> >> Not a fair comparsion though, as the Suzuki is also 2 wheel drive.
> 
> > So it does.  That'll come in very handy on a sports bike.  For all 
> > those times when you..... need to round up wild pigs 
> and..... navigate 
> > steep driveways.
> 
> Audi Quattro introduced 4WD to rallying.
> Have  a look at the drive systems on most-all top rally cars 
> a few decades on. Which is not to say the rule is directly 
> transferable to bikes.
> 
>         Russell


Yamaha have been fiddling with 2WD for while, (so have KTM), and had the
WF450 2WD (called 2-trac) as a production model for a while.  I'm not sure
if you can still get it.

I know someone who tested one, and as far as road use goes, his opinion was
that it (2WD) would be 'a good thing' for the average rider.  It gives much
better traction in the wet.  The downside is it doesn't turn as fast, so
while not good for racing, it may not matter for street use.  As a bonus,
now you can get punctures in your front wheel more often too.

Naturally, negative attitudes to price, reliability and user perception will
kill it off.  Much the same as 4 wheel steering in cars.

Tony

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