Dodge Tomahawk

The Tomahawk was a non-street legal concept vehicle introduced by Dodge at the 2003 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan. It had futuristic and unusual design, featuring the 500 horsepower (370 kW) 8.3-litre (510 cu in) V10 SRT10 engine from the Dodge Viper. The vehicle has two front wheels and two rear wheels, making it a kind of motorized quadricycle rather than a typical motorcycle. The pairs of wheels move independently, allowing it to countersteer and lean in turns like a motorcycle.

hand-built examples of the Tomahawk were offered for sale through the Neiman Marcus catalog at a price of US$ 555,000, and up to nine of them might have sold.Dodge emphasized that the bikes were “rolling sculptures” not intended to be ridden.  
Top speed


Dodge initially announced the top speed of the Tomahawk was estimated at 420 miles per hour (680 km/h), but later revised this downward to 300 miles per hour (480 km/h), and spokesmen did not answer questions on how this estimate was calculated.  Wolfgang Bernhard, Chrysler Group chief operating officer at the time, said in 2003 that no one had ridden the Tomahawk faster than 100 miles per hour (160 km/h).
Joe Teresi, of Easyriders magazine and owner of the world record setting motorcycle ridden by Dave Campos, said the top speed estimate must have been based only on horsepower and final drive ratio, and ignored the “critical factors” of frontal area, drag coefficient, and rolling resistance. Dodge declined offers to put the top speed claim to a test, and no one is known to have attempted to ride the Tomahawk to its maximum speed. Dodge spokesman David Elshoff said that “someday” the Tomahawk would be run at the Bonneville Speedway speed trials, but no such attempt was ever made. Campos was as skeptical as Teresi, saying he doubted the Tomahawk could exceed 200 miles per hour (320 km/h) because at high speeds, the rider would be “lifted right off the bike” without a streamliner fairing, and the four wheel steering would be a problem as well. Nonetheless, Campos wished Dodge luck, adding, “Let nothing but fear stand in your way.”  Phil Patton of the New York Times wrote, “In theory, the Tomahawk can blast from a standing start to 60 miles an hour in two and a half seconds and reach 300 miles an hour. In practice, since Evel Knievelretired, it’s hard to imagine anyone willing to prove it.”

Related articles

Enhanced by Zemanta

The MTT Turbine Superbike

SUPERBIKE, also known as the Y2K Turbine SUPERBIKE, is the world’s second wheel-driven motorcycle powered by a turbine engine, created by Ted McIntyre of Marine Turbine Technologies Inc.


Reports of the MTT Turbine SUPERBIKE appeared as early as 1999 in a May issue of Cafe Racermagazine, but the production model was introduced in 2000.
Powered by a Rolls-Royce-Allison Model 250 turboshaft engine, producing 238 kW (320 hp), the motorcycle has a recorded top speed of 227 mph (370 km/h), with a price tag of US$175,000.00[1] It is recognized by Guinness World Records as the “Most powerful production motorcycle” and the “Most expensive production motorcycle.” Unlike some earlier jet-powered motorcycles, where a massive jet engine provided thrust to push the motorcycle, the turboshaft engine on this model drives the rear wheel via a two-speed gearbox. Riding the motorcycle is said to be somewhat tricky due to the inherent throttle lag in the engine, acceleration when letting off the throttle, and extreme length.


The engines used in the motorcycles are second-hand, having reached the FAA running time limit, after which they have to be rebuilt, regardless of condition. MTT can buy these engines for a much lower price than new engines and use them on surface vehicles without requiring FAA approval. To get around the problem of procuring the kerosene usually used in turbine engines, the engine of the bike is also able to use Diesel fuel, or even Jet A fuel.
In addition to the engine, there are other innovations incorporated into this bike, such as radar detector with laser scrambler, rear-mounted camera with LCD display, and an optional passenger seat.

