Sir Limpsalot
05-08-2006, 03:29 PM
Anyone remember this? I'll be perfectly honest I'd forgotten all about it untill I came across this photo.
http://img9.imagevenue.com/loc68/th_15678_lystair.jpg (http://img9.imagevenue.com/img.php?loc=loc68&image=15678_lystair.jpg)
It's a motorcycle frame (intended in this instance for a Honda CB450 engine) with an aerofoil (or wing) designed to assist the slowing of the machine under braking.
It was controlled by the rider. More specifically by the riders bum, when he needed maximum retardation he was supposed to slide back on the seat which controlled the adjustable wing through a lever.
Seems ridiculous now, when we're arguing over the merrits (or otherwise) of ABS to stop the wheels locking, but back then.........
So far as I recall it was tested on a circuit but never raced.
You would be forgiven for thinking that the designer was a complete nutter, but in fact he went on to Grand Prix success with other designs. One of which was his own four cylinder engine (when such things were rare).
Si
http://img9.imagevenue.com/loc68/th_15678_lystair.jpg (http://img9.imagevenue.com/img.php?loc=loc68&image=15678_lystair.jpg)
It's a motorcycle frame (intended in this instance for a Honda CB450 engine) with an aerofoil (or wing) designed to assist the slowing of the machine under braking.
It was controlled by the rider. More specifically by the riders bum, when he needed maximum retardation he was supposed to slide back on the seat which controlled the adjustable wing through a lever.
Seems ridiculous now, when we're arguing over the merrits (or otherwise) of ABS to stop the wheels locking, but back then.........
So far as I recall it was tested on a circuit but never raced.
You would be forgiven for thinking that the designer was a complete nutter, but in fact he went on to Grand Prix success with other designs. One of which was his own four cylinder engine (when such things were rare).
Si