2017 - ACA Sbarro

Pendo-Traction

Franco Sbarro is never where you think you'll find it. In 2017, while students were playing the nostalgia card with the Rush and Mojave, Sbarro presented two stunning prototypes: the Pendo-traction and the Tracto-sphere.

The Pendo-Traction really looks like a wasp with its slim waist (photo Peter Bovyn)

Front-wheel drive motorcycle

Up until now, the only front-wheel drive two-wheeler I've known is the Solex! Now I'll also have to mention the Pendo-traction. This front-wheel-drive motorcycle uses the sphere system, also featured on the Tracto-Sphere, in which all the mechanical parts are housed. The sphere can be rotated, making it easy to maneuver around town. The engine comes from KTM. This 650 cm3 engine develops 75 hp and enables the Pendo-Traction to reach 140 km/h.

The Pendo-Traction can be tilted on bends (photo Peter Bovyn)

A certain inclination

The Pendo-Traction follows the principle of the 2008 Pendocar: it can lean into bends. However, the tilting system, located on the rear wheels, can be locked in the upright position when driving at low speeds, in town for example. As with the Pendocar and Tracto-Sphere, the wheels are made of transparent polycarbonate.

The engine is located in the pivoting sphere at the front, making the Pendo-Traction a front-wheel-drive motorcycle (photo by Benoît Patelou).
In brief
1- Front sphere containing all mechanical components
2- Rear inclining system
3- Transparent polycarbonate rims
Main sources
1- journal La Région https://www.laregion.ch/franco-sbarro-entre-tracto-sphere/
2- Various websites
  • KTM single-cylinder engine
  • Displacement: 650 cm3
  • Front position in the sphere
  • 75 horsepower
  • Polycarbonate rims
  • Length 2.40 m, width 0.80 m