Motorcycles using Turbine (Aircraft!) Part's
Mick Corse and his Turbine bike.
This machine is still on the bench as far as I can tell. I'm going to put it up top here because we see so little turbine bikes. Enjoy.
It's coming together.
It's a good idea to have the exhaust pointing sideways here. Remember how Jay Leno told that story of some guy coming up too close to him whilst he was out on his Y2K Turbine bike? The guys car bumper melted away!
Y2K Turbine Bike
There used to be time when diesel bikes were talked of as the slowest bikes on the road. Not any more. Indeed, this machine rates as just about the fastest machine going. On opening the throttle one rider described the thrust of the bike thus: "It's like the hand of God pushing you in the back"
It's cost is $150,000. Inventor Ted McIntyre of Marine Turbine Technology. Top speed is said to be over 250Mph. The gearbox has just one speed but who needs more when the turbines compressor speed is up around the 54,000rmp mark. The engine's meant to lift a 5,000 kg helicopter and it's only pushing a 230 kg bike. No wonder the tires start to smoke at 175Mph. Orignially designed to run on Kerosene the engine has been de-tuned to run on good old diesel. I've put this bike in this section because, although the frame seems original, the engine isn't.
SPECIFICATIONS
Motor: Rolls Royce Allison 250 gas turbine.
Power: 239kW @ 52 000rpm.
Torque: 577Nm @ 54 000rpm.
Transmission: Single-speed plus neutral with chain final drive.
Suspension: 54mm White Power cartridge forks adjustable for compression and rebound damping at front. Ohlins monoshock adjustable for preload, compression and rebound damping at rear.
Brakes: Twin 320mm floating discs with six-pot opposed piston Ferodo callipers at front, 320mm floating disc with six-pot opposed piston Ferodo calliper at rear.
Tyres: Front: 120/70-ZR17 tubeless. Rear: 200/50-ZR17 tubeless. Wheelbase: 1803mm.
Seat height: 800mm.
Dry weight: 209kg.
Fuel capacity: 34 litres (diesel).
Price: US$180 000
The Turbine 1 Diesel Motorcycle
Shades of the American Turbine bike here only I suspect this one is not quite so expensive. The frame is Suzuki GT550 while the turbine is a GTP 30 which is about 30 years old. It pumps out 90hp at 58000 revs (phew!) and with the bike weighing as little as 160kg you had better be careful if you ever get to ride this machine. Turbines run on kerosene but you only have to detune a little to get them running on good old diesel.
Hang on for a fast ride folks! Turbines are the order of the day here.
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