Training workshop is a Triumph

Through a training workshop and by providing a specialist range of precision bearings and maintenance-free engine components, Schaeffler UK is helping Triumph cut engine weight, friction and fuel consumption on its motorcycles.

Fifteen design engineers from British motorcycle manufacturer Triumph recently attended a training workshop at its headquarters in Hinckley, Leicestershire, organised by UK bearings specialist Schaeffler (UK) Limited. The objective was to learn more about Schaeffler

Peter Allen, account manager at Schaeffler UK, who attended the workshop, comments: “We flew in our motorcycle expert from Germany and the workshop was very well received. It was the first time Triumph engineers had attended a workshop organised by Schaeffler and Triumph has since invited Schaeffler to look at some new engine design projects, which involve bearings, tappets and other critical engine components.” 

As far back as 1949, Schaeffler had developed its first cage-guided needle roller bearing for high speed shafts. Today, the company continues to supply a variety of engine components and bearing systems for automotive applications, including bearings for crankshafts and camshafts; hydraulic and mechanical chain tensioners; finger followers and bucket type tappets in valve trains; and bearings for clutches, gearboxes, ABS control systems, propshafts, steering, suspension, drive shafts and output shafts.
 

Crankshaft

Schaeffler’s low friction, high precision FAG ball bearings (with optional integrated seal) and cylindrical roller bearings are helping motorcycle manufacturers keep noise levels and fuel consumption to a minumum. INA needle roller and cage assemblies guided on the outside diameter (crank pin cages) can be used for the connecting rod bearing supports. The dry-running characteristics are significantly improved by the use of coatings.

Piston pin bearings keep the radial internal clearance as small as possible. INA needle roller and cage assemblies guided on the inside diameter (piston pin cages) have proved to be an ideal solution in wear-resistant designs with extreme temperatures.

Belt Drive

Mechanical and hydraulic chain tensioners with tensioner blades and chain guides can be used to dampen the vibrations from the timing chain. This can reduce noise levels on the motorcycle and increases operating life.

The camshaft can run at low friction in maintenance-free needle roller bearings or ball bearings.

In the valve train, rocker arms, finger followers and end pivot rocker arms or bucket type tappets with mechanical or hydraulic valve lash adjustment elements, can ensure optimal valve performance on the engine.

Transmission

For drive shafts and output shafts, motorcycle manufacturers can use FAG ball bearings with optimised load ratings and INA space-saving drawn cup cylindrical roller bearings.

Schaeffler can also supply low noise, high speed gear bearing supports with lightweight, split plastic cages, which increase the life of the transmission system as they minimise the risk of false ‘brinelling’.

Clutch

Durable release bearings with formed rings can provide high load carrying capacity in a small design space such as a motorcycle engine.

Gearshift

Low friction FAG ball bearings and INA needle roller bearings make gear shifting much easier on motorcycles. In contrast to steel-steel or steel-aluminium solutions, these rolling bearings offer consistent, low radial internal clearance for the shift drum and wear-free operation.

Chassis and Steering

Safety factors are critical on the chassis and steering system and so Schaeffler can provide ball bearings with integrated seals that are lubricated for life and which offer good shock resistance and smooth operation. Their low wear and low friction characteristics also contribute to fuel savings. Sealed needle roller bearings are also used for special swing arm designs.

Sealed, adjustable tapered roller bearings, angular contact ball bearings or angular needle roller bearings can be used to support axial and radial loads in the steering head. Schaeffler’s ‘ELGES’ plain bearings or spherical plain bearings can be used for forks and suspension struts.

Propshaft

INA deep drawn bearings can be used as bearing supports in the universal joints. These transmit power through the drive shaft. ‘Staked retention’ is an efficient method developed by Schaeffler that can enable the universal joints to be mounted axially without clearance. This means excellent symmetry and a reduction in vibration and engine noise.

ABS

If a motorcycle wheel locks, an INA sensor ring can be used to trigger the ABS control system. High pitch accuracy requires manufacturing precision and the coatings on the ring protect the component from corrosion during the operating life.
Accessories

Schaeffler can also provide motorcycle manufacturers with a number of bearings for other motorcycle parts, including lightweight, small drawn cup needle roller bearings with open ends for starter motors and durable needle roller bearings or ball bearings for oil pumps.

For more information on Schaeffler bearings or for a copy of the “Bearing Supports and System Solutions for Motorcycles” brochure, please visit www.schaeffler.co.uk

ENDS

  
Note to editors:

Schaeffler (UK) Ltd

With a total of 63,000 employees at over 180 locations around the globe and group sales of 8.3 billion euros (fiscal year 2006), the Schaeffler Group is one of the world's leading rolling bearing manufacturers and automotive component suppliers. The corporate group includes the INA and FAG brands, as well as the LuK Group.

FAG Industrial Services (F’IS) is a member of the Schaeffler Group and supports the INA and FAG brands in the UK and worldwide with industrial services including effective maintenance management and condition monitoring.

Triumph
Triumph Motorcycles, the iconic British motorcycle marque, is solely owned by Bloor Holdings Ltd. First established in 1902 and now located in Hinckley, Leicestershire, Triumph has always set the pace for category winning machines.  From the iconic Bonneville to the mould-breaking Daytona 675 Triple, Triumph offers a blend of design, character, sex appeal and performance that combines to create truly distinctive motorcycles.

www.triumphmotorcycles.com