Designed for casual cruising and slow ride-bys at shows, it is made from a steel frame covered by a fiberglass cowling that replicates the sleek look of its computer-generated imagery counterpart.Įlectroluminescent wire strips built into the tire cowlings, wheel rims, and body illuminate the cycle. The illuminated, street-legal motorcycle was sold through Hammacher Schlemmer, inspired by the computer-animated vehicle from the 2010 film Tron: Legacy. One real-life example of hubless wheels are those used in the replica Tron: Legacy light cycle. The drive system is especially problematic since a conventional axle and constant-velocity joint cannot be used options include using a chain or belt drive. They are difficult and expensive to manufacture, requiring a great deal of precision machining, and the design leaves the bearings and other critical parts largely exposed to the elements. The hubless wheel was invented by Franco Sbarro (who has built a variety of working hubless wheel vehicles, including at least two motorcycles and a car, the 1989 Sbarro Osmos), and patented by Globeholding of Geneva.Īlthough hubless wheels are striking in appearance, their numerous practical disadvantages have precluded their widespread use as an alternative to conventional wheels. A centreless wheel (also known as a hubless wheel, spokeless wheel, orbital wheel, or rim-rider) is a wheel where the axle is hollow and follows the wheel at very close tolerances.

Sbarro osmos