A while ago, in 2016, a study (later also the subject of a presentation) sponsored directly by Yamaha has feared the development of a road bike moved directly with water. Fascinating idea, which in the meantime has attracted speculations and concepts.
However, water-powered and water-engineered are wrong terms for this study. Water bike, or Fluid Drive are more correct. Because?
Water does not replace fuel, it is not a water bike in the sense that it is powered by water, but it is a water bike because it is driven by water. Fluid Drive, in short.
What is being proposed is a system that replaces the chain, belt or shaft drive of the rear wheel with a hydraulic system that uses water pressure to spin the rear wheel.
Guided water bike
What is the best definition, then? Driving to water? The designer Maxime Lefebvre try to develop the concept by visually showing some kind of engine replaced by a water pump.
That water pump would be the engine. But how realistic is it to think of a water-based Fluid Drive system? What would be the pros and costs of such a thing?
Fluid Drive, technical tests already carried out
In 2018, the working prototype of the Ferox Azaris, a vehicle equipped with Fluid Drive technology capable of running as many as 6-wheel drive. Ferox claims it operates at 98% volumetric efficiency, which means the drive wheels can deliver torque with immediate response when pressure is pumped into the system.
Azaris proves that this drive system offers extraordinary flexibility in the positioning of the drive wheels. And because it weighs around a third, it could end up fitting even on the end of a swingarm.
Indeed, as the extraordinary motorcycle demonstrates 2x2x2 by Ian Drysdale, smooth transmissions can spin the front wheel just as easily as the rear, opening up the potential for 2WD motorcycles.
Yamaha, of course, already tried it with the groundbreaking 2-Trac dirtbike, as well as some pretty extravagant concepts in the early 2000s.
Fluid Drive, water driven motorbike
Two-wheel drive, no more chain drive, mid-engine option: Fluid Drive can have many pros.
And the disadvantages?
Currently there are some. To the point that I find it difficult to use similar technology in the short term for high-speed vehicles such as such motorcycles.
Lefebvre's vision, however, fascinates because. It shows a perspective in which, solving the structural problems of this technology (I have seen worse challenges), a water-driven motorbike shows itself in all its beauty.
And the charm is there.