Unlike other piston engine powered contemporary motorcycles (such as the Hayabusa), the 2001 and later models of the MTT Turbine SUPERBIKE do not have the 300 km/h speed limiting governors self-imposed by Japanese manufacturers.
In 2008, MTT released the “Streetfighter,” another jet-bike with a more powerful 420-horsepower (310 kW) engine.
Enhanced by Zemanta

Top 10 Bikes in the world

1. Suzuki Hayabusa :


Price : $16,299.00
Hayabusa bike is the most powerful bike in worldwide. It was first introduced in 1999 and the name roughly translates to “black bird”. In the year 2000, the bike recorded over 200 miles per hour. 1350cc, 4-cylinder, 4-stroke and 16 valve are some features that describe this bike’s engine. It immediately won acclaim as the world’s fastest production motorcycle, with a top speed of 188–194 miles per hour (303–312 km/h).



2. Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14:
Price : $13,399.00
It was introduced at the Tokyo 2005 show and released for the 2006 model year as a replacement for the ZX-12R. The ZZR1400 is capable of accelerating from 0–60 mph in 2.5 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 186 mph (299 km/h).This bike was introduced in 2006 and the response it received world-wide was remarkable, if not overwhelming. It tried to compete with the Suzuki Hayabusa and recorded over 180 miles per hour. The engine is liquid-cooled, every cylinder has four valves and other features like 1352 cc four-stroke, DOHC deserve mention as well.



3. Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R:
Price : $12,351.99
The Ninja ZX-10R is a Kawasaki sport bike,and the follow-up to the ZX-9R. It was originally released in 2004 with minor revisions in 2005. It combines an ultra-narrow chassis, low weight, and radial brakes. In 2004 and 2005 the ZX-10R won Best Superbike from Cycle World magazine and the prestigious international Master bike competition. This bike entered the market during the second half of 2004 and the design was modified in 2005. While the bike is extremely fast, it is light, it is fuel efficient and the engine is very strong. Features like 4-stroke, liquid-cooling, 998 cc, 4 valve cylinders and DOHC deserve to be mentioned when describing this extraordinary engine.



4. Suzuki GSX-R1000:
Price : $12,390
The GSX-R1000 is a sport bike from Suzuki’s GSX-R series of motorcycles. It was introduced in 2001 to replace the GSX-R1100 and is powered by a liquid-cooled 999 cc (61.0 cu in) inline four-cylinder 4-stroke engine.This bike was introduced 9 years ago and this exceptional model gained instant popularity due to its engine power. The highest speed of the Suzuki GSX-R1000 was recorded at 178 miles per hour.



5. Yamaha YZF-R1:
price : $12,390.00
The Yamaha YZF-R1 is an open class sport bike,or superbike, motorcycle manufactured by Yamaha Motor Company since 1998.Yamaha entered this bike into the market during the latter half of the 1990s. The design of the bike as well the engine has been modified over the years, especially during 2002 till 2009. The newest model of the Yamaha YZF-R1 is beautiful in terms of appearance but when it comes to performance, the 2001 model was much better. Its maximum speed has been estimated at 177 miles per hour.





6. MV Augusta F4 R312:
Price : $40,000
The MV Agusta F4 was the motorcycle that launched the resurrection of MV Agusta in 1998. The F4 was created by famous motorcycle designer Massimo Tamburini at CRC (Cagiva Research Center), following his work on the Ducati 916.The MV Augusta F4 R312 was introduced in 1994 and features like Euro 3 engine and 185 HP at 18000 rotations find mention when describing this bike. The characteristics of a Moto GP bike are also included in this bike, making it all the more desirable and appealing. The speed of the MV Augusta F4 R312 has been estimated at 176 miles per hour.



7. Honda CBR1000 RR:
Price : $9799.00
The CBR1000RR (also known as the Fireblade) is a 999 cc (61.0 cu in) liquid-cooled inline four-cylinder Honda sport bike that was introduced in 2004 to replace the CBR954RR. The Honda CBR1000 RR entered the markets in 2004 and was basically created for those who were interested in Moto GP races. The design of the bike was completely fresh and impressed the competitors in the market as well. The stroke and bore dimensions were new and unique and standards were set for upcoming models. The speed of the Honda CBR1000 RR has been estimated at 172 miles per hour.



8. Ducati 1098S:
Price : $20,995.00
The Ducati 1098 is a sport bike manufactured by the Italian motorcycle company Ducati since 2007. There were three different versions, called the 1098, 1098S, and 1098R.The first two models were replaced by a successor model, the Ducati 1198, that was introduced in 2009.This bike is very popular and a favorite amongst hard-core bikers. This Italian bike is also known as the Ducati ten, nine, eight. It created ripples in the industry and changed the format of street biking as well as biking championships. The engine is extremely powerful and the speed of the bike has been estimated at 172 miles per hour.



