It’s a good question: Would having both wheels drive a motorcycle forward be an advantage over power going only to the rear wheel? Pennsylvania-based Christini thinks so, and has been refining their 2WD dirt bikes for over two decades. The drive tech is streamlined now to the point now that the system driving the front wheel is barely discernible. And Christini continues to put their tech to the test on the racetrack. They offer a wide range of 2WD machines, including street-legal 450cc 2WD dual-sport models, and also an AWD two-stroke motocross machine.
Most recently, Christini posted an image of a large, gas-powered fat-tired off-road toy that channels the spirit of the old Honda Fat Cats, except with 2WD of course. No details are given about the bike and it may be a custom build, but it appears ready to conquer yonder misty peak by lunchtime.
The bike clearly features Christini’s drive power transfer system under a red chain cover (top photos) and perhaps covered bevels in the front hub to ward off the inevitable mud bog submersion. Looks like fun to us. “Going into production soon with our new E-ATV, E-Fat Moto and other new products,” the July 25 post reads.
The company is also expanding the 2WD/AWD concept to some not unexpected territory: bicycles, specifically mountain bikes and fat-tire ebike machines, which will also both sport front wheel drive technology. And while it would likely be easier to put an electric hub in the front spokes of an ebike, such as on this UBCO 2X2, Christini has opted to link the wheels mechanically, and make the system “AWD” with the front wheel coming online only when the rear wheel is slipping, and riding like a regular bicycle otherwise, according to the website. Sounds complicated, but Christini may have some expertise in this area.
On their explanation page, the system flows through the frame of the bicycle but is difficult to detect in photos of the bike. Likewise, the electric bikes use a mechanical power transfer system as well. The rear bevel drive on the bicycles is especially nice machine work (below). Photo: Christini
Christini 2WD dual-sport models start at $13,000 with a tick more for the “Explorer” version. Prices are $4695 for a hard tail pedal-powered mountain bike and $5695 for a full-bounce full suspension ride. The fat-tire ebikes range from 4695 to $6595 and they also offer fat-tire AWD pedal-only bikes.
But that question? If 2WD/AWD were far superior to just using the one wheel for power, it would likely be a popular technology and we would see more of it. But for now, Christini seems to be the only company turning out 2WD machines in numbers. Is 2WD an overlooked secret to more traction? Here’s hoping we can get some seat time in the near future to find out. Let us know your thoughts in comments, especially if you’ve had any experience on a Christini motorcycle or bicycle.