SKF Wheel Bearings Assist Prototype Motorcycle in Securing World Record
SKF has played its part in securing a new world record: the furthest distance travelled by a prototype motorcycle on a single tank of fuel.
The prototype bike clocked up 4,183.8 km on its journey from Albino in northern Italy to North Cape in Norway – without needing to refuel. SKF helped motorcycle components supplier Acerbis in its AC50 project to design the two-wheeler.
The AC50 project made several key breakthroughs – primarily by redesigning the fuel tank to hold 108 liters of fuel. In addition, SKF supplied a customized design for the wheel bearings and seals, to make the journey as efficient and comfortable as possible.
“When Acerbis described the AC50 project, we understood that behind this world record attempt was a sustainability challenge – which fits our sustainability strategy,” said Nicolas Berruet, business development manager at SKF.
Before vehicles such as motorbikes transition fully to electrical power, it is important to make them more energy efficient. Projects such as AC50 show that appropriate design can help to maximize fuel efficiency.