9. Suzuki GSX-R750:
Price : $11,699.00
The GSX-R750 is a 750 class sport bike motorcycle from Suzuki’s GSX-R series of motorcycles. It was introduced in 1985 and can be considered to be the first of the modern racer-replicas with many race-derived technologies and the looks of a Suzuki Endurance racer at an affordable price.This racing bike was a first of its kind during the 1980s and created a revolution among the manufacturers and competitors. The engine allowed the biker to ride at a speed of 168 miles per hour and is immensely popular even today.



10. BMW K1200S:
Price : $20,300.00
BMW’s motorcycle history began in 1921 when the company commenced manufacturing engines for other companies. Motorcycle manufacturing now operates under the BMW Motorrad brand. BMW (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG) introduced the first motorcycle under its name, the R32, in 1923.Even though BMV creates beautiful cars, it has not been all that successful when it comes to fast bikes. Nonetheless, the fastest models’ speed has been estimated at 167 miles per hour.


Enhanced by Zemanta

Top 10 Weird looking vintage motorcycles

1) MZ Trophy – It truly boggles the mind to consider the sort of styling perversions that were permitted behind the Berlin Wall, and above them all (an entire order of magnitude above the Trabant) lies the MZ Trophy. Where can we possibly start? The horrific huge square headlight which butts out from the front of the tank and envelops the triple clamps? The toucan beak front fender? The jerry can side covers? The patched-together chromed cannon exhaust? This is the only motorcycle ever built that’s uglier than me with a hangover!

2) Harley Davidson Bobcat – So you thought that Harley only made huge V-twins, huh? In the Sixties the Hog people got into this weird partnership with Italian manufacturer Aermacchi and foisted a number of small displacement malodorous piles on the American motorcycling public. But nothing could compare to the Bobcat, with its dented tank, scrawny forks, Schwinn front fender, silly high pipe, and to top it all off, a bumpy lump of bodywork running the entire rear half of the bike that looked like it had been run over on the freeway. Did this homely design set the scene for the dreaded Bobtail in the early Seventies?

3) Sears Puch – For reasons known only to retail historians in Chicago, Sears Roebuck decided to rebadge some Puchs (not Pukes, but close) as Sears and Allstates in order to sell them to anyone insane enough to buy one. Taking the pressed steel school of motorcycle design to outrageous limits, the kyphosic scoliosis of this backbone is enough to scare off even a chiropractor. Throw in oversized fenders, chain guard, paint the whole mess fire engine red, and then prop a fat bicycle seat suspended on the back of the tank and you have a Searsaster!

4) Jawa Bizon – Drawing from the same creative well that created the MZ Trophy ugliramathon, here is another Iron Curtain siamesed tank / headlight with a triple tree running through it. The Commie Red and Siberian Snow paintjob outlines each and every disgusting line on this massive piece of junk. If anyone needed proof that command economies don’t work, they could just put a poster of this aberration on their office walls.

5) Royal Enfield Diesel – I’m kinda partial to the traditional ultra-vintage styling of India’s Royal Enfields, but when it came to building a diesel, they definitely were smoking that wacky tabacky. What were they thinking when they put that big lawnmower chromed sidecover on the side of a scrawny little cylinder spewing out through a thin reed of an exhaust? It looks like they forgot at least half of the top end!

6) Honda Dream – For some reason known only to Hondaphiles, it is generally considered sacrilege to diss the Dream and its “sporty” cousin the Benly, even though they are profoundly ugly bikes. If anyone ever needed a reason to never consider designing a pressed steel frame, the BenlyDream is it. The front fender would keep the rain off a Peterbilt, the chain enclosure and fork covers are a bulky mess, the sidecovers look like they belong on a Craftsman tool chest, and that horrific square headlight! Eeek!

7) BSA Rocket 3 – This original inhabitant of the Top 10 Ugliest List is just as ugly as before, but under due consideration to the six uglibikes ahead of it, I’ve cut it a bit of slack. Still, how can you justify the gargantuan six-slotted sidecovers, the toaster reflector shrouds, and those triple muffler tip extensions straight out of the Thunderbirds? And almost half a century later, the same Rocket 3 name is being used on a bike that’s just as hideous!


