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NEWS
Air-powered dirt bike
A motorcycle powered purely by compressed air, the O2 Pursuit, represents an alternative to traditional motorcycle propulsion systemsRMIT Industrial Design student Dean Benstead has designed and developed the ’02 Pursuit’, with the powerplant was an Engineair Australia creation. It was first shown at the Sydney Motorcycle Show in late 2011.
Based on the geometry of a current-spec Yamaha WR250F, the project’s initial focus was on the design and product development processes over performance engineering, but Benstead said he could see a future for a marketable model based on the air-powered prototype.
“The concept evolved from research to sketches to computer modelling before the chassis and bodywork was built and fabrication at local manufacturer, Rinlatech Engineering, began,” explained Benstead.
“I wanted to explore the viability of compressed air as an alternative fuel, and my childhood experiences riding dirt bikes led me to design the motocross bike based around the Engineair engine.
“I’ve worked closely with project partners including Engineair, Yamaha Australia, which donated the running gear from a WR250F to power the bike, as well as various design staff, Simon Curlis and Automotive designer Marcus Hotblack at RMIT.
“The stationary test runs we’ve run have been very positive – the bike can hit speeds in excess of 100km/h in its current build, and with more development we can see the range of the bike doubling or tripling.
“The next prototype would involve a total re-style, different material choices over the current steel tube chassis, such as aluminium or even a futuristic printed titanium, reducing the weight comparable to a heavy-duty mountain bike.
“I’m excited to be able to reveal the bike in front of an audience at the Sydney Motorcycle & Scooter Show and am very much looking forward to any feedback from visitors and industry.”
The ’02 Pursuit was officially unveiled in a working demonstration on Friday, November 25, 2011. It was then on display for the balance of the three-day Sydney Motorcycle Show.
The idea of a compressed air-powered bike that eclipse 100km/h is compelling - perhaps a sign of the future of motorcycle development?
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Written byBikesales Staff
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