Just how scary would this thing be?

[outside looking in]

I know, it's a couple of years old now, but it's still cool as hell for the techie and the speed freak. Who thinks they could hold on to this thing?

Specs:

Frame: Aluminum alloy
Rake: 27 degrees
Weight: 500 pounds
Seat Height: 31.5 inches
Wheel Base: 68 inches
Wheels: Dymag Carbon Fiber 17"
Tires: Front: 120 60ZR17 (Pirelli)
Rear: 200 50ZR17 (Pirelli)
Front forks: 55 mm inverted
Shocks: Mono-shock adjustable oleopneumatic (Ohlins)
Brakes: Front: 2 x 320 mm floating system - 4 piston calipers (Brembo)
Rear: 2 x 320 mm floating system - 4 piston calipers (Brembo)
Engine: Allison Rolls Royce 250 Gas Turbine
Power: 320 hp @ 52,000 rpm (286 hp @ rear wheel)
Output RPM: 6,000 rpm
Torque: 425 ft lbs @ 2,000 rpm
Compressor speed: 54,000 rpm
Fuel: Diesel, Kerosene, Jet A
Lubrication: Dry-sump/ 3.5 quarts turbine oil
Transmission: Two-speed automatic or manual
Rear Mirrors: Concealed color display (LCD) for rear mounted camera
Fuel Capacity: 8.5 gallons (34 liters)
Ride: Indescribable!!


Performance:

Estimated Top Speed: 250 mph
1/4 Mile: 9.80 @ 160 mph
0-227 mph in 15.0 sec.


If you're wondering why it has a mediocre 1/4 mile time, it's because it is only using a two speed transmission and a friction clutch... essentially burning off power at low speeds until the wheel and engine speed/transmission speed syncs up. Remember, it's a turbine engine so it doesn't have that much of an rpm range... and they didn't want to add weight and complexity with a multigear transmission. With that much power, they really didn't need to. Just look at the trap speed in the 1/4, and the time to 227 mph... not too shabby!

 

[PT]

I don't really know if I could hang on to that thing or not, but I'd sure like to give it a try.

 

[greenfreak]

My brother in law used to race those kinds of bikes. I used to see pictures of him on a turn and his knee would barely touch the ground, it would freak me out to watch that. Especially if it was my brother in law.

 

[outside looking in]

My brother in law used to race those kinds of bikes...

Just to clarify, this kind of bike has an Allison Jet-Turbine engine!

 

[Luis G]

i'd refuse to give that a try, unless i'm experienced with 1800cc bikes.

 

[greenfreak]

I know nothing about motorcycles, but what I meant about 'that kind of bike' was the flared aerodynamic sides and the insane turns like this:

That could be anything, I know. My main point was just that it freaks me out to see a part of someone's body so close to the pavement going at that speed.

 

[Shadowfax]

Just to clarify, this kind of bike has an Allison Jet-Turbine engine!

I saw that That's an engineers dream to ride such a bike
God, I love that kind of stuff

 

[outside looking in]

I know nothing about motorcycles, but what I meant about 'that kind of bike' was the flared aerodynamic sides and the insane turns like this:

That could be anything, I know. My main point was just that it freaks me out to see a part of someone's body so close to the pavement going at that speed.

That guy is insane!!!

 

[Gonz]

Who thinks they could hold on to this thing?

I'd give it a whirl.

 

[Professur]

I've never understood the need for huge power on a bike. The power to weight ratio forstalls the need for anything greater than 500cc. Beyond that, you're defeating yourself.

 

[Luis G]

the torque's horse-power combinated with an appropiate gearbox can make a difference, probably not necessary for you and me, but i'm sure it makes a big difference for hardcore bikers.

 

[outside looking in]

I've never understood the need for huge power on a bike. The power to weight ratio forstalls the need for anything greater than 500cc. Beyond that, you're defeating yourself.

I agree, though I'd probably use the terminology that beyond that you're killing yourself. I like cars with insane amounts of power, but I'm not about to go strap a solid rocket booster to the top... which is not far from what they've done with that bike!