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The Kneeslider

Doers Builders and Positive People

Gunbus 410 Cubic Inch V-Twin Motorcycle Completed

By Paul Crowe

Gunbus 410 cubic inch motorcycle

The Gunbus 410 cubic inch V-Twin motorcycle is complete. The monster engine placed in a motorcycle frame of comparable size looked impossible and many who saw the photos were skeptical of the bike ever being finished but I guess, Clemens F. Leonhardt is one of those persistent guys who ignores the naysayers and keeps at his work.

The fuel injected, 45 degree 6728 cc / 410 cubic inch V-Twin runs through a 3 speed transmission with reverse and actually looks pretty good in its finished state compared to the initial photos, in fact, everything looks good. It puts out 523 foot pounds of torque. Seat height is 31.5 inches and overall length is 136 inches. It is a little heavy at 1433 pounds so high speed corner carving might be an issue and there aren’t any photos of the big bike on the road so I guess we’ll have to wait for the road test, that is if someone can actually road test this monster.

This is actually going to go into limited series production and a sidecar will be available as well which might help with balance when waiting at a light. I don’t even want to think about a driveway tipover. I think this is great! Now, where’s the video?

Thanks for the tip, Petr!

Lots of photos below:

Gunbus 410 cubic inch motorcycle

Gunbus 410 cubic inch motorcycle

Gunbus 410 cubic inch motorcycle

Gunbus 410 cubic inch motorcycle

Link: Leonhardt Manufacturing

 

Posted on July 9, 2008 Filed Under: Motorcycle Builders, Motorcycle Design, Popular


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Comments

  1. Zak says

    July 9, 2008 at 10:04 am

    WOW. They REALLY need to add some covers for the primary drive and front sprocket or someone’s gonna get mangled

  2. motoxyogi says

    July 9, 2008 at 10:35 am

    I’m sorry but that looks hideous. I love eccentric builds but why?

  3. kneeslider says

    July 9, 2008 at 10:48 am

    “I love eccentric builds but why?”

    Because he wanted to, because he wondered if it would work, because he thought it was a neat idea, because he wanted to do something different, because he wanted to showcase his engineering skills, because he saw an engine and wondered “what if …,” because he would rather build something himself than watch someone else build something, …, the reasons are endless and every one is valid.

  4. hoyt says

    July 9, 2008 at 11:00 am

    That is an attractive engine and the fit and finish appear to be of high quality.

    He could recoup money if this bike is marketed towards events like the monster truck series, among others. I don’t even know why I know about monster truck series….

  5. hoyt says

    July 9, 2008 at 11:04 am

    (hit submit too soon)…I’d pay just to hear it

  6. Martin says

    July 9, 2008 at 11:15 am

    nice work Clemens.
    I like to do something different.

  7. lostinoz says

    July 9, 2008 at 12:14 pm

    The girl in the pix is probably a pro model, those women are every bit of 5’10” on average… she looks like a midget on that bike!
    side car definatel would help, but I cant stop thinking of a trike it!
    Are those AIRPLANE tires???

  8. Paul Ventura says

    July 9, 2008 at 12:16 pm

    @ Zak:

    HAHAHA, maybe they should just change the name to the “Mangler 410”

  9. todd says

    July 9, 2008 at 12:21 pm

    pretty dang awesome. Look what he has to show for all the extra time on his hands. It’s better than a beer gut and couch potato butt.
    I couldn’t imagine trying to keep the thing balanced even while under way.
    Maybe Batman can buy it to scale down from his existing bike.

    -todd

  10. chris says

    July 9, 2008 at 12:53 pm

    Put some hummer tires on it, and I bet the eco-friendly gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger would buy 5 of them.

  11. Old Will says

    July 9, 2008 at 1:09 pm

    Nice result of a concept. Scaling up the size of a motorcycle is unique. The taller riders will appreciate this. It got a little to heavy to be practical though. I’d still like to ride it.

  12. Azzy says

    July 9, 2008 at 1:48 pm

    Wonder how it balances…. and how you get it off the center stand.

  13. taxman says

    July 9, 2008 at 2:52 pm

    Seat height is 31.5 inches? thats the same as my Buell…

  14. Clive Makinson-Sanders says

    July 9, 2008 at 3:02 pm

    That guy won at motorcycles.

