HOSSACK

In the six years since I wrote the conclusion on this web site, things have changed. I said at that time, that no major manufacturer would use my design based on the "not invented here" syndrome. I was wrong. BMW took it on and they are now receiving accolades for the fine handling of their new Ks, the very thing I tried to sell the world 25 years ago.

BMW have built marvelous motorcycles around my system though I still think my 'up right' looks better. They did their development secretly and I can't help thinking how much money they would have saved had I been involved from the start. In fact, they started down a different path as can be seen from their early work with a Hayabusa mule. At some stage in the early development they switched to my design and ended with a very orthodox HOSSACK design. I am left wondering exactly how much time elapsed between when my patents expired and when they started down this line.

BMW have done a fine job and I am impressed at the completeness of their design but they may not be the right people for the future of my suspension design. BMW are still not seen as main stream and considered to be a little quirky in their ways, rightly or wrongly. Their K1200s have contentious geometry and are heavy. Both of these characteristics draw far too much attention from the naysayers and detract from the HOSSACK gains. Primarily, my design and early work was aimed at weight saving and new geometric options. My first machine weighed in at 218lbs, 10% below the average for the rest of the field, and my K100 was 12lbs lighter than standard.

The real turning point for my design will be when it is seen in competition in GP racing. It's unfortunate that the POWER CUP races didn't change anything, but look again at those race videos and see if you can find the weaves and wags we are accustomed to in MotoGP and WSBK. However those riders now know the HOSSACK feel. Let's hope that BMW find the energy and enthusiasm to get into MotoGP. After all, they do know how to make engines for F1 though they seem to be struggling right now. If they had a winning GP machine I believe they would clean up in motorcycle sales as they already have machines in place.

I am left wondering what it would take to get other manufacturers into this field. I always thought that Ducati would be the ideal machine for my system. With their long engine they need a suspension that keeps the wheel as near as possible to the front cylinder. It was a dream and never came to pass but I wonder if any of the other major manufacturers are doing things in secret. Time will tell.

As for inventing, nothing has come along to change my views. I still believe that prospective inventors should raise the money first. As I have said, don't put your shirt on it. Fact is, it bankrupted me and benefited someone else. I get a kick out of reading all the feedback complimenting the handling and that may be it.

Remember, there is no such thing as a DUO....., it's called a HOSSACK.

Norman Hossack