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**Chris of Motocross Africa** · #1 14 Jan 2007

I remember in the 2004 Dakar a few guys were using some 2 wheel drive bikes...I think there was some sliding clutch thing or something that engaged the front wheel when the rear was stuck/sliding.

Does anyone know anything about these and if they ever went into production or are still around?

I'm not looking for one or anything...just curiious.

Cheers,

Chris

**endurotour** · #2 15 Jan 2007

hiya,
do a few Google / search's etc, its called a 2-Trac, runs a fluid drive front hub, not always being powered only when required, sort of on-demand thing..
250 built by Yamaha, in Aus there not road legal, and cost $25,000 ($10,000) worth of suspension in the system, good reports from the write ups although due to lack of being on road unaware of high KM's trip reports etc..
cheers al

**Mr. Ron** · #3 15 Jan 2007

The system is built by Ohlins, owned by Yamaha. Quite simple really: A hydraulic pump in powered by the output shaft. A slave pump is placed at the front wheel, and lines are run along the forks to the front hub. When the sprocket turns, the pump turns, causing the slave to turn the front wheel at the same time. It is a continuous system with no mechanics involved, only hydraulics. When the rear wheel spins, traditionally it would move at a faster speed than the front. With this system, both wheels always move at the same speed. If the rear wheel starts to loose traction, the front in efect speeds up to regain this traction. Only both wheels can spin at the same time. Brilliance in simplicity!

**oldbmw** · #4 15 Jan 2007

Two wheel drive is an available option with these bikes, not cheap, but will go anywhere and fuel efficient. much better RTW propsition than many.. not too heavy and adjustable seat from very low to 'high heels needed'

http://www.dieselmotorcycle.co.uk/

**andybee** · #5 15 Jan 2007

Diesel overlander - oh yes. As you say, EUR17,500 is quite a bit - but not absurd given that it's still basically in prototype.

I see to remember that Kawasaki were making a diesel version of the KLR650 that was being tested by the US military. I've never heard of them becoming available for general purchase, but I bet you could but the same engine that it has easily enough - and KLR650s are hardly rare. Okay, so it's outwith my level of home spannering, but I reckon and enthusuast could build a copy of the diesel KLR for not very much. Imagine - 1000km range!

Interesting the see that they've also developed a 2wd system for the LC8 - http://www.2wd.nl/

Cheers - Andy

**oldbmw** · #6 15 Jan 2007

Two wheel drive is an available option with these bikes, not cheap, but will go anywhere and fuel efficient. much better RTW propsition than many.. not too heavy and adjustable seat from very low to 'high heels needed'

http://www.dieselmotorcycle.co.uk/