for off-road/motorcross application, on road motorcycles, specially sportsbikes, this might do the trick. At the very least, it would look super cool !
Click here to access the Osmos web site. (have a look at the gallery)
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