Bendy toy
Registered user
Unless you have a gearbox you need a variable pump which isn't a problem. What is a problem is you run the engine at constant revs. Not a problem in its own as you would run it at peek torque but it's unacceptable to punters to have their engines running at constant revs which would be high for say town running. So you end up having to compromise and have a hybrid Variable pump/engine revs. It's been tried before a few times and it has always been dropped in the automotive world. Maybe someday soon with computer control getting better and better. Besides look at the number of complaints just because they dared to use water to cool the engine, how do you think they would react to hydraulic drive!
It would also be easy enough to move the variable ratio pump in steps to minimic a normal gearbox. I believe that's what Fiat did with their Speedgear CVT auto (though that's not a hydraulic drive).
But I do believe manufacturers should lead public opinion. Sadly most of them never do.
I'm also a fan of DI 2-strokes. After all, who would want 150bhp from 800cc without any of the old stinkwheel stroker disadvantages.
The new Rotax beats the 4 stroke alternatives on every count. But it exists only because the US EPA demanded very high (low?) emissions standards for offroad vehicles which 4 strokes couldn't deliver. Most bikes don't need to do this so we are stuck with heavy 4 strokes.