  15. Ricky says

    July 9, 2008 at 4:35 pm

    any “gallons per mile” guesstimates?

  16. FREEMAN says

    July 9, 2008 at 5:04 pm

    I’LL BET HIS FIRST CUSTOMER WILL BE SHAQ.

  17. FREEMAN says

    July 9, 2008 at 5:05 pm

    OR JAY LENO.

  18. johnny says

    July 9, 2008 at 6:13 pm

    haha, this is so over the top, I love it! he deserves heaps of cred for pulling it off. Can’t wait for the video .

  19. OTTO MANN says

    July 9, 2008 at 7:09 pm

    WHAT BALLS, I LOVE IT. P.S. DOES IT COME AS A TRIKE.

  20. Chris says

    July 9, 2008 at 7:42 pm

    lostinoz: I believe Clemens’s original idea was indeed to use tires originally spec’d for a Boeing 767, although I think I also read somewhere that he ended up giving up on that idea because of issues getting wheels to fit, or because he couldn’t get the tread shoulders shaved down to a proper height, or something. I have no idea if the tires on there now are aircraft tires or not, but I’m pretty sure that was the original idea.

    cl

  21. aaron says

    July 9, 2008 at 8:39 pm

    so how would you turn the thing? if our model is indeed 5’10, she is leaned forward with her arms locked. with the bars mounted as they are, I’d assume the bars to be prone to “tiller” type steering (swinging left and right rather than pivoting one forward, one back)… ok, now try this out – lean forward, stick your arms straight out and try turning them about an imaginary pivot 4 feet away. it seems like I only have a few degrees lock-to-lock – anyone out there think otherwise, or feel you could conrtol a bike with this layout?

  22. Sean says

    July 9, 2008 at 8:43 pm

    I can’t help but feel that he shouldn’t have scaled the bike up, and instead given it a Hot Wheels, cartoony caricature feel. However, it’s one heck of an amazing build. I’d love to hear this thing at the drag strip.

  23. MotoWebbi says

    July 9, 2008 at 11:11 pm

    Maybe it needs one of those pulse-jet thingies bolted on the side of it to make it go properly?

  24. Alex says

    July 9, 2008 at 11:27 pm

    He got a real German full time plate, so it is already street legal.

  25. johnny says

    July 9, 2008 at 11:43 pm

    there’s a nice slideshow here of it..

    http://www.leonhardtweb.de/de/images/start/gunbus_banner_titel_4.swf

  26. Azzy says

    July 10, 2008 at 12:50 am

    There has to be a linkage there that makes steering feasible, something like a universal joint to turn that thing.

  27. pabsy says

    July 10, 2008 at 1:05 am

    stunning, kudos to him

    whoever said trike, thats a great idea as sidecars are boring and 2 wheels isnt practical

    3 wheels would still look nuts and its something salable for shows etc, actually even for folks that just want one to ride, tour on etc

    anyways just stunning

  28. Alex says

    July 10, 2008 at 8:12 am

    That is nice work , impractical and silly but I’ve never let that stop me before so I like it. The wheels look over size even for the size of that frame though. It is fun to play with the scale of things so even if it doesn’t really work as a bike it works as a way to throw your small/far away filter and most of us enjoy a little harmless trickery. What would be cool would be to turn the engine through 90deg. like a Guzzi. Now if we worry about where to put the petrol later could we mount that in a “normal bike frame” like a GS1000 or something with each cylinder coming up to allow you to burn your elbows on them during riding. The petrol can now go under the seat. I’m just stuck for a gearbox position.

  29. Walt says

    July 10, 2008 at 12:42 pm

    It weighs twice as much as the average v twin cruiser, but has four times the displacement and almost six times the torque of a Harley twin cam 96 (92 ft/lb according to Motorcyclist). By that measure the Gunbus is a relative featherweight. I always thought cruisers were overweight. Now I know.

  30. Ride says

    July 10, 2008 at 3:19 pm

    The chick is hot the bike is stupid IMHO

  31. Tim says

    July 10, 2008 at 10:28 pm

    I must say I do like the accessory package: presumably thats an add in cost plus extra

  32. Wes Hill says

    July 11, 2008 at 9:40 am

    My opinion: Possibly the dumbest thing I’ve ever seen in my life. Just because it can be done doesnt mean it should be….

