Difference between revisions of "Hercules W2000"

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{{Motorcycle
{{Motorcycle
|name            = '''Hercules W2000'''
|name            = '''Hercules W2000'''
|image            =
|photo=1974 Hercules W2000.jpg
|aka              = W 2000
|aka              = W 2000
|manufacturer    = [[Hercules]]
|manufacturer    = [[Hercules]]
Line 35: Line 35:
|ignition        =
|ignition        =
|spark_plug      =
|spark_plug      =
|battery          = 8.5:1
|battery          =  
|transmission    = Gear box: 6-speed <br>
|transmission    = Gear box: 6-speed <br>
Final Drive: [[chain]] <br>
Final Drive: [[chain]] <br>

Revision as of 18:44, 9 November 2019

In 1969 Sachs took control of the firm and the Hercules name stayed, most notably used in association with the W2000 of the mid 1970s - The world's first commercially built Wankel rotary engined motorcycle. Hercules took on a very Japanese-look in appearance looking much like the venerable Honda CB750K from forks to fuel tank and seat. Its 294cc or 882cc (depending on how you measure) motor produced a claimed 27 bhp at 6,500 rpm and gave a top speed of almost 90 mph. But the rotary, which was marketed under the DKW brand in Britain, did not sell well, and recent production with the marquee has been limited to two-stroke motorcycles smaller than 100cc.

German industrial giant, Fichel and Sachs, had manufacturing rights to the Wankel rotary engine. To promote this radical new design they had their subsidiary motorcycle company, DKW, design and build the first mass produced rotaty motorcycle. Unfortunately 1974 was the period of gas shortages, and while the DKW was fast, gas mileage dipped to under 30 mpg when ridden hard. Sales were disappointing and production ended. These machines were marketed as Hercules in North America. The next machine to have a rotary engine would be the Suzuki RE5.

1974

1974 Hercules W2000

1976

1976 Hercules W2000 in Red
1976 Hercules W2000 in Red
1976 Hercules W2000 in Red
1976 Hercules W2000 in Red


1974 Hercules W2000.jpg
'Hercules W2000'
Manufacturer
[[Hercules]]
Also called W 2000
Production 1973 - 1978
Class [[:Category:Naked motorcycles|Naked]] [[Category:Naked motorcycles]]
Engine
single disk wankel
Compression ratio 8.5:1
Top Speed 92 mph (148 km/h)
Horsepower 26.42 HP (19.7 KW) @ 6500RPM
Torque 24.34 ft/lbs (33.0 Nm) @ 4500RPM
Fuel System Carburetor
Transmission Gear box: 6-speed

Final Drive: chain

Clutch: Wet multi disc
Suspension Front: Telescopic fork
Brakes Front: single disc
Rear: expanding brake
Front Tire 3.00-18
Rear Tire 3.50-18
Wheelbase 54.49 inches (1384 mm)
Seat Height 30.0 inches (762 mm)
Weight 176.0 kg (wet)
Fuel Capacity 4.36 Gallon (16.50 Liters)
Manuals Service Manual


The Hercules W2000 was a single disk wankel Naked motorcycle produced by Hercules between 1973 and 1978. It could reach a top speed of 92 mph (148 km/h). Max torque was 24.34 ft/lbs (33.0 Nm) @ 4500 RPM. Claimed horsepower was 26.42 HP (19.7 KW) @ 6500 RPM.

Engine

The engine was a air cooled single disk wankel.

Drive

The bike has a 6-speed transmission. Power was moderated via the Wet multi disc.

Chassis

It came with a 3.00-18 front tire and a 3.50-18 rear tire. Stopping was achieved via single disc in the front and a expanding brake in the rear. The W2000 was fitted with a 4.36 Gallon (16.50 Liters) fuel tank. The wheelbase was 54.49 inches (1384 mm) long.

1974 - 1978 Hercules W 2000

1974 - 1978 Hercules W 2000

Presented in 1974, the Hercules W-2000, built as a "limited trial" machine to test the public acceptance of a new power source for motorcycles, is the first Rotary-powered offered for public sale through a dealer network.


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