Comments on: Radial Motorcycle Engine Modifications

By: Randy Jiner

Randy Jiner — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 17:23:06 +0000

Douglas, Steve is actually right. The WWI engines were (and, in those circles, are still)considered rotary engines. Maybe a difference in perspective, but no reference to the modern rotary. I always thought the whole idea was stuped to have the engine turn about the crankshaft, but I wasn’t there.

By: Jurgen Schmitz

Jurgen Schmitz — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 19:08:22 +0000

Well, there was a radial-engined motorcycle before – simply enter the search word “Megola” into any search engine. The engine sat in the front wheel. Saw one live approx. 30 years ago at a vintage bike meeting in Germany, but with only 10 (of 2000 built) remaining in a usable condition these things are “as rare as rocking horse droppings”. I remember the owner push-starting the engine and stalling it when he had to come to a stop.
Visit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Megola

By: Mr. F

Mr. F — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 01:39:25 +0000

How long does it take to overheat?

By: Douglas

Douglas — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 17:15:41 +0000

In Reply to Steve July 16th.

Hi Steve. No, not a rotary they did not come along until much later. There were two developments in the Radial engine the original one I described that the entire engine revolved and the propellor was fastened to the front of the engine. Later the engine was fixed to the airframe and the prop turned on the crankshaft similar to current engines. Both had multi cylinders and the fixed radial was (and is) still around and flying.
Rotary engines have no conventional cylinders and pistons.

Cheers

By: T.J. Wann

T.J. Wann — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 02:55:30 +0000

I’ve been an aircraft mechanic for 25 years, and a motorcycle lover and rider for 40+. When I saw this “bike” I absolutely fell in love with it. GO Jesse GO!! He’s got to be one of the only guys that is trying to build something different. Custom is not bolting on somebody elses’ store bought goodies.
Yea, this machine would scorch the Hide off the Devil even with really good baffling. Torque would be a major issue, no worst that cracking the throttle on one of the Boss Hoss creations. If you mounted the engine transverse would be interesting…might be worth persuing….
Shaving 2 to 3 cylinders off the bottom shouldnt be a major issue, Harley-Davidson did it years ago.
Thanks for covering and chasing down the authenticity of this incredible machine, I’m fixin’ to go check out Jesse’s site next!!!!!