Почему нет мотоциклов с ВАРИАТОРОМ ?

Summary

This video explores the reasons why motorcycles rarely use CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) technology, despite its widespread adoption in scooters, snowmobiles, and cars. The script explains how CVT works, its advantages for small-engine vehicles, and the challenges it faces on motorcycles, including size, efficiency, cost, and weight concerns. Historical attempts to integrate CVT in motorcycles, such as the Zenith Grad and the Ridley, are discussed, along with modern examples like the Aprilia Mana 850 and Honda DN 01. Ultimately, while CVT offers benefits, it remains impractical for most motorcycles due to tradition and technical limitations.

Takeaways

• 😀 The question raised in the video is why motorcycles don’t use CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) systems, despite their widespread use in scooters, snowmobiles, ATVs, and some cars.
• 😀 CVT is a type of automatic transmission that adjusts the gear ratio smoothly and infinitely, unlike traditional transmissions that have fixed gear ratios.
• 😀 The key difference between scooters and motorcycles is that in scooters, the rider’s legs don’t contribute to control, while in motorcycles, they do.
• 😀 The primary reason for needing a transmission in vehicles is the engine's varying power output, especially its torque at different RPMs.
• 😀 A CVT works by using two pulleys and a belt, where the pulleys adjust their size to change the gear ratio. This system is more efficient at keeping engines in their optimal power range.
• 😀 CVT is popular in scooters due to its simplicity, but its size, weight, and lower efficiency make it less suitable for motorcycles.
• 😀 The efficiency of CVT is lower compared to traditional mechanical gearboxes. CVT can lose 10-20% of power due to friction, whereas mechanical gearboxes only lose about 1-2%.
• 😀 CVT transmissions are more complex and costly to manufacture and maintain, further contributing to their rarity in motorcycles.
• 😀 Motorcycle enthusiasts are often resistant to major changes, especially those affecting traditional manual gear systems, which are deeply ingrained in motorcycle culture.
• 😀 There have been some examples of motorcycles using CVT, such as the Zenit Grad, the Raj Multi Gear, Ridley motorcycles, the Aprilia Mana 850, and the Honda DN-01, but they remain niche products.
• 😀 Despite its advantages in other types of vehicles, CVT is not expected to become widespread in motorcycles due to the challenges of power transfer, size, weight, and cultural preferences among riders.

Q & A

Why are motorcycles with CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) rare?

Motorcycles rarely use CVT because it increases the size, weight, and cost of the bike. The efficiency of CVT is also lower compared to traditional gearboxes, and it may not align with the performance expectations of many riders.

What is CVT and how does it work?

CVT, or Continuously Variable Transmission, is an automatic transmission system that smoothly adjusts the gear ratio without discrete steps. It uses two pulleys and a belt, where the pulleys adjust in size to change the transmission ratio based on speed and load.

What is the primary advantage of CVT in scooters and snowmobiles?

The main advantage of CVT in scooters and snowmobiles is the simplicity and ease of operation. It allows riders to focus on steering and speed control without needing to shift gears, making it ideal for off-road or low-speed applications.

What distinguishes a scooter from a motorcycle in terms of transmission?

The key difference between a scooter and a motorcycle is that on a scooter, the rider's legs are not involved in operating the controls, while on a motorcycle, the rider actively uses their legs to operate gear shifts and other controls.

Why is a traditional gearbox preferred on motorcycles over CVT?

Traditional gearboxes are preferred on motorcycles due to their higher efficiency, lower weight, and better performance. Additionally, motorcycles have a long tradition of using manual transmissions, which many riders prefer for a more engaging riding experience.

What are the efficiency and power loss differences between CVT and a traditional manual gearbox?

CVT typically has an efficiency of 80-90%, meaning it loses 10-20% of power to friction. In contrast, a manual gearbox has an efficiency of 98-99%, with minimal power loss, making it more efficient for transmitting engine power.

What are the challenges of using CVT on motorcycles?

The challenges include increased weight and size, higher production and maintenance costs, and lower efficiency compared to traditional gearboxes. Additionally, the cultural attachment to manual gearboxes in motorcycling makes it less appealing for many riders.

How do snowmobiles and ATVs benefit from CVT?

Snowmobiles and ATVs benefit from CVT due to their larger size, allowing for the integration of the CVT system without significant weight concerns. The lack of need for manual gear shifting is also advantageous in off-road and challenging terrain conditions.

What was the first motorcycle to use CVT?

The first motorcycle to use CVT was the 1911 Zenit Grad, which employed a system that adjusted the drive belt's position using a swinging arm, providing effective transmission changes for uphill racing.

What were some notable motorcycles using CVT technology in the 2000s?

Notable motorcycles using CVT technology in the 2000s include the Ridley Speedster, which offered a small V-Twin engine and automatic transmission, and the Aprilia Mana 850, which used a CVT system derived from the Gilera GP800 scooter.