One of our favorite bikes to debut last year, the Vyrus 986 M2 continues to be developed by the small Italian firm, and pictures of the 600cc, omega-framed, hub-center steered motorcycle have been uploaded to the Vyrus Facebook profile page, and show the Moto2 hopeful in its street-legal form.
Breaking cover back in January 2011, Vyrus had hopes of racing the 986 M2 in the Moto2 Championship, as well as selling a street and kit version of the motorcycle to consumers. At €25,000 ready to roll (€50,000 for the race version), the street-going Vyrus 986 M2 might be one of the most expensive supersport-class motorcycles on the market, but honestly, wouldn’t you want to own one these bay boys instead of a comparably-priced liter-bike? We know we would.
Since its debut, the Vyrus 986 M2 has undergone some changes, most notably the hub-center steering design now has a direct steering column to the rider, likely the help increase the steering feedback. While hub-center steering benefits from separating the steering, braking, and suspension forces from each other, in practical application the design has had an uphill battle winning over riders who have grown accustomed to how a conventional fork front-end operates.
With established riders literally growing up on modern fork suspension technology, companies like Vyrus have to contend with riders having to re-learn how to race a motorcycle (an issue similar to the one in MotoGP, where riders have to relearn how to ride using carbon fiber brakes and the unique Bridgestone spec-tires). From an engineering perspective, the mechanical setup of most hub-center steering systems also adds to the problem, with multiple linkages usually involved in transmitting the rider’s inputs at the handlebars to the front wheel.
With this revised front-end design on the Vyrus 986 M2, the Rimini-based company looks to be using a steering column that directly applies the force from the handlebars to the front wheel, while the hub-center swing arm sill does work from a suspension and braking point-of-view. Perhaps not as visually stunning as the original release, it should function much better on the street and especially on the track.
Considering that the street-legal Vyrus 986 M2 was supposed to be ready by Septemeber of last year, it looks like Vyrus is a bit behind on its schedule. Though, we think you will agree that the Vyrus 986 M2 is going to be well worth the wait. Now where do we leave a deposit?
Photos of the Vyrus 986 M2 in Street-legal Trim via Facebook:
Photos of the Vyrus 986 M2 in Racing Trim via MotoBlog:
Source: Vyrus (Facebook)
Akira ain’t got shit on me with one of these.
Lame remarks aside, i would like to try “someday” one of these “wierd” front ends and see by myself what’s all hoopla doopla all about it.
This is right up there with the Tesi. Too much bling and too much coin. If i had the doug no doubt i would burn it on one of these or a Tesi.
Im more interested in that rear shock set up :D
seems like a simpler solution to the re birthing of the twin shock in GP racing that is currently going on.
Indeed, the rear shock setup is pretty tricky.
Well if you choke on your chewing gum, you just have to brake shaply and the tank will perform the Heimlich maneuver on you.
Is the MSRP reflective of the cost of technology, or the the ambition of profit? What is the point of alternative technology if it can’t compete in pricing…
I like it, but the commercial price is still too much for the experience…
However, for racing in Moto2 it’s a steal…
A direct steering tube to the hub center front wheel? Hmmmm… did anyone ask James Parker what HE thought of this idea??
What kind of engine is in this bike? I hope it’s not a standard cookie cutter 600cc I4. For the money, better not be, but something tells me that it is … :-(
Of course it is (Honda CBR600RR motor), the bike is supposed to be Moto2 ready.