  33. Seymour says

    July 11, 2008 at 3:00 pm

    That would be a really sweet bike if it was normal sized.

    Maybe the girl is really 3 feet tall but perfectly proportioned. Then I’d want the girl too. Just think how big you’d seem! But then you go and get on that big bike and now you seem small.

  34. David says

    July 12, 2008 at 9:36 pm

    Anyone else thinking this is Andre the Giant’s Vincent Black Shadow on cocaine?

  35. Keith H says

    July 14, 2008 at 8:27 pm

    Would this bike need power-steering?

  36. Maxon475 says

    July 14, 2008 at 9:19 pm

    Whit that much torque i would like to see how holds up the chain.
    36 years ago I got one of the firsts HONDA 750 CB FOUR and man, didi I think It was huge .!Looks like a dwarf next to this . Impressive.

  37. melmackinnon says

    July 15, 2008 at 4:40 am

    Nothing exceeds like excess.

  38. Erik says

    July 15, 2008 at 10:35 am

    I think its a regular sized bike and he just figured out a way to shrink his girlfriend to make it look huge. An odd name, Gunbus, but a motorcycle but a pretty neat engineering exercise. And no, I don’t think I’ll be adding my name to the pre-order list.

  39. Tom says

    July 15, 2008 at 11:41 pm

    Better yet….how do you get it ON the center stand???

  40. john Rivaldi says

    July 16, 2008 at 11:23 am

    I would rather ride the rider than the bike

  41. seo says

    July 16, 2008 at 2:14 pm

    I must say I always wondered what it would be like to supersize a bike and what it would feel like to drive it. Now I might even be able to do so.

  42. Rider1772 says

    July 19, 2008 at 8:47 pm

    Worth of praise this piece of craftwork, skills, imagination, hard work are easy to see …but honestly my first thought when I saw the article was..
    ..look what happens when your first girlfriend says ” size does matter” .

  43. James W says

    July 19, 2008 at 11:07 pm

    There was a day when an odd fellow named Henry Ford, made a very odd thing called an automobile.
    It’s certain it recieved a great deal of doubters then.
    Today, autos are a part of daily life;
    good to see someone take the path less taken.

  44. Bill Tait Canada says

    July 23, 2008 at 10:14 pm

    Ah , Ok , it’s radical ,it’s cool . but is bigger always better ?
    I now the girls think so ,like the dream girl in the pix . but you can’t do it with that monster can you .
    But A for effort . now downsize to something driveable like boss hoss and you could probably find people who would like to own one .
    you’ll be richer for your efforts .
    Anyways enjoyed your build . I’d like to hear it running also …. and watch the smoke show !

  45. Tim Rauscher says

    July 29, 2008 at 11:36 am

    Damn! he beat me to it! Let’s see it with a turbo and nitrous oxide injection….

  46. Devildog83 says

    August 2, 2008 at 9:54 pm

    I vote to call it “The Mangler” as stated above. This THING looks like a man-eater. The front sprocket is just begging to catch a pantleg or a boot strap, having the foot peg right next to it. Primary drive no better, like having a buzz-saw at your knees. How about balance? Yea, just try to stop it from crushing your leg when it catches a gust of wind at a stop light and falls over on you. You surely won’t be able to foot-check a 1400+ lb bike when you skid on that patch of gravel. I view this thing as an oddity no different to the giant drivable shopping cart, or the giant drivable Red Wagon… cool at first glimps, tiring after first minute. Why do people do this? Oh, because you can, that makes it relevant… NOT!

  47. Clevet3 says

    August 5, 2008 at 10:26 pm

    Devildog: you asked, “Why do people do this?” I refer you and all others wondering the same, to kneeslider’s response: “Because he wanted to, because he wondered if it would work, because he thought it was a neat idea, because he wanted to do something different, because he wanted to showcase his engineering skills, because he saw an engine and wondered “what if …” because he would rather build something himself than watch someone else build something, …, the reasons are endless and every one is valid.”

    LOL!!!

  48. rider1772 says

    August 12, 2008 at 4:32 am

    To ” James W ” post #43 : I think you’re mistaken H.F with Herr.Benz, in some place (England?) his creation was deemed so dangerous that the law required a walking guy with a horn to announce the incoming “carriage”.
    My post (#42) means: This is rather for the Proof of Concept, Concept model, Kirsch Art section, like most of the beautiful chopper crafts, or my never patented high heel roller blades.
    About “Does size matter? visit this link of a guy who also successfully makes bikes:

    http://www.tamiya.com/english/products/14111zzr1400/index.htm

    ..but they doesn’t even work!!

