New Vehicle Steering System

Extertec(tm) the company, was founded in 2000, to facilitate the construction of a proof of concept prototype. This vehicle was designed to showcase a novel steering system. The Spykster team reasoned that the riders of straddled, non - leaning vehicles are using a steering system that had evolved for a totally different genre of vehicle, i.e. motorcycles. Therefore it should be possible to improve performance, function and safety.

The Extertec(tm) "Spykster" Key Points & Advances:

Patent pending leading edge steering design for road, dirt, snow and sea

Takes existing Quads, Jet Ski and Snow Mobile machines to the next level

Practical gains in safety and control without limitations of existing systems

Provides basis for innovation in developing new utility & recreational vehicles

Proven hi-performance prototype that demonstrates strong future market opportunities

Commercialisation Opportunities for Extertec Partners

Extertec(tm) developments has successfully demonstrated their new steering technology and approach in a high performance prototype. This machine has proven the merits of the design and highlighted its potential commercial application in existing well known machines such as Quad bikes.

Currently, the Extertec(tm) "Spykster" concept is gathering growing Australian and International interest at a time when the market is looking for innovation in vehicle control, safety & design.

To capitalise on this initial market acceptance Extertec(tm) developments is looking to build long term partnerships with manufactures, investors and
others who want to assist and take part in taking the steering system to local and key global markets.

If you or your company would like to find out more about becoming a Spykster Partner and the business opportunities on offer please contact us at;

partners@extertec.com

Innovation in Control & Safety

The Extertec(tm) "Spykster" steering system addresses the limitations that motorcycle type steering systems exhibit in operating quad bikes, snowmobiles & to a degree, personal watercraft.

It is well known that as steering input or turn rate is increased, using the motorcycle system, that the inner handlebar intrudes into the rider’s position or space.

This contributes to three ergonomic problems;

1. The operator is restricted in his or her movement on the saddle.
2. This creates safety issues in the event of a rollover.
3. The related requirement for a thumb or trigger throttle that limits control sensitivity.

All these issues relate directly to the handlebars rotating around a central vertical steering shaft. This existing approach limits the steering input of the rider, resulting in a compromise, between high speed stability & the effort required to turn the vehicle at low speeds.

Hi-Performance Steering Solution

The solution, to this steering compromise and the resulting safety issues, we believe lays in the use of steering levers, attached in a way as to work around the rider’s extremities. The main advantage of this arrangement is that we have a larger base line of physical mobility and input. Leaving the rider free to deal with directional control and placement of his weight around the saddle. Therefore maximizing vehicle performance, control & safety.

Another core advantage, is the use of a twist throttle which unlike the existing lever or trigger systems does not inhibit the rider and allows maximum control, including in tight turns, at all times. The Spykster system allows for greater movement & ease of operation, making the thumb or trigger throttle obsolete for straddled machines.

The simplicity of the Extertec(tm) "Spykster" steering system lends itself to the layout of these vehicles. The design could be incorporated relatively cheaply & easily into the marketplace and enable innovation in quad bike, snow mobile and personal watercraft design.

In this respect, the steering system allows flexibility in the machine’s layout. This offers manufactures the ability to either maintain the existing appearance of their products or alternatively to try new approaches that may assist in stimulating market interest and demand.

Successful Proof of Concept – The Extertec(tm) "Spykster" Prototype

Extertec(tm) Developments prototype was designed to achieve a level of performance that previous steering systems wouldn’t be capable of addressing satisfactorily or more importantly safely. Construction & development of the prototype & its steering system were completed in September 2005.

The vehicle has proven itself to be extremely capable, traveling at speeds in excess of 230kph(140mph) with no sensitivity issues and possessing the turning circle of a small car. The ‘G’ forces the vehicle can exert on the rider are to say the least extreme and open up new riding experiences for users of these type of vehicles while maintaining maximum stability and control.

The Extertec(tm) "Spykster" team are pleased to report the steering system, has at no time proven to be restrictive to the rider. Demonstrating a neutral & natural feel in all areas of the prototype’s impressive performance envelope.

Prototype specifications

Wheelbase,……………………..2.0mtrs (78.7”)
Overall length,…………………2.8mtrs (110”)
Overall width,………………….1.67mtrs (65.7”)
Overall height,…………………0.8mtrs (31.5”)
Seat height,…………………....0.6mtrs (23.6”)
Ground clearance,……………0.1mtrs (4”)
Dry weight,…………………….262kgs (576lbs)
Fuel capacity,…………………18ltrs (4.7USgal)
Engine,…………………………1998 Yamaha R1 approx. 112kw(150hp)
Electrical system,…………….1998 Yamaha R1
Brakes,…………………………AP racing, twin piston calipers, 265mm rotors.
Suspension,…………………..Spax coil over dampers front, R1 rear
Wheels F/R,……………………6.0/21x13, 290/595x13

Power to weight ratio figures of the Extertec(tm) "Spykster" prototype, with a 75kg(165lb) rider & half a tank of fuel;

3.13kgs per kW (5.15lb’s per HP)

These figures are rarely matched by today’s elite sports cars.
For example;

The Porsche 911 Turbo S - 4.83kgs per kW.
The Lamborghini Murcielago - 3.87kgs per kW.
For the Aussie readers, the Holden HSV GTO coupe - 5.66kgs per kW.

Note; these stats are not including the driver & fuel.

The photo gallery contains an image of the construction team as at September 2005.

From left to right,

Peter Greer, Dan Quelch (Team leader and designer), Steven Keech, Greg Jones and Glen Perfrement.

If the reader has any further inquires concerning the steering system or the prototype, or even just to say hello, please feel free to send us your comments and feedback on the e-mail links provided.

Extertec(tm) Developments
Dan Quelch, business hours,
61+0267427426 or mobile 0427336302.

Post: Spykster developments
24 Rosemary st. Gunnedah.
NSW 2380 Australia.