SwRI: Motorcycle Technology Capabilities Transmission Development, Testing, and Design

  image of SwRI engineer using computer control and automatic data acquisition to evaluate the performance of a variety of transmissions and transaxles on dual DC dynamometer test stands
 

Using computer control and automatic data acquisition, SwRI engineers evaluate the performance of a variety of transmissions and transaxles on dual DC dynamometer test stands.

Motorcycle drivetrain development at Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) focuses on efficiently delivering engine power to the tire and road interface. SwRI optimizes the input/output ratios at the primary drive, transmission, and secondary drive while simultaneously maximizing the power density of each component. SwRI engineers model, design, and analyze a wide array of power transferring technologies, such as:

  • Belts

  • Chains

  • Gears

  • Automatic transmissions

  • CVT transmissions, both toroidal and push/pull belt types

image of SwRI facilities, which include transaxle, transmission, torque converter, and powertrain dynamometer test stands

SwRI facilities include transaxle, transmission, torque converter, and powertrain dynamometer test stands.

 

Maximizing Drivetrain Efficiency

SwRI engineers maximize drivetrain efficiency through a variety of techniques, including:

  image of SwRI's transaxle test stand, capable of testing transaxles for 1.3- to 5.8-liter engines, is specifically designed to eliminate differential speed effects
 

SwRI's transaxle test stand, capable of testing transaxles for 1.3- to 5.8-liter engines, is specifically designed to eliminate differential speed effects.

  • Reducing gear deflection

  • Minimizing shaft bending

  • Reducing windage and churning losses

At SwRI, we are always striving to offer the best services possible to our clients. This motorcycle technology information represents only a small portion of how SwRI can assist your company with motorcycle testing, research, and development.

 

For a more comprehensive review of our capabilities or information about how you can contract with SwRI, please contact Suzanne Timmons, at satimmons@swri.org or (210) 522-2499 to arrange a tour of our complete facilities. We look forward to seeing you in San Antonio.

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Southwest Research Institute® (SwRI®) is an independent, nonprofit, applied engineering and physical sciences research and development organization with 12 technical divisions using multidisciplinary approaches to problem solving. The Institute occupies more than 1,200 acres and provides nearly two million square feet of laboratories, test facilities, workshops, and offices for more than 3,300 employees who perform contract work for industry and government clients.