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Lotus C-01 Motorcycle

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Manxmodder:
If my memory serves me right Yamaha were the first Japanese manufacturer to sell bikes with a monoshock suspension system in the 1970's....OZ.

Sid_Vicious:

--- Quote --- production twin shocks went out in 1980 with Kawasaki Unitrak

--- End quote ---
I have  an 1982 Kawasaki GPZ 750 R1 (KZ 750 R1 in some countries) and it's a productionline twinshock.
About the lotusbikes and the other racingbike pictured I can see that there is beauty in the lines and less drag from the wind with the fairings all over, but I prefer more naked bikes myself.

Jonny:
Monoshock have been around 100+ years, HRD Vincent in the 1940's same as the Yammy/Tilkens idea. NSU 1909 along with whats regarded as the first Ochio Lungo 1909 all same designs as the Yam.

Without looking it up a Czech called Tilkens tried to sell the idea to CZ late 60's they declined then Suzuki were offered in 71 they declined and Yamaha took it on in 71. First Yammy production 1975 with the YZ some 69 years after Ochio Lungo and NSU. Yamaha dropped the idea for 1982 following the other three.
Modified CZ with Citroen car damper late 60's
The only benefit is one adjustment over twin shocks, though regardless of what Wiki says twin shocks could run 13 1/2" rear by 79.

The true single shockers ie Unitrak 1980, Suzuki copy 1981 with fullfloater and Honda Prolink 1981.
Had one of these when first came out in 80, 81 the same http://p1.bikepics.com/2012/06/01/bikepics-2409231-800.jpg Got original piccies.

Whats interesting is todays suspension marvels were all created by 1911. Reverse the Stafford made ASL air idea or PV, no one recently invented the idea.

bp:
My lack of appreciation is based on more than the twin shock rear suspension, which is one of the few things I don't really have a problem with, although mono shock could be better.  The things I really dislike are.....

1/  The rake of the front forks appears to be based more on a straight line motorcycle (drag bike) than anything that's intended to go round corners.
2/  Despite the apparent effort to create a modern motorcycle, it still uses telescopic forks, albeit new and high quality.  No attempt has been made at "alternative" front suspension/steering, ie hub centre steering, "Fior" type suspension
3/ The blurb talks about a 200BHP V twin.  A V twin engine is close to the ideal engine layout for a motorcycle, slim and can be light.  Yet the bodywork looks to my eye as though it's covering up something more bulbous than a V twin, unless the designer has not achieved the potential benefits.
4/  Chain drive on a modern road bike?  Obviously chain drive on a racing bike is sensible, for changing/optimising gearing etc.  Not on a road bike though, even with todays chains, they still need adjustment, maintenance, lubricating on a regular basis.


So for what it's worth, this appears to be either, a cosmetic exercise of repackaging existing designs, or a cosmetic exercise designed to suit the collectors who may imagine that it's of some value.

I think Colin Chapman would be spinning in his grave
cheers
Bill

bp:
My better half, who has some considerable motorcycle experience, and who is more artistic than this little black duck, has just seen this and her comment was "URGH!!! it looks like a suitcase with wheels, how could you possibly ride it stretching out like that, with your hands so far apart.  HORRIBLE"
So it's not just me!!
cheers
Bill

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