What do you get when you cross a Volkswagen Lupo TDI and a motorcycle? The first diesel superbike, dubbed the Star
Twin ThunderStar 1200 TDI. Sourcing VW's three cylinder TDI engine, Star Twin Motors out of Loenen, the Netherlands,
modified car parts to make them lighter and motocycle parts to make them strong enough to withstand the power, which
offers more low- and mid-range torque than the best bikes out there today. While the idea of a diesel motorcycle isn't
new, no company has been able to achieve the results of Star Twin Motors — the company projects that they'll ultimately
get the superbike to put out over 100 hp and around 170 lb-ft of torque. For us car guys, that might not
sound like a lot, but get this: the bike, ready to ride, is just over 450 lbs. No, I didn't forget a zero.
Thanks to our counterparts at
Autoblog Spanish
who brought this to our attention from gizmag.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Eric Bryant @ Dec 18th 2005 10:37PM
I love diesels, I love motorcycles, but I'm not so sure I love the idea of combining the two.
If indeed that 450 lb weight number is real, then someone has indeed done some impressive work.
Tim UF @ Dec 18th 2005 10:37PM
That gizmag link also has info on a hybrid bike from yamaha, ( i think a hybrid scooter too)
John B @ Dec 18th 2005 10:37PM
170 lb-ft. of torque - yikes!
I just checked the specs of the Honda ST1300 sports touring bike - 116 HP and 85 lb-ft of torque.
http://motorcycleinfo.calsci.com/ST1300_f.html
Edward @ Dec 18th 2005 10:37PM
To put this in a little perspective, the power to weight ratio of this bike is 4.5lbs/hp. A lower lbs/hp is good. Here are some cars for reference.
2005 Z06 - 6.198lbs/hp
2005 F430 - 6.61lbs/hp
2005 Scaglietti - 7.62lbs/hp
2005 Mustang GT - 11.5lbs/hp
2005 G35 Coupe - 12.45llbs/hp
Lee Gibson @ Dec 18th 2005 10:37PM
"I love diesels, I love motorcycles, but I'm not so sure I love the idea of combining the two. "
Why?
VW-Guy @ Dec 18th 2005 10:37PM
This thing would be incredible to ride! Move over VMax, there is a new hooligan machine in town. With that much torque in such a light package, it gives new meaning to any gear, any time. And just as importantly, all VW TDI's give torque starting very low and all the way across the rev band. Just thinking about it gives me goosebumps.
And to Eric, why not diesels in motorcycles? Makes perfect sense to me.
Jeff Buccambuso @ Dec 18th 2005 10:37PM
Dear God can you imagine launching that thing with 170lbs of torque! It would snap you neck, and deliver one hell of a ride while your at it.
Tim UF @ Dec 18th 2005 10:37PM
theres just something about superbikes that makes you want to hear the high reving low volume (1.1L is big) engines... im not thinking a diesel, any diesel, can satisfy that part of a superbike's definition... and anyone else think that kind of torque will leave riders on their backs (wheelies) WAY too often?
Eliot Phillips @ Dec 18th 2005 10:37PM
What? No mention that this bike could get over 200MPG. I first heard about this bike through one of my favorite websites http://thekneeslider.com
Lee Gibson @ Dec 18th 2005 10:37PM
Well gee, Tim, I guess if the diesel starts beating other superbikes on the track, you're going to have to change your definition, huh? And if it doesn't, you won't.
It's a race. Fastest wins. If it is against one's aesthetic sensibilities, tough.
"(wheelies)"
Traction control. I believe all the Moto GP bikes use it.
010111 @ Dec 18th 2005 10:37PM
if i'm not mistaken Kawasaki used to make a diesel dirt bike for the US Army. i've seen pics of them before. like an industrial looking camo green dirt bike. don't know any specs short of it being a diesel however. and that they show up for sale on ebay / government auctions every so often.