DaveInDaytona
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Posts: 1696
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posted November 20, 2002 06:52 PM
Kawasaki's Moto GP Bike
You may have seen this stuff, but looking through it again I thought I'd share......
In preparation for Kawasaki's entry into MotoGP, our prototype GP bike is undergoing thorough race-testing in Japan, where development is proceeding on schedule. Following is an outline of Kawasaki's development concept of the bike and of the bike's main features.
Kawasaki MotoGP machine is powered by an in-line, 4-cylinder engine
Kawasaki's all new In-line, 4-cylinder MotoGP engine.
During the early conceptual stages of development, a variety of engine layouts were considered. However, due to the many technical advantages of this configuration, this choice of engine architecture was deemed most appropriate.
The main reasons for choosing this layout are as follows:
Compared with a V-engine, the evenly spaced firing intervals of the In-line Four greatly simplify tuning of the intake and exhaust systems. Another related benefit is perfect primary balance, obviating the need for a balancer. In other words, it is an inherently well-balanced engine.
To achieve the desirable power characteristics with a 4-stroke engine, a rather long exhaust system is needed. However, the unequal front/rear spacing of, for example, a V-engine's exhaust ports, requires complex exhaust plumbing to achieve the required lengths. Obviously, the In-line Four design eliminates these problems and gives the engineers a great deal of latitude in tuning the exhaust system for the desired power characteristics.
Compared to a V-engine, the In-line Four engine's compact cylinder head makes it much easier to mount in a frame.
The frame and other components are also newly designed, all with the goal of maximum overall performance.
A variety of new technologies are being used with the In-line Four engine to achieve an impressive level of performance.
Lightweight, Thin-walled Aluminium Castings
Castings are usually thought of as being thick and heavy. However, Kawasaki's new GP bike will utilise lightweight, thin-walled castings. Improved casting methods along with the best materials are being used to create a strong and rigid frame, while still offering the desired amount of flex. Compared with conventional frames made of welded together pressed components, the new thin-walled aluminium castings require less welding, resulting in a lighter frame.
High-Speed Generator
Fuel injection systems require large amounts of electric power. Obviously, if a large generator is fitted to supply this power, the weight of the bike goes up and valuable space is consumed. To achieve the needed power output with a relatively small sized generator, the MotoGP bike uses a high-speed, clutch-driven generator. This design uses a conventional, compact and lightweight generator but increases its rpm so that it generates the output of a larger unit. Conventional generators require the use of idler gears or chains to drive them. However, by driving the generator with the existing clutch gear, the extra parts and weight associated with conventional generator drive systems are eliminated.
Keihin FCR-i Fuel Injection
This sophisticated fuel injection system combines the advantages of a carburetor with the advantages of fuel injection.The Keihin FCR-i system used by Kawasaki resembles a FCR carburetor. Unlike conventional fuel injection systems, which usually locate an obstructing butterfly valve in the intake tract (see lower left diagram), this system uses a slide like that used on a FCR carburetor. As a result, when the throttle is fully open there is no obstruction in the intake tract, and flow through the intake tract is greatly improved (see upper left diagram). Fuel injection will make it easier to control fuel consumption when the fuel capacity regulations come into effect in 2004.
Advanced Aerodynamics
On June 9, 2002, at Round 4 of Japan's National Superbike race Kawasaki's MotoGP bike revealed its revolutionary new cowling. From a variety of design standpoints, its shape is close to what we feel is ideal.
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Hells Dark Lord
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living life, and loving it.
Posts: 7981
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posted November 20, 2002 07:04 PM
have heard about it, but never seen it, I will have to look into it more closely, looks cool as shit
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beansbaxter
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posted November 20, 2002 09:56 PM
Nice....I want one.
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Hells Dark Lord
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living life, and loving it.
Posts: 7981
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posted November 21, 2002 01:33 AM
where can we buy these?????.........lol dont i wish
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When in doubt, lean farther and go faster....
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slug
Pro
Out in search of my mind...
Posts: 1433
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posted November 21, 2002 04:26 AM
sweetlooking machine. now if they could only get eboz on it....
 
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harryzx-12
Needs a job
Posts: 3643
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posted November 21, 2002 04:46 AM
Thanks for posting that Dave
I would LOVE to have one of those.Hopefully we won't have to wait too long before a street version is available.
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"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways- Body thoroughly used up, totally worn out...Screaming "WOO HOO, What a Ride !!!"
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Ninjaman12R
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as a Deal's Gap tour guide.
Posts: 4767
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posted November 21, 2002 04:49 AM
Good Thread......
Man that bike looks cool. I'd love to buzz that thing through the Foothills-Gap-Cherahola Loop!!! 
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What we're dealin' with here is a complete lack of respect for the law.
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Hells Dark Lord
Needs a life
living life, and loving it.
Posts: 7981
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posted November 21, 2002 12:12 PM
oh hell yeah Harry......or up Hwy 60 out of suches........man that would be a rush
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When in doubt, lean farther and go faster....
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