Motorcycle Hub Center Steering Kit

Hub Center Steering: The Exotic Component for Motorcycles

Understanding Hub Center Steering

Hub-center steering (HCS) is a unique type of front-end suspension and steering system used in motorcycles. Unlike traditional forks, HCS places the steering pivot points inside the wheel hub, offering several advantages: * Reduced steered mass: By moving the steering mechanism to the wheel hub, the mass that needs to be turned during steering is significantly reduced. * Improved responsiveness: The reduced steered mass makes the motorcycle more responsive to rider input, providing a quicker and more precise steering experience. * Increased stability: HCS improves stability by minimizing the forces acting on the steering head, resulting in a more composed ride.

Different HCS Designs

Hub center steering systems vary in design, but they all share the common principle of steering around the wheel hub. Some notable HCS designs include: * BMW Demonstener: A hub center steering concept bike developed by BMW. * Elf-Honda: A legendary HCS race bike designed by de Cortance. * Vyrus 984C: A high-performance motorcycle known for its advanced HCS system.

Benefits of Hub Center Steering

HCS offers several advantages over traditional forks: * Space saving: By eliminating the need for forks, HCS frees up space in the front end, allowing for a more compact design. * Improved aerodynamics: The streamlined design of HCS systems reduces drag, resulting in better fuel efficiency and higher top speeds. * Enhanced handling: The reduced mass and improved stability of HCS provide a more precise and controlled handling experience.

Applications of Hub Center Steering

Although HCS has been used in motorcycles for many years, it has only recently gained popularity in production models. Some current motorcycles and trikes featuring HCS include: * Bimota Tesi H2: A high-tech sport bike with hub center steering and a swingarm front suspension. * Vyrus 985C: A limited-edition motorcycle known for its exceptional handling and HCS system. * Roadsmith Trikes: Trikes designed primarily for cruising and touring, featuring HCS for improved stability.

Conclusion

Hub center steering is an innovative and exotic component that enhances the performance and handling of motorcycles. By moving the steering pivot points to the wheel hub, HCS offers benefits such as reduced weight, improved responsiveness, and increased stability. While it is still a relatively rare technology, HCS continues to gain popularity among motorcycle enthusiasts and may become even more widespread in the future.