Autoblog

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]

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]