Driveline and Transmissions

Ricardo has extensive experience in the design, analysis and development of motorcycle, scooter and small vehicle transmissions and drivelines. Our expertise covers the full range of engine power and transmission types, from mopeds to super bikes, and from belt CVTs to advanced low noise helical transmissions. We work with the world’s leading manufacturers and suppliers providing right first time solutions for today’s products and strategic guidance on technology options – including advanced CVT, AMT and DCT concepts – for future vehicles.

A world-class capability in motorcycle and personal transportation transmission and driveline engineering: 

• Design and development of transmissions from concept studies, clean sheet designs and demonstrator programmes through to fully developed and validated production products
• Driveline system specification and design
• Reliability analysis and issue resolution
• Integration with engine and clutch systems
• Final drive design including chain, belt, shaft and bevel gear drives and damping systems
• Strong focus on strategic use of CAE to optimize designs and minimize time to market
• Dynamic simulation of dog / barrel cam shift systems
• NVH reduction and sound quality optimization
• Prototype manufacture and build, testing and validation
• Efficiency testing of belt CVT systems on specially developed rigs
• Vehicle level integration and optimization, and homologation and industrialisation support
• Bespoke development and validation processes
• Flexible approach from concept and target setting projects to full turnkey product development programmes and including training, technology transfer and collaborative working