Wunderlich 2WD for R 1200 GS LC

[Fabbiker]

This appears to be a first - additional front-wheel drive for the R 1200 GS LC. Wunderlich developed a ten-kilowatt electrical front wheel gearbox, which, they say, gives the bike more propulsion on the ground and also draws it through curves on the road more quickly. Energy produced while braking is used to recharge the battery. The FWD can be adjusted while riding and can be used entirely on its own, driving the bike at up to 12.5 mph using battery power when the petrol engine is turned off. The idea is that it could be used parking on slopes, pushing the bike up ramps, etc. It even provides a reverse function at 2 mph. For now it's purely a concept, although the German press have been testing a demo. What do you think? Ingenious or misguided?

http://www.wunderlich.de/en/worldofexperience/concept-bikes/r/wunderlich-r-1200-gs-lc-hybrid/

 

[JJH]

It's been done before. Both electrical and mechanical. Don't know if the benifets outweigh the extra weight. JJH

 

[JJH]

It's been done before. Both electrical and mechanical. Don't know if the benifets outweigh the extra weight. JJH

Whoops nearly forgot someone done a hydrolic one as well with the drive taken from the front sprocket. Idea was that it was circulating oil to the motor in the front hub trough pipes and was ideling until the back wheel spun and the extra speed meant the extra pressure went to the front motor and drove the wheel. JJH

 

[Wreford Miles]

excellent idea, good use of available technology and great for situations like the one in the picture and described in the text