Image Courtesy: WMC
White Motorcycles Concepts is developing a motorcycle which would probably contradict the laws of physics and aerodynamics with its first prototype with a carbon-fibre and billet aluminium creation, a unique aerodynamic idea developed by creator and founder Robert White, a motorsport engineer with
25+ years of experience.
He'll ride the bike in the record attempt as well, but his goals are much bigger than just going fast. He believes that the same approach that makes the WMC250EV 70% more aerodynamic than a Suzuki Hayabusa and can be applied to road bikes, providing an improvement in range, performance, and economy that will be especially be beneficial for electric motorcycles.
Image Courtesy: WMC
The duct flowing from the nose to the tail, Venturi Duct as the company likes to call it, which is generally where aerodynamic pressure is highest on a traditional bike, is the bike's most apparent party piece. It reduces the centre of pressure at the front of the bike, which means the 200mph-plus airflow isn't trying to lift the front wheel off the ground as much as it would on a conventional motorcycle. When the rider is seated in the saddle, the design allows them to properly straddle the duct. Some of the build photographs, which show the WMC250EV's underpinnings, make it very clear how everything fits together.
At high speeds, the design places additional weight on the front tyre, allowing White's second innovation, the 2 wheel drive system, to take effect. The WMC250EV employs both wheels to combat aerodynamic drag on the Bolivian salt flats where the record attempt will be made, rather than depending solely on
the rear tyre's grip. This improves traction, which is just as crucial as raw power when it comes to achieving land speed records. Two motors positioned on the hub operate the front wheels. Another two, located at the front of the swing arm and transmitting drive via an enclosed chain drive, drive the back wheel. Initially, the bike will be powered by Hacker brushless motors, a German company that specialises in lightweight, high-performance motors.
Image Courtesy: WMC
Currently the bike churns out 134bhp and this figure will rise as the record attempts becomes more frequent. White believes the current setup will be sufficient to push the record above 200mph later this year, but he intends to increase power to about 250kW (335bhp) for the world record runs next year, with a target speed of over 250mph.
White sees potential for both his 2WD technology and radical aerodynamics in production bikes, despite the fact that the WMC250EV is a pure record-setter. Because of the standard seat height, the ducted design may be employed on a street bike while still keeping the high centre of gravity required for cornering and a realistic riding position.
According to White, these motors help feed the bike's regenerative braking system while also redistributing the weight of the bike properly, which means the 2WD system enables an energy recovery system, which recharges the batteries as you brake, which is currently unavailable on electric bikes that only power the rear wheel.
Image Courtesy: WMC
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