8) Harley Davidson Sprint – Another Aermacchi Harley bastard son of the Sixties was a bike with every line in the wrong place. The monstrous over-finned horizontal single cylinder engine just hanging off the frame set new lows for both styling and engineering, the sidecovers were put on as an afterthought, and they weren’t fooling anyone with that pseudo-Sportster fuel tank. What an Aermess!

9) Triumph 3TA – What do you get when you back a Bonneville into a bathtub? The Triumph Three T*ts & A*s! This juggeruglinaut would have scored much higher on this list had the front half not been such a beautiful classic, but what possibly possessed the Triumph stylists to come up with that twaddle of a rear end? That one piece fender thing certainly qualifies as the ugliest single motorcycle part ever built!


10) Suzuki TC – It’s not entirely fair to pick only on Suzuki, as Yamaha, Kawasaki, Bridgestone and Honda all produced equally stupid looking scramblers in those days, but the TC homey tank curvature, speedo embedded headlight and atrocious nameplate on the sidecovers got a bit of an edge over the competition in the weird race !

Related articles
An Italian Harley-Steve Bond (hydro-carbons.blogspot.com)
1917 Indian Model O (hydro-carbons.blogspot.com)
SLIM BOB – McQuiston’s Chopper Design’s (hydro-carbons.blogspot.com)
East German Motorcycle Museum (hydro-carbons.blogspot.com)
Repairing a Manual Clutch (hydro-carbons.blogspot.com)
Motus Motorcycles – V4 (hydro-carbons.blogspot.com)
Display of interesting motorcycles in Ronald Reagan Library and Museum (hydro-carbons.blogspot.com) 

To 10 electric 3 wheelers


Electric vehicles (EVs) are proving to be a green alternative to conventional gasoline fueled vehicles in several ways, most importantly there are no tailpipe emissions. Drawing the required power from a rechargeable battery, the electric engines are controlled by regulators that govern the flow of energy through the system and the pressure exerted by the driver on the vehicle’s accelerator. Though EVs have a high recharge frequency, emerging technology is expected to increase the storage power of batteries and reduce the associated costs. In a novel attempt to reduce cost and minimize accident risks, EVs are being designed with just three wheels and they still retain the balance and comfort features of a four-wheeler, with limited speed ranges however. A three-wheeler EV can legally be licensed as a motorcycle. Here are some ingenious electric three-wheelers to look out for.
1. Aptara 2e
This stunning design cross between an ultra-light one-seater plane and a motorcycle is available in the market for $27,000. Earlier known as Type-!, this vehicle has already been awarded for its funky design and has been a competitor in the Automotive X Prize contest.
2. Myers NmG
Myers NmG is a single-seater from Myers Motors in Tallmadge, Ohio. With two front wheels and a one rear wheel, the vehicle is powered by a fleet of thirteen lead-acid batteries of 12-volt capacity each. The vehicle is capable of traveling about 30 miles, when the batteries have been charged for at least 6-8 hours. A 110-volt power outlet can be used to re-charge the batteries when required. Myers NmG is priced at $36,000.
3. Venture One
A product from Venture Vehicles, Los Angeles, this two-seater vehicle is again a cross functional design comprising features of a car and a motorcycle. Driven by two 20 kW electric motors built into the wheel, the unit is powered by a 17 kWh lithium ion battery. When fully charged, Venture One can deliver about 120 miles and comes at a price of $20,000. It is available in both fully-electric and plug-in hybrid models.
Not an EV masterpiece by any chance, but this affordable unit with a seating capacity of four is available for just $12,000, probably least expensive among functional fully-electric three-wheelers. This Chinese-built sedan look-alike is the best way to experience zero-emission EV travel.
5. SV1
This sleek shiny three-wheeler is a conceptual model, designed to comfortably carry two people. The EV is intended to be steered using the two front wheels, while driven by a single rear motor.
6. Peugeot +
Imagine a scooter with two front wheels, just to bring some extra stability, two seats ordered one behind the other in an enclosed cabin like that of a car and you have the Peugeot+. This EV has been designed to run by a small electric motor and produce little or no carbon emissions.
7. Moby
The Moby is a concept vehicle of next generation EV trikes that can be remodeled to accommodate new designs to keep pace with evolving technology. The rear portion of the EV can be re-designed to accommodate a new seat or storage space or an efficient battery, without compromising on functionality. Designed by WooJin Chung, this EV, occupying just 50 percent space as compared to a conventional vehicle, might as well be the future of zero-emission technology.
8. E.Rex
Offering a maximum speed of 144 mph and a 100-mile range, the E.Rex from OptaMotive in Silicon Valley is powered by a water-cooled magnet that produces a continuous power output of 45KW. This EV houses a lithium-iron phosphate battery having 96 cells, fully chargeable in 2.5 hours from a 220V and 20 amps power source. The magnet is capable of generating 125KW of power at maximum. The EV quickly gains speed, moving from 0-60mph under 5 seconds.
9. Sapdesign Neo
Another zero-emission EV, designed for navigating cramped city spaces, Sapdesign Neo features a driver’s cabin insulated by smart-rubber. The interior is air-conditioned, power generating units buffered from other spaces and the EV sports external LED lighting for safe night driving. Designed by Maurício Sampaio from Brazil, Sapdesign Neo is driven by three engines, one on each wheel.
10. Manta
This next-gen amphibious electric three-wheeler comes from Belgium’s David Cardoso Loureiro. A single seater, this EV is powered by its two rear wheels on both road and water and is driven by twin electric motors on the wheels. The rear wheels of the Manta double up as actual blades, rolling up by 90 degrees, when the craft is in the water. This model has been chosen by Michelin Challenge Design to be featured at the recent North American International Auto Show.


