Size Matters: GUNBUS motorcycle featuring 350 HP radial airplane engine
click above image for more amazing pics of the GUNBUS
Motorcycles are known for their high power-to-weight ratios and the crazy acceleration that goes along with that favorable figure. Most of the fastest cycles, though, force the rider into an uncomfortable position, which certain riders find unacceptable. So, what'cha gonna do if you want to go fast without being hunched over? How about building your own bike, starting with an airplane engine? That way, you'll have all the power you could ask for and can make the frame fit just the way you want it.
Take a look at this custom machine that the builder, Clemens F. Leonhardt, calls the GUNBUS. Using two cylinders from an old radial airplane engine fused to a custom crank, the 410-cubic inch (yes, that's cubic inches!) V-Twin should make about 350 horsepower. Let's just say that the rest of the bike has been appropriately "upsized" to handle all that power, including a rear wheel that nearly dwarfs a smart fortwo. With only 870 pounds to haul around, this bike will be hauling all the time! If you are crazy enough to consider riding a machine like this, contact the builder at the website by clicking the Read ling below. If you are crazy enough to ride it, he's crazy enough to make more of them.
[Source: Clemens F. Leonhardt and The Kneeslider]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Tachsin Fernandi 8:06PM (4/04/2009)
Money can buy everything or you can waste it, the goal is merely how to become a dream comes true and known by others as famous one.
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Jack M 1:41PM (10/10/2007)
Wow, if that doesn't just scream whitetrash (especially the first pic), I don't know what does. I'm sure the driving dynamics are somewhat equivalent to riding a projectile shot out of a cannon.
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Corey L 1:50PM (10/10/2007)
Another case of "just because you could, doesn't mean you should..." If one wants open air and big power, just go out and buy a Mustang/Corvette convertible.
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m 4:14PM (10/10/2007)
You sir, have no idea what "open air" should mean. You can't turn a cage into a motorcycle by taking away the piece of sheet metal that sits above your head. A convertible will never EVER come anywhere close to the same experience as a motorcycle.
I'm a huge fan of this thing. Is it a real performance vehicle? Not at all. Is it practical? Not at all. Is it unique and fun? You can bet your ass it is.
Guenther 4:36PM (10/10/2007)
'Because you can" is EXACTLY why this is great. Not because you want one, or because Maxim or Jeremy C. says its great. Its great because this guy got a wild hair up his ass to put stuff together that no one else had thought of.
You know what really screams white trash- ignorant ass-hats who decree someone else's creativity as unworthy.
TEM 8:43PM (10/10/2007)
Guenther, nice words. Completely agree.
1337 2:01PM (10/10/2007)
If you scoot back a little bit on the seat, 350 hp would be delivered directly to the seat of your pants.
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Menice 2:09PM (10/10/2007)
wow thats huge.
is it a work in progress? where are the handle bars?
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cade 3:07PM (10/10/2007)
that website hasn't been updated in 16 months.
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Alex 3:28PM (10/10/2007)
i'm sure you could create a bike with immense power without resorting to an airplane engine. next thing you know someone is going to strap a Wartsila-Sulzer RTA96-C onto two wheels.
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bert 4:06PM (10/10/2007)
Folks,
http://www.bosshoss.net/
500hp v8 powered bikes
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howard 5:16PM (10/10/2007)
Anyone who has owned and ridden an HRD VINCENT LIGHTENING which I have, can appreciate this machine for it's projected performance. A lightening went into 4th gear at 160 mph or above, needless to say, I went into 4th only one time and it scared the crap out of me, it still wanted to accelerate! I eventually traded it for a TRIUMPH BONNIVILLE that more suited my desire for speed!
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Eisenfaust 7:56PM (10/10/2007)
@howard
Given that Rollie Free set his record on a Vincent Black Lightning at 150.3 mph, I really doubt that yours would still be "pulling hard" at 160.
Unless of course you're talking about KPH.
howard 12:24AM (10/11/2007)
Eisenfaust; I'm soory, you're right, it was kph! you'll have to excuse this old man, I'm 77 years young. that was in 1948 and I bought the first one Bill Martin in Burbank got in, rather I traded my SHADOW in on the Lightening. Thanks for correcting me, I wouldn't want to bring any doubt to Rollie Free's record.
obie 6:17PM (10/10/2007)
so how long until the Little Giant ladder accessory come out for this?
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Jim 7:55PM (10/10/2007)
Oh please, why only use two of the cylinders. You're wasting the other 5 (or seven) and giving up lots of style points.
http://www.ericsiegmund.com/images/fireant/rides/radialcycle1.jpg
http://thekneeslider.com/images/radialmotorcycle1a.jpg
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McHoffa 8:05PM (10/10/2007)
That thing would give new meaning to "tire tracks on your underwear"... Ouch!
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bri_fari 3:02PM (10/11/2007)
yes better hope u dont have too much junk in ur trunk cause it will get hot rubber seared off ur caboose.maybe a titanium skidmark protector would rectify that prob
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