  49. mook says

    August 14, 2008 at 6:26 am

    Mate AWESOME i want one,twice the weight of my Harley not a problem ill work it out,if you have what it take’s to build it[not many have]then i have the balls to ride it,give me a price im in,Mook

  50. R.M. delosReyes says

    August 18, 2008 at 2:50 pm

    nice bike, have been riding for 45 years + and always worried about cars and trucks and so on, with this Mangler, it evens the match all right.
    Who’s scared of Freightliners now!!
    Ride on

  51. Mike Schneider says

    August 22, 2008 at 1:00 am

    > Put some hummer tires on it, and I bet the eco-friendly
    > gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger would buy 5 of them.

    Arnold is the only man on earth strong enough to keep that monstrosity from crashing sideways onto the pavement two seconds after flipping up the stands.

    Jesse of “Monster Garage” has already built (in six days with helpers) a bigger hog with a Peterbilt semi engine:

    http://www.trombinoscar.com/monstergarage/peterbilt1972.html

    (The NOS kit is a nice touch.)

    Jesse at first wouldn’t take the advice of making it a three-wheeler….until he saw the gargantuan motor.

  52. Domino says

    August 28, 2008 at 4:33 am

    One word… Stupid.

  53. JJ says

    September 13, 2008 at 4:37 pm

    Optical Illusion

    If you look very carefully you will see a motorcycle in the picture. 😉

    JJ

  54. Tbag says

    September 19, 2008 at 2:17 am

    This is one massive machine, but at 650kg, how the hell do you drive this monster???

  55. Andy_T says

    September 19, 2008 at 7:46 am

    I actually prefer the australian approach:
    http://www.webwombat.com.au/motoring/news_reports/monster-motorbike.htm

    13,5 tons, but at least you can drive it…

    Best regards,
    Andy

  56. Doug R. says

    September 26, 2008 at 10:31 am

    I failed to locate a starter motor or – dare I say it – kick starter?

  57. vzryder says

    September 29, 2008 at 11:25 pm

    Testosterone wars. Boss Hoss and this thing. You shouldn’t need a crane to pick up your bike. Now you got something to jump monster trucks with. What will they come up with next? Too much time and loose change. I guess if you got it…….

  58. Doug R. says

    October 2, 2008 at 2:04 pm

    After long and thoughtful consideration, I believe I want one – no, make that two ; one solo, one with sidecar. Just beautiful, absolutely beautiful. Kudos to the creator!

  59. Johan says

    October 11, 2008 at 2:37 pm

    Dammmit. …. It was enivitable for some retards to come up with things like “stupid” “dumbest thing” etc.
    Im convinced that everyone who had a negative thing to say. . .

    a)Still lives with his/her parents
    b)Has no sustainable job
    c)Is “the dumbest thing”
    d)Is stupid
    e)Is married to “the dumbest thing” or “stupid” who probably weighs the same as the Gunbus
    f)Has never even ridden a bike
    g)All of the above

  60. Daren says

    October 16, 2008 at 4:45 am

    Awesome! I’ll volunteer to drive it in a heart beat. I believe handling will not be a problem. Think about how a huge 200kg bike all of a suden becomes very stable once you get going above 10kph. Conversly a tiny 60kg scooter type thing always feels wobbly and unpredictable. My guess is that once it gets going it will be very stable. Stopping will be another issue. Cruising however will be awesome.

  61. jack says

    October 17, 2008 at 11:43 pm

    I love it! (why be normal) totally admire the creativity and the know how to make it all work! What’s next!! Jack W

  62. Jakey says

    November 6, 2008 at 11:19 am

    Put a cover over the chain drive and were good, other wise it’s gonna hurt

  63. Kai says

    November 14, 2008 at 10:39 pm

    A remarkable answer to a question nobody was asking..

  64. Ken says

    November 18, 2008 at 12:53 am

    I would kill to see that thing at the bike drags!

  65. Terry Harper says

    November 24, 2008 at 12:53 am

    VERY Cool!!..I’d love to ride this scooter!

