Many of you already know that Yamaha, together with the Swedish suspension specialist Ohlins, has developed two-wheel drive dirt bikes. What you may not know is that sportbikes are probably next.
According to several sources, a two-wheel drive Yamaha R1 has already been tested, and developed. The benefits for the road are similar to those found in the dirt, i.e., improved traction everywhere together with more confidence/control while cornering. While some systems operate only when the rear tire loses grip, a full-time, two-wheel drive system has also been developed.
Every manufacturer is looking for a performance advantage in the sportbike category. This might be one way a manufacturer can break away from the pack. Yamaha would likely be the first manufacturer to make two-wheel drive available for the road.