Enhanced by Zemanta

10 Most Amazing Concept Bikes

Everyone loves riding bikes and so do we. As technology evolves, we shall be seeing new concept bikes with some unique design anatomy. Though fascinating, these concept bikes share a common aptitude of never making into the real world.
Compiled below is a list of the most amazing concept bikes you will ever see. Some of them may even hit the roads of reality in coming future but most of them are just idealized for the imaginary world. 


1. Honda V4


The Honda V4 concept which was revealed at the 2008 Intermot bike show in Germany is a stylish and futuristic sportbike which proposes a new design direction for the brand.
2. Suzuki G-Strider


The Suzuki G-Strider was first seen during the 2003 Tokyo Motorshow. This concept motorbike is best described as half scooter half cruiser motorcycle as it shares atributes with both.
3. I.Care


This concept bike, known as the I.Care, is the best example of modern-day technology mixed with design and speed. It is designed and visualized by a France-based company, Enzyme Design. The I.Care motorcycle is meant to be the Aston Martin of the two-wheeled world with a six-cyclinder 1.8 Honda engine
4. Victory Vision 800


The Victory Vision 800 is a true concept bike, designed to show just how radical Victory can think. Victory, a division of Polaris ATV’s has no intention of producing the Vision 800, but the design is important nonetheless.
5. Yamaha Tesseract


The Yamaha Tesseract Concept Bike was unveiled at the Yamaha 2008 Tokyo Auto Show. Yamaha has made this concept a hybrid, boasting both a V-Twin engine of undisclosed size along with an electric motor.
6. Peraves Monotracer


The Peraves Monotracer is a fully enclosed motorbike featuring a sporty, aerodynamic appearance and low fuel consumption. The Peraves Monotracer is a new, updated and more attractive version of the Swiss-made Ecomobile.
7. Bombadier Embrio


The Embrio is a robotic unicycle announced by Bombardier in 2003, it is currently only a conceptual design. If produced, it would not be available until 2025. It is designed to be a hydrogen fuel cell-powered motorized unicycle capable of reaching highway speeds.
8. Batpod


Seen this in the Dark Knight, Have we? The Batpod was designed for the movie by Nathan Crowley and is powered by a high-performance, water-cooled, single-cylinder engine – geared toward the lower end for faster acceleration and with no exhaust pipes.
9. Dodge Tomahawk


The Dodge Tomahawk is a concept vehicle which was produced by Dodge. The insane potential widowmaker Dodge conceived and subsequently named the Tomahawk was first seen in 2003 at the Detroit Auto Show.
10. Confederate Renovatio


The Renovatio concept motorbike from Confederate Motorcycles based in America is a radical concept bike designed by Confederate’s lead designer Ed Jacobs. It is extremely minimalistic with all the mechanical elements of the bike on show.