  66. jonakajon says

    December 10, 2008 at 2:55 am

    around 20 years ago a guy in Australia made a 5 litre v twin supercharged with nitrous oxide injection motorcycle. He made it from the middle two cylinders of a rolls royce merlin aircraft engine. the supercharger and nitrous kit were factory fitted to the motor when used as an airplane in ww2. 3 speed air assisted shift chain drive.
    He took it to the usa to compete in sled hauling comps at the bike shows but was banned cause he won em all

  67. hanoong says

    January 8, 2009 at 12:29 am

    oh my god สุดยอดครับ

  68. hanoong says

    January 8, 2009 at 12:30 am

    I am thai

  69. ERIC says

    January 8, 2009 at 2:06 am

    SOMEONE SAID ONCE “JUST CAUSE YOU CAN DOESNT MEAN YOU SHOULD.

  70. Common Sense says

    January 9, 2009 at 12:40 pm

    After a friend at work forwarded me an email about this I read through all the comments and noticed that only two people actually realized what they were looking at and what they were thinking. My response to the rest of you along with the designer/builder of this “Monstrosity” is “ARE YOU STONED?? Were you one of those little kids that stood at the window eating pant chips all the time? If you still don’t have any idea what I’m talking about drop the can of spray paint and Google the Phrase: (The Death of Common Sense) and have someone read it to you. Yes, if necessary have that person draw pictures for you. I’m thinking that this will be tested on the TV series “Testee’s” or the new series coming out called “1000 Ways to Kill Yourself”. Clemens F. Leonhardt, The next Howard Hughes?

  71. Jeremy Clark says

    January 11, 2009 at 12:09 pm

    That bike is so stupid, I LOVE IT!! Huge cudo’s for pulling that off. Let’s see the old ladies turn left in front of that beast! It needs a monster trike kit, and a train horn, and I’ll get another mortgage to buy one. Probably have to license it as a truck.

  72. 2 stroker boy says

    January 15, 2009 at 9:06 pm

    i just want to whellie on this machine im 6’6 and 250 lbs i know it would be fun

  73. Jay Leno says

    January 16, 2009 at 4:39 pm

    I’ll have one in my shop on February 4…

  74. Ricky B says

    January 16, 2009 at 5:01 pm

    Clemens,
    I beleive it is over the top but nice work . let me know if you need someone to give it a test run I’m open to any ride once just to say I did . keep it up!!!!!!!!!!!
    Ricky B

    P.S. as far as the girl gose I seem to get more miles out of the bikes

  75. Michael Schacht says

    January 16, 2009 at 10:08 pm

    Jay,
    Can it be viewed at your shop or will it be on display somewhere in L.A.? Would love to see it!

  76. Dan says

    January 31, 2009 at 7:03 am

    that thing defo needs to be made as a trike aswell

    also does anyone know where i can see it going?

  77. ALfredoB says

    February 3, 2009 at 6:57 pm

    What about a test drive?

  78. Jerry says

    February 5, 2009 at 12:18 pm

    It looks to me he used aircraft cylinders then built the crankcase and crankshaft to match. Great idea.
    Many years ago I had the “what if idea” and built a sand buggy that had a Mercury outboard motor with a snowmobile torque converter with a homemade forward and reverse reduction gearbox. Ran it at Yuma, AZ sand dunes back in the early 70s.
    Jerry C

  79. tim almas says

    February 15, 2009 at 1:43 pm

    Wow twice the weight of my road king,and probably a smooth ride.Wonder how it corners in city driving(LMAO) although it would make a great highway cruiser.

  80. Harry says

    February 22, 2009 at 2:36 pm

    It’s unridable, a waste of time and money in my book. Just a big useless oddity. The design of the bike isn’t bad, but it should have been made smaller.

  81. will says

    March 13, 2009 at 12:25 pm

    man
    thats gotta have balancer shafts coz that would jump off the ground if it didn’t. lol
    also who made the engine and tranny?

  82. Augie says

    March 18, 2009 at 9:57 am

    Looks GREAT! As far as ridability, it’s not that much heavier than alot of fully loaded dressers, and only slightly heavier than a big block Boss Hoss. Sign me up.

    Just an old curiosity, talk about unridable.
    http://www.msichicago.org/scrapbook/scrapbook_exhibits/roadog/

  83. Kenneth ferrer says

    March 20, 2009 at 3:16 pm

    To the person who built the bike. Are you the guy from Blastolene? They build practically oversized cars.

