MotoCzysz
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
MotoCzysz is a Portland, Oregon based motorcycle company that intends to compete in the MotoGP.[1] The C1 prototype has an engine with perfect balance that did not need to make use of a balance shaft. Some of the patented innovations include a slipper clutch with twin clutches, a unique front suspension, and many others.
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[edit] The C1
[edit] Frame
The C1 features an inflexible carbon fiber frame and a flexible forks and swingarm, as opposed to a flexible frame and stiff suspensions found on most motorcycles.[2] The frame also serves as the bike's airbox.
[edit] Engine
The 990cc four cylinder engine is mounted to the frame longitudinally (front-to-rear)—rather than transversely (side-to-side) as found most similarly configured motorcycles. A transverse arrangement fights a bike's gyroscopic tendency to stand up when leaned over and applying throttle. The C1, on the other hand, in order to negate the resulting gyroscopic forces of the longitudinal orientation, has its lengthwise-mounted inline 4 engine cut in half, and the resulting crankshaft halves counter-rotated. Thus, the bike handles as if it had a smaller engine with less gyroscopic force.[3]
Two of the bike's four throttle bodies are controlled mechanically, while the other two are controlled electronically by the ECU, theoretically smoothing power delivery. The ECU-controlled throttle bodies can be adjusted by computer for refinement of the throttle curve.
Unfortunately for the company the FIM and Dorna have reduced the engine capacity for a MotoGP bike to 800cc's for the 2007 season rendering the current configuration useless for competition in that class. Michael Czysz commented in a blog post[4] that they have been looking towards racing the bike in either AMA or WSB competition.
[edit] Production
According to the company website, the C1 is being readied for production[5]. Initial production has been set at 50 MotoGP replica bikes that will be offered for $100,000 [6].
No plans have been announced for further production runs.
[edit] Awards
The C1 was recognized with the Robb Report's 2007 Achievement in Design Award.[7]
[edit] References
- ^ Cameron, Kevin. "Forging a Future", Cycle World, August, 2006, pp. 84. Retrieved on 2007-01-22.
- ^ Sam Fleming. "Building the Dream / MotoCzysz Factory Tour", Road Racing World, September, 2006.
- ^ Alan Cathcart. American Beauty / C1 First Ride. Motorcyclist magazine.
- ^ Michael Czysz Responds To Some FAQ’s (December 2006).
- ^ MotoCzysz blog (January 31, 2007).
- ^ MotoCzysz website (unknown).
- ^ Buchanan, Jeff. "True Believer: Perchance to dream / MotoCzysz C1", Robb Report Motorcycling, February/March 2007, pp. 63.
