BMW Bike

BMW has created a two-wheel-drive off-road bike specifically for participating in European hill-climbing events in which racers attempt to climb hundreds of meters on two wheels at jaw-dropping angles.

The new two-wheel-drive system offers a significant advantage for off-road motorcycle racers. It's not unprecedented, since Yamaha has previously released technology that works in a way similar to BMW's system.

The bike is powered by an 800cc parallel twin engine found in the BMW F800 and new GS bikes. Output is close to 100 horsepower, now available to both wheels. The power transfer to the second wheel comes thanks to a hydraulic pump and motor system constructed at the front of the motorcycle.

The new BMW system was at home in the dirt at its first competition, where creator Silvio Scholzel competed against the European hill-climbers and finished 4th. BMW has not announced production plans to date.

For more information and details on the race, check out thebikergene.com.

Source: Insidelane