Sunday, November 29, 2009

Visionaries and revolutionaries don't copy the paradigm, they break it. Putting the engine in the wheel


above via: http://tukker.blogspot.com/

above, 1922 Megola Sport









Via: Visual Gratification: http://big-diesel.blogspot.com/2009/08/megalo-concept-engine-on-wheel.html

In 1935 a group of five German engineers named Killinger and Freund from Munich started to design a more streamlined and modified version of the German Megola front-wheel drive motorcycle that had won many motorcycle races in the 1920s. The work took three years to complete but the result was impressive. The engine displacement stayed the same as the Megola at 600cc but was much lighter and more simplified than a standard 100cc motorcycle of the time.

The motorcycle featured a three cylinder two-stroke engine built right into the front wheel, transmission and clutch, with more comfortable front and rear suspension. Streamlining was important as aerodynamics was the first priority of the team who wanted all the moving parts covered, dirt and mud protection, and an elegant style. Other priorities were that the motorcycle be multi-cylinder and possess front-wheel-drive. Their design was a success.

http://greyfalcon.us/Killinger%20and%20Freund%20Motorcycle.htm
Also: http://thenewcaferacersociety.blogspot.com/2008/08/killinger-freund.html