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Post by charles on Mar 28, 2022 18:41:57 GMT -5
If the RE-5 had been released as a shaft drive motorcycle, would it have been a (greater) success in the Marketplace?
I know we've often discussed this general idea, from Belt Drive to Shaft Drive. I keep looking back at the Cycle Magazine article "Eight for the Open Road", which found the bike quite serviceable but with some inherent weaknesses. It was, however, the unquestioned Handling Leader. It had some good points. I can tell you first hand that the bike was fun.
So, the explicit question: If the Rotary had been released as a Shaft Drive Motorcycle, would it have found a different - more successful - future?
Jes' Wondrin'.
CW
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Post by wayne on Mar 28, 2022 18:59:48 GMT -5
Don't believe so Charles. Once past the initial excitement and the scorn started pouring on there was no coming back. But I think that mostly because the chain is rarely mentioned in tests as a serious flaw.
The chain oiler received more flack.
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Post by Framitron on Mar 28, 2022 20:20:23 GMT -5
Thinking about the American market I don't think that shaft drive would have made much difference. It could have reduced the grinding feel at 4800 since the primary and final drive chains likely are resonating together. I think that the only thing that would have successfully seduced skeptical American riders would have been more power. Suzuki was understandably conservative with their precious engine but with the hefty cooling system they could have bumped it up to 75hp which would have put it 1hp greater than the mighty (gas guzzling, spaghetti framed, widow-maker) Kawasaki H2 750.
Yes the RE5 weighs much more but horsepower bragging rights are a powerful tool when marketing to males. And the RE5 has such a usable powerband that it would have been even more fun to ride. Not sure if the extra power would put the RE5 in its frames tank-slap speed but, lets me honest, speed related deaths would probably just sell more bikes.
Especially when planning for model year 1976 when sales were very low Suzuki could have said that they have nothing to lose by adding 13 extra hp. Although I don't know what the additional cost of porting, re-jetting & raising the red line by ~500rpm would be. Not even sure if that would actually get you 13 more hp without modifying anything else. (That might be a question for Hans!)
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Post by charles on Apr 7, 2022 11:54:45 GMT -5
 ![]() ![]() From the Road Test in Cycle Mag of the GS-850. Note the Clutch Basket appears to be from the GS-750. Gearbox - shafts 'n all - are fits for the RE-5.
*Sigh* ![]()
So, if you follow the link and add a little imagination. you can visualize an RE-5 Package and build from there...
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Post by timpa136 on Apr 7, 2022 13:57:32 GMT -5
![]() From the Road Test in Cycle Mag of the GS-850. Note the Clutch Basket appears to be from the GS-750. Gearbox - shafts 'n all - are fits for the RE-5.
*Sigh*![]() Charles , you are absolutely correct! Sigh indeed. Tim |
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Post by charles on Apr 7, 2022 18:41:45 GMT -5
P. 88 with diagrams.
CW
PS: There might be a coupla' other items to look at... Mo' later.
PPS:
An old "Hot Rotor" and "Direct Injection" info Paper from Curtiss-Wright.
Nice emission results and Direct Injection Diesel Level Economy...
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Post by Framitron on Apr 9, 2022 15:32:44 GMT -5
I do like the idea of shaft drive for the RE5. It would really add to its touring longevity since everything else on the bike is designed for long life. Does anyone have an idea what it would have added in terms of cost and weight? And while we are at it, a rear disc brake would be perfect to round out the package. I think that Timpa would be the only rider capable of wearing out the RE shaft-drive touring package!
I could not open up any of the links though. Anyone else have the same problem?
Al
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Post by charles on Apr 10, 2022 12:39:34 GMT -5
I've tried all of the Links and they seem to to work. "ntrs.nasa.gov" in a search field can get you started. Add "rotary engine" or what-not and eventually you will get to some summaries and other links. I always recommend SAE Papers but they are up to $33= a Paper nowadays. YIKES!!
Bottom Line: The Rotary has so much to offer. SO MUCH!
CW
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