Liked the list? Give us a comment so we can be encouraged to share more.

Enhanced by Zemanta

Top 10 Eco Friendly Motorcycles

An average motorcycle gets about double the mileage of even the most fuel efficient cars but the downside is that they emit about 15 times more pollution than an average four-wheeler. Ecofriendly motorcycles have been in vogue for quite some time now and are a big hit among environment lovers. If you are crazy about two-wheelers but at the same time are looking for the best environmentally benign products, then hit the break for a list of the 10 best ecofriendly motorcycles.

mission one2 rcfag 69

mission one2 rcfag 69
• Mission One electric motorcycle
mission one1 ce7ov 69

mission one1 ce7ov 69
This creation by Mission motors claims a top speed of 150 mph. The power source is a high energy lithium-iron battery pack providing a range of 150 miles per charge. Launched in April 2009, the tailpipe had been eliminated, adding the features of silence and zero carbon emissions.
brmmoenertiajuly09

brmmoenertiajuly09
This cool-looking aluminum-extruded two-wheeler weighs only 280 pounds and is an entry level ride both for experts and beginners. Its premium design is targeted toward the eco-luxury segment. It runs on lithium-phosphate power cells, which remains good for about 3 hours and provide a range of 45 miles per charge.
zeromx sized

zeromx sized
Weighing a mere 151 pounds, this is a new creation by Zero Motorcycles in the electric motocrosser segment. The silent bike makes riding possible in areas off-limits due to noise restrictions. The motorcycle uses the typical lithium-ion battery good for 2 hours or 40 miles and takes less than 2 hours to charge.
piaggio mp3 hybrid 580

piaggio mp3 hybrid 580
It is the world’s first production hybrid motorcycle. It combines a conventional 125cc four-stroke petrol engine with an electric motor driving the rear wheel with a rechargeable battery. Thus you can run it as electric only giving it a top speed of 35 km/h, regenerative mode and hybrid power mode, which is more useful on busy streets. The battery is compact and recharges in about an hour and a half.
kawasaki1 qwhux 69

kawasaki1 qwhux 69
You too can get your bike modified into a more environmentally benign version just like Jason and Jeremy Cantwell did. They got their Kawasaki ZX retrofitted with a hydrogen/gasoline hybrid engine. To add to it, the engine still yields a good 170hp besides doubling its mileage. To keep the weight of the bike to a minimum the body was made from lightweight carbon fiber and the weight of the wheels was also less. This modified beauty was launched in November 2008.
motoczysz yfwar 69

motoczysz yfwar 69
The feature that qualifies this motorbike to be called a dream machine is its hot swappable lithium battery pack. This power source gives the bike a top speed of 150mph on a single-speed gear box and 175mph with its multi-speed gear system. The framework is made up of aluminum and carbon fiber. The 150ft-lb motor yields 115hp. Most of all, the look is a treat to the eyes.
electric superbike2 m8pma 69

electric superbike2 m8pma 69
The 2008 NEC Bike Show unveiled the electric TTX01 superbike, which shatters the myth that silent bikes are sluggish. Based on a Suzuki GSX750 frame, it carries 43bhp electric motors. The motors propel the bike from standstill to 60mph in a record time of 3.5 seconds. Its top speed can go up to 150mph, but like all superbikes, this one too comes for a hefty price of £20,000.
evolt bull1 from italy

evolt bull1 from italy
With a top speed of 55mph, the Bull1 features both good performance and a decent range. It runs on lithium-polymer batteries, which give it a two-hour run time. Charging time is one hour and is done through a custom charging device.
yahama

yahama
This concept hybrid by Yamaha is a combination of a V-twin engine and an electric motor. This four-wheeled bike retains the lane splitting and parking ease of a standard bike, to quite an extent. Besides, it comes with a mechanism to keep it upright when parked or stopped.
vectrix

vectrix
This new avatar of the Vectrix Personal Electric Vehicle comes in four new vibrant colors, new accessories and graphics. With a top speed of 62mph, it has a range of 35-55 miles. With two seat options- standard and lower, it has a standard kickstart. The 2009 VX-1 is clean, quiet and a beauty.
Enhanced by Zemanta