Tell Me More > Frequently Asked Questions
No. The Christini system is completely different offering many benefits over the hydraulic systems.
Christini AWD technology is unique because it is an all mechanical system and uses no hydraulic pumps of any sort. While not the first all mechanical system to be commercially available, it is the first system that works in conjunction with a modern high performance off-road motorcycles with long travel suspension.
The main benefit of an all mechanical system is that there is
very little power loss to drive the system. Under no slip conditions the only added drag on the motor is the power required to spin the shafts and gears of the system. This amounts to less than 1/10 of a horsepower.
Click here to see dyno run. The all mechanical system works like traction control. When the rear wheel starts to spin the power that would otherwise be lost due to wheel spin is transferred to the front wheel. As the power is transferred to the front wheel, it becomes easier for the rear wheel to find traction. When you ride the Christini you will be amazed at how easy it is to find traction, and how much energy you conserve compared to a conventional motorcycle.
Christini's patented mechanical All Wheel Drive system delivers power from the motorcycle transmission to the front wheel through a series of chains and shafts. There is no energy-robbing hydraulics involved.
The light weight all-mechanical system works similar to that of AWD systems found on four wheeled vehicles. The use of one-way clutches in the front hub allows the front wheel to be driven at a slightly slower rate than the rear wheel. Power is transferred to the front wheel only when the rear wheel loses traction or the front wheel skids. The front-to-rear power ratio is adjustable with a simple sprocket adjustment. This allows for nearly unlimited fine tuning of the AWD system to suit riding conditions and personal riding preference.
See how this works in our AWD Technology section.
The power is passed through a series of gears, chains and shafts.
- Step 1. We utilize a special double sprocket mounted directly to the countershaft of the motor. The inside sprocket sends power to the rear wheel just like on your everyday motorcycle. The outer sprocket sends power via a standard 420 roller chain up to a gear box mounted on the frame under the tank.
- Step 2. The right angle gearbox is mounted to the modified frame and hides under the custom gas tank. The input of the gear box is from the secondary chain and the power leaves the gearbox through a shaft leading to the custom head tube. The gear box also houses the engagement switch. The engagement/disengagement is handled by a spring loaded spline which allows you to turn the system on and off with the flip of a switch.
- Step 3. Inside the customized head tube is where things really start to happen. The main drive shaft ends inside the tube at a bevel gear. The bevel gear drives two concentric counter-rotating shafts that transfer power down to small sprockets that are housed inside our special 2 piece bottom triple clamp.
- Step 4. Inside the bottom triple clamp we have two small counter rotating sprockets that are centered along the head tube axis. A small chain runs from each sprocket to small sprockets built into the fork drive shafts.
- Step 5. The specially coated drive shafts are telescopic allowing the suspension to travel freely. They incorporate recirculating linear ball spline bearings. These bearings allow for the patented translation of the power, and eliminate stiction of the suspension when loaded under power. The drive shafts are counter rotating to eliminate any adverse torque effect when the power is applied to the front wheel. They run the length of the fork to the front hub.
- Step 6. Inside the modified fork dropouts, the lower fork drive shaft transfers power 90 degrees via a bevel and pinion gear set. The power is transferred to the hub drive system where a one way sprag bearing allows for the transmission of power when it is needed and allows the front wheel spin freely when there is traction available at the rear wheel.
That may sound pretty complicated, but the whole system is easily maintained using standard tools that you probably all ready have in your tool box.
- Modified Frame (requires exchange of stock frame)
- Custom Fork Modifications (requires stock fork)
- Custom Fuel Tank
- Alloy Talon Front Hub
- Complete All Wheel Drive System
- Engagement Switch
- Billet Alloy Triple Clamps
Because there are no modifications to the motor or standard drive system anything that is currently available for your bike, like pipes internal engine mods, carb goodies, will all bolt right on. We do modify the dropouts of your forks (the bottom part where the axle goes through) but you can make any internal mods that you would normally do, such as revalving or spring changes.
When you purchase a new Christini frame kit, you (or your dealer) are required to send us a new unused frame and forks. We will exchange them for a previously modified frame & fork set from our production queue.
Frame and forks must be in "like-new" condition for exchange, otherwise it will be handled as a "used exchange" (see below)
Yes, but there will be a delay from the time you purchase the system, to the time you receive your kit. When we sell a new kit, the customer will actually receive a fully modified frame and forks from our production queue and the frame we receive will go back into our production queue to be used on another machine. In this case, we will modify your exact frame & forks and send them back to you.
Yes, but the exchange is factored into our price. If you would like to keep the original frame and forks there will be a core charge of $2,500.
- Honda CRF250X
- Honda CRF250R
- Honda CRF450X (Available spring 07)
- KTM (expected late 2007)
Absolutely not. The transition to riding All Wheel Drive is surprisingly smooth. You notice the advantages of the AWD system almost immediately, but it will not require you to ride differently. You will gradually learn how to maximize the positive effects of the system. While the learning curve is very shallow, it is also long. That means the more you ride, the more you will be able to take advantage of the system.
Check our Dealer locator.
If there is no Authorized Christini Dealer in your area, please feel free to recommend a dealer in your area.
Christini is actively looking for qualified dealers. For serious consideration, dealers should meet the following requirements:
- Off-road motorcycle enthusiast
- Off-road oriented shop
- Experience with race support programs
- Enthusiastic about our product
- Strongly customer service oriented shop
- Excellent service department
- Have the means and experience to promote demo rides.
If you would like to become a dealer, go to the "Contact" section and click on dealer inquiries.
At this time, we do not have a dealer distribution importer arrangement with anyone in Europe. We are currently concentrating our efforts in the U.S. while we ramp up production. Once we have our US operations up and running smoothly, we will begin to
expand across to Europe and other areas. We are being very careful not to overextend our production capabilities and marketing resources.