  84. Leo M. Mara says

    March 30, 2009 at 11:36 pm

    Wow! That’s great. I love this kind of vision and expression. When do we see and hear the video?

    I don’t care how tall she is. I’d like to see her in more appropriate attire, naked. Or are you worried she’ll distract from the bike?

    To answer the question “How do you get it off the center stand”, just kick it into gear and let her rip.

  85. Jess says

    April 3, 2009 at 4:40 am

    add a beefy trailer hitch hook up the old airstream EASYRIDERS here we come

  86. Bulleteer says

    April 29, 2009 at 9:22 pm

    The thought of wanting to make something exclusive is fine; but something like this which is doomed to stay parked in a garage or w/e, is honestly, very sad. Common, this is a bike multiplied scale wise, obviously you can build one. But you need to perhaps multiply your physical dimensions in that ratio too, to ride the darn thing. As disappointed i’m to say this, but, WHAT A WASTE ! Poor Sod.

  87. MetalMicky says

    May 7, 2009 at 4:06 am

    Maaaate awesom, right up my alley
    Give one to the crusty demons
    Ignore the hecklers they’re jelous

  88. MetalMicky says

    May 7, 2009 at 4:14 am

    PS i think this is very ridable, just a matter of keeping power on and leaning it into the corners. Don’t see a problem so long as it’s balanced. (which i’m sure it is) 🙂
    i’ll ride it just to prove it.
    MetalMicky

  89. Ron Wesley says

    May 7, 2009 at 3:54 pm

    thats an awesome piece of enineering, chr chr bro.

  90. Dave says

    May 12, 2009 at 7:40 am

    I’m sure its rideable just like every other bike – counter-steering moves the tyre contact patch to one side of the centre of gravity and around it goes. No worries.
    But, stopping and not falling over is a whole new ball game where’s the retractable undercarriage. At least his gearbox runs at engine speed (to cope with the torque). Shame he didnt use a hydraulic drive – that WOULD be different infinitely variable ratios and and quite possibly no less efficient than a gearbox.

  91. Colin N Z says

    May 18, 2009 at 6:39 pm

    Awsome .But maybe unridable as noted.I have a partly completed road bike powered by a354 cu in Chrysler Hemi V8.Constructed by the late John Curtin who made Ford 390 V8 in Southwards Museum.I would be intrested in selling it if anyone would be intrested.The rego is on hold.Contact by Email.

  92. Bad Mr. Frosty says

    May 21, 2009 at 2:15 pm

    I am a little worried about the price for tires for this thing when they wear out, that is of course after riding it around with tow trucks on either side to help keep it upright. Maybe it would be best to let it sit in the living room.

  93. Rob S. says

    May 26, 2009 at 10:15 pm

    Myself I ride a Honda Rune it can be some what of a challenge to ride at times being that its in the big bike category but truly not as monstrous as the gunbus 410,WOW !This bike would be something I would like to take around the block. Rob S.

  94. pete da silva says

    May 27, 2009 at 8:43 am

    Peak torque at 1200 rpm!

  95. Bridget says

    May 29, 2009 at 7:26 am

    Damn! My man would look HOT on that bike! how much? and where can i buy one!?

  96. womble says

    June 10, 2009 at 6:08 am

    i think it would have been a good trike build if one did have a whoppsee as a bike it would need a tow truck to stand it up again ( is that practical ) definatley needs to be a trike

  97. Oki Nicolas says

    June 12, 2009 at 9:47 pm

    Wonderfull,,,,,

  98. JStrouse05 says

    July 3, 2009 at 6:15 pm

    This is a great bike, for Shaq!!! If you’re not 6’8″+ 275+ this thing will crush you before you ever get if on the road, this thing is ridiculous!

  99. bobby smith says

    July 9, 2009 at 6:11 pm

    another article says that shaq IS the test rider, and also that the bike is made with gyros similar to the one’s used in segways but operates side to side rather than back to front.

  100. Chris says

    July 18, 2009 at 12:30 am

    Honestly I think this was a great idea. There’s really tall people out there. Like me, I’m 7′ 4″

    Finally a bike that I could comfortably sit on, now I’m not that sure I could drive it, maybe if I built up a little more muscle I could.

