Can I buy one?
Yes, each bike is custom and takes about 6 months to complete.
Do the rear cylinders run hot?
No, and this was my first question when we decided to run the motor in this configuration. After consulting with Rotec Engineering, and our own testing, it was determined the surface area of the motor is so huge that it would not be an issue.
How fast is it?
Calculated top speed for the bike pictured is 227 mph. I have had it over 50 in first gear, and it is a 6 speed overdrive transmission, so it seems about right. No, we have not been to the salt flats yet.
How does it ride?
Torque is what this bike is all about. At 160 ft.lbs., it is twice what a stock V-twin is. Pick a gear, 1st, 2nd, or 3rd, let the clutch go and hang on. In 2nd gear it will pull just as hard as 1st, all the way to 100 mph!
Handling is quicker than a normal chopper since your center of gravity is slightly higher. It will go through corners with little "throw in", even with a 300 rear tire.
What is the mileage?
Are you serious? It's better than a small car and worse than a moped.
Is it really an aircraft engine?
Yes, brand new and built to much closer specs. than a normal motorcycle motor.
Have you been contacted by Jay Leno?
Not yet, but this is probably one of the most popular questions. We have been in touch with a few other famous people, of course we can't mention them with out giving them the big bucks. Let's just say they like to drive fast on Sundays.
Do you have to run this motor through like an airplane?
No, turning a radial through by rotating the prop by hand like on an airplane is not neccesary. This is part of the conversion from aircraft to motorcycle done by JRL Cycles.
Not a Rotary!
I like to say Rotary is Wankel and a Radial is Wright. Altough the radial was not invented by the Wright Brothers, they did make a lot of them. Radials power the fastest piston engine vehicles in the world, and some produce in excess of 4,000 horsepower!
When did the first radial motorcycle hit the streets?
1896. The first "real" motorcycles were powered by radials. Motorized bicycles had one and two cylinder motors.
Will you provide high resolution pictures of the build?
I would like to, but I can't do it. Buy a motor and we would welcome you in the shop with any camera you want. I have found too many "professional" builders who lack creativity asking this question. Then we get into the patent deal and the attempts to side step them.
I will try to provide as many completed photos and clips as possible.
