THE D1200R - CONCEPT MOTORCYCLE

The D1200R arose as a proposal for the development of the patent by Juan Elizalde Bertrand on behalf of the Arco Design and Projects Company (where the company own the patent). Elizalde proposes to do without the standard steering axle in motorcycles with forks substituting it for a system which relates the back and front wheels of the motorcycle more rigidly and directly.
The main objective of this project was to take a further step in the development of the patent transforming it into a viable solution, since the original proposal is poorly defined with respect to its resolution, as can be seen from

D1200R ~ CONCEPT MOTORCYCLE

In this design the starting point was the system used by Foale in the QL (www.tonyfoale.com). Among other things we have tried to increase the overall combined front rigidity and reduce the friction in the steering. As a result, in this case, the front vertical arm does not rotate (it only allows an upward-downward movement), the rotation is performed by an interior plate which brings the steering from a telescopic tube to the stub axle of the wheel and the ball joints are substituted with bearings.

It also provides direct steering (no cardan joints or braces rods are used) and a one-to-one turning ratio masterminded by Carlos Beltrán. The use of direct steering instead of the use of rods and ball joints limits and complicates the selection of the geometry of the suspension even though it avoids movement of the steering with the path of the suspension system (bump steering).
The downside to this design is a more complex and heavier system (greater non-suspended mass) than that used by Foale.
The mechanical design has been carried out by Carlos Beltrán and I. The aesthetic design has been part of my input. Roberto García has been the patron and the number one assistant.

D1200R ~ CONCEPT MOTORCYCLE

ORIGIN
The D1200R arose as a development proposal based on a patent from Juan Elizalde of the Arco Design and Projects Company (where the company own the patent).
Elizalde proposes to do away with the standard steering axle of motorcycles with forks and substitute it with a system which relates the back and front wheel of the motorbike rigidly and directly searching for the greatest stability. This design provides direct steering (no cardan joints or rods are used) and a one to one turning ratio.

D1200R ~ CONCEPT MOTORCYCLE

CONCEPT
The D1200R arose as a proposal from the development of the patent by Juan Elizalde Bertrand. The proposal of this patent is to do away with the steering head in motorcycles with forks and substitute it for a system which relates the back and front wheel of the motorcycle more rigidly. The technical resolution of this problem is totally open in the patent so we opted for a system similar to that proposed by Foale and that of Parker but with two basic differences.
The steering is direct (no cardan joints or rods are used) and with a one-to-one turning ratio. Also the front vertical arm to which the other two horizontal arms reach do not turn, this provides greater rigidity in the complete system and in contrast makes the complete system more complex and heavier.
The objectives which were sought after were improved stability and to avoid the uncomfortable front end dive during braking in curves.