  101. Joe Moore says

    July 22, 2009 at 4:11 pm

    The cylinders look like they are from a Wright-Cyclone 1820 Cubic.Inch nine cylinder radial aircraft engine. Aluminum Heads / Steel barrel. Gotta be a real thumper at Idle.
    A real challenge to stay upright at the stop light.

  102. Joe Moore says

    July 22, 2009 at 5:08 pm

    470 Cubic Inch aircraft engines burn 12 gallons per hour at cruise power settings.
    Estimate this monster would burn 8 -10 gallons/hour.

    Joe Moore

  103. Stu says

    August 13, 2009 at 2:18 pm

    Sod the bike, what about some spec on the bird!

  104. jay says

    August 13, 2009 at 2:58 pm

    Can I get one with stabilizers as I only have a 29 inch leg 🙂

  105. Napewaste says

    September 15, 2009 at 1:55 am

    Very nice. I have a mockup of something similar and is more efficient. Jay would like mine, too. It’s also an older design than this, so I thought about scaling up right at the first. Great minds think alike, and all that.

  106. Jim Flower says

    October 19, 2009 at 8:24 pm

    Jay Moore,
    As I work with radial aircraft engines, I too studied the pics. They are not Curtis Wright, (cast heads) or Pratt & Whitney. (forged heads w/ cut fins) They are probably German. The bore size 176 mm (6.929″) is not found in American radials.
    I applaud Herr Leonhardt for his vision and craftsmanship, although I have some critiques; aside from what has already been written.
    1) I do not see a starter and battery. This is major. Consider the forces involved on that aspect alone. If you can’t start it, you can’t ride it. It must be self contained.
    2) His website promises electronic fuel injection, yet I see no sensors, anywhere. Fuel injection is complex, the plumbing is bulky (especially for this volume demand), and has a lot of components that are difficult to hide. This is something I am currently dealing with for a client’s 142″ injected bike.
    3) The general layout. The bike does not have to be so big just because the engine is. Motorcycle chassis design these days include many proven concepts that are ignored here. For example, girder front ends were discontinued ages ago for good reason.

    All that being said, I would love to meet this man. I’m working on a 312 project myself.
    Jim Flower
    jim@jimflowerllc.com

  107. Jim Flower says

    October 19, 2009 at 9:59 pm

    Oops,
    Correction to above post: the bore size is 156mm, (6.142″) Not found in American radial engines that I am aware of. The fins closely resemble the Pratt & Whitney R2800 front cylinder head, an Alcoa forging with cut fins. However, the bore size is 5.750″, with a 6″ stroke.
    He’s got a cool engine. I would put it in a better chassis though
    (With a starter!).
    Jim Flower
    jimflowerllc.com

  108. Thalwan says

    November 3, 2009 at 3:40 pm

    how to brake this show? the bike is very crazy insane! I want to see the road …

  109. aditya says

    November 30, 2009 at 5:44 am

    beauty and the beast-together. looking awesome !!!

  110. Robert Shonerd says

    January 19, 2010 at 12:38 am

    The motorcycle is quite beautiful, although I don’t like the yellow color on the tires. I think it may need a sidecar for the potential rollover problems sitting at a light. Field of view in front is a problem. Only a very tall rider could see well enough. I could see this as a trike.

  111. Zlatzky says

    February 25, 2010 at 5:24 pm

    I was “lucky” enough to sit on this bike at the Motobeurs, in Utrecht, The Netherlands. I tell ya, i cannot imagine, how can somebody ride this beast. On a straight line, probably possible, but to steer… Nice to have one, but why? Impossible to use, and you need to build a triple garage to store the bike.

  112. tom neighbors says

    March 13, 2010 at 7:29 pm

    he built it becuse people say it cant be done and its stupid and its a wast of time and money . but i say good job man i would love to own it and hell yes i would ride it too just to prove to people i can lol any way cool bike man keep making things people say you cant. its fun to prove people wrong i do it all the time i have built several things that people said wouldnt work but you know what thay where wrong lol.

  113. sard says

    March 26, 2010 at 7:14 am

    Maybe i have much money to buy it and woman beside the motorcycle
    Just dream !!!!!!

  114. brad says

    May 3, 2010 at 9:48 pm

    That thing is just about right!! 6′ 7″ i look like a monster on the Big dog and Boss hogg, this thing would work with a skinnyer front tire! Love it!.

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