Click above for more shots of the Gunbus motorcycle
When it comes to custom motorcycle builders, there's crazy and there's really crazy. Falling into the latter category is one Mr. Clemens F. Leonhardt, who has just finished building what he refers to as "the world's biggest motorcycle." Excluding some other crazy creations, such as the Monster Bike, the guy's got a point. Unlike other two-wheeled behemoths, the Leonhardt Gunbus is actually ready to ride on normal roads and will soon go into series production. That's right... you'll actually be able to buy one of these. Next on the agenda is an equally massive sidecar, which somehow seems just right for this bike.
A quick glance at the pictures shows just how monumental that 410-cubic-inch, air-cooled, pushrod V-Twin really is. Of course, a monster of an engine must require an impressively large bike, and the Gunbus is certainly that, looking bit like a caricature of a bike with the fittingly attractive blonde model sitting on top. Whatever -- we want one.
[Source: Leonhardt via The Kneeslider]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Duncan @ Jul 12th 2008 5:21PM
There are no words for this, so I will not attempt to provide any.
Not even "wow" is big enough...
Lucas @ Jul 13th 2008 8:35PM
what the hell is this thing!!!
BowserUSC @ Jul 12th 2008 5:27PM
I've never driven a motorcycle so I don't really know, but don't you usually use your weight to lean into turns and stuff. I just feel like this would primarily be able to only go straight, or once you entered the turn you wouldn't be able to get out because your momentum wouldn't be able to get the bike upright again. Maybe I'm completely wrong.
m @ Jul 12th 2008 6:27PM
Just like a bicycle, primary steering input comes from the bars. A turn is initiated by counter-steering. Shifting your weight can turn the vehicle a little, but as you pointed out it's less effective as the vehicle gets heavier. It's all but useless as a primary steering mechanism on anything heavier than a bicycle.
Shifting your mass does come into play at the highest levels of motorcycle performance as a means to control lean angle. This bike will never ever see that kind of performance anyway.
Reader @ Jul 12th 2008 9:19PM
I can't remember the name of the video, but it's pretty cool. They lock the bars of the motorcycle and have riders try to turn it with just their weight and they can't. As 'm' said, counter-steering is used. Pay attention to the next motorcycle you see in the turn lane at a stop light and you'll notice the counter-steer.
elpepe @ Jul 12th 2008 5:28PM
some chain guards would be a good idea.... unless you like your legs chewed up and ripped away...
Duncan @ Jul 12th 2008 5:41PM
Hadn't even noticed that - yeah, that's probably a good idea. Can't wait to see the first moron who tries to ride this monster in shorts and sandals.
climb.trad @ Jul 14th 2008 7:25PM
That thing will eat your foot for lunch
The Luigiian @ Jul 13th 2008 2:55PM
"Can't wait to see the first moron who tries to ride this monster in shorts and sandals."
I can't say I agree with you on that, I don't find hamburger meat to be attractive.
MachinaDC5 @ Jul 12th 2008 5:32PM
Actually that woman is just two feet tall. It's merely an average sized bike.
Torrent @ Jul 12th 2008 6:01PM
WTF?
iScream @ Jul 12th 2008 5:51PM
I'm sorry Mr. Clemens F. Leonardt, you lose!
THIS is the biggest bike in the world:
http://www.jaylenosgarage.com/video/video_player.shtml?vid=190241
Canadian @ Jul 12th 2008 7:17PM
That quite clearly has 4 wheels, and therefor not a motorcycle.
raptor87 @ Jul 15th 2008 1:19AM
if you watch the video the guy said that he had driven it with the other wheels off therefore yes it is a motorcycle.
Bungle @ Jul 12th 2008 5:52PM
What's the point? Just pure spectacle?
Colin Smith @ Jul 12th 2008 6:05PM
Why not simply walk along with a sandwich board saying "I'm a complete prat"? Cheaper and just as effective.
f3rg @ Jul 12th 2008 6:28PM
Could someone ask the tramp to get out of the way so I can see the bike?
kballs @ Jul 12th 2008 6:30PM
Series production?! You can't license this for street use, so it's only for circuses and monster truck expeditions.
Reader @ Jul 12th 2008 9:17PM
Why couldn't it be licensed for street use?
kballs @ Jul 13th 2008 5:59PM
Well I exaggerated, you'll definitely squeak by to license this in [some] states/countries, but it has a number of issues.
1. no signals (your state/country has to allow signalless "collector bikes" that aren't actually old)
2. poor visibility over the handlebars (not meeting the safety requirements of some states/countries)
3. does this thing have power steering? good luck controlling this deathtrap, especially when you need to swerve
4. H-E-A-V-Y, have fun holding it up at red lights
5. based on it's unique configuration, good luck insuring it and actually having a liable wreck fully covered (if you survive), "You totaled the TRUCK you hit?! We only allow $10k in motorcycle liability coverage, so you'll have to pay the remaining $25k out of pocket."