One of the fascinating, but lesser known, vintage motorcycle engines is the Moto Guzzi 500cc V8, built for racing from 1955 to 1957. It was a 90 degree DOHC with 8 individual Dell'Orto carburetors. In 1955, it produced 68 hp at 12,000 rpm and in its final configuration in 1957, put out 72 hp at 12 grand and probably sounded wonderful while doing so. Interestingly, it began with … [Read more...]
Search Results for: ian drysdale
Vento 400 Cafe GT – 348 Pound 400cc 3 Cylinder Urban Commuter from PTS Motors
There's a strong contingent of riders always asking the same questions, "Why build every new motorcycle with a big engine? Why not build something smaller, affordable and light that still looks cool? We want a real motorcycle, not a scooter." OK, check out the Vento 400 Cafe GT from PTS Motors. If you think a light (348 pounds), nimble commuter with a 34 horsepower 400cc 3 … [Read more...]
Honda XR600 9 Cylinder Radial Engine Update
Ian Drysdale thought we might want to know a little more about the Honda XR600 based 9 cylinder radial engine Russell Sutton is building that we mentioned last year, so he sent some more up to date photos. Ian's working on the crankshaft and rods for the engine while Russell keeps himself busy with the rest of it. Russell really likes radials, he says his personal favorite … [Read more...]
Carberry Enfield Double Barrel V-Twin
The Royal Enfield as currently produced is a throwback to the mid 1950s, same style and engineering as the original with very little change until just this past year. The 500cc thumper is a very basic machine with British bloodlines and pretty much the performance you would expect from a mid 50s half liter single, which is to say, it could use a boost. Paul Carberry, down in … [Read more...]
Honda XR600 9 Cylinder Radial Engine
There's a certain mystique associated with radial engines which may be why several builders have recently built motorcycles wrapped around the circular powerplants. Of course, they look pretty cool, too. As we've also pointed out here before, several motorcycle engines have been adapted for use in airplanes, usually in their standard configuration but using an adapter of some … [Read more...]