When you hear of someone building a V8 motorcycle, you might think of Boss Hoss and the somewhat over sized bikes they produce. There are some really nice V8s built from a pair of inline 4 motorcycle engines, like the Drysdale V8, but Rolf Andersson of Sweden thought he would try to build something a bit more normal sized while still using an automotive V8.
Using a Rover V8 in a TIG welded custom frame with a Suzuki front end, he’s put together bikes in both longitudinal and transverse configurations and they look very well done. There are some photos on the site with one of his bikes parked side by side with a Harley and it looks no larger and in some views, even appears a bit smaller. I guess the size goal was accomplished.
The bikes are single speed and use an electric/hydraulic clutch setup but it looks like he is working on a 2 speed as well. The transverse engine bikes remind me of E.J. Potter’s drag bikes, just a lot more refined. He also offers a primary drive for Rover V8s in the transverse configuration in case you want to roll your own.
Not everyone is going to want a V8 but these are pretty nice ways to go in case you do.
Link: Rolls V8 Motorcycles no longer works
More photos below:
todd says
Wow, really clean. There’s also the Morbidelli V8 motorcycles, though with 850cc.
-todd
Tin Man 2 says
Nice looks but a 1 or 2 speed trans would kill it for me. Shifting a bike and using the gears is the best thing about riding for me. I know it has the torque and doesnt need the gears but if you want to go fast buy a Hyabussa,Whats the point?
Scott says
I’ve been saying it since I first saw it, the Hayabusa V8 listed elsewhere on this site would be a great candigate to put in a bike. Its small in size, light, and the torque is low enough that it could actually make use of a 4, 5 or 6 speed tranny.
justpete says
Nice! They look like they would be a little easier to handle than the big Boss Hoss. Defintel could use some better looking pipes
Tin Man 2 says
Looking again I had a question, Is the Rover V/8 the old Alum Buick from the late 60s ? If so it was pretty light and may be a good choice. Wonder what the bike weighs?
LN says
Stuffing an S14 engine from an E30 M3 into a vintage 2002 excites me because it equals crazy performance without sacrificing balance and handling. These V8 bikes just seem like squeezing FFs into an A cup; might be fun to look at, but the poor gal’s gonna have one helluva back ache.
Rod says
Very cool, much cleaner styling than the boss hoss. I agree it would be interesting what it weighs as well as the cost . looks like someone did their homework on this one everything fits as though it belongs there.
John says
Yea Tin Man 2, the motor is the old Buick Aluminum V8.Those bikes look good but like justpete said better lookin pipes would help. Some tight stainless steel headers close to the motor would do it.
kim scholer says
Maybe the Swedish bike and the Boss Hoss are aiming for two different market. The latter is grossly overweight and has a design that in the politest of terms could be described as vulgar. (As it also is an immense sales success, just shows that there’s a market for exactly that particular type of product).
The Swedish versions seem to be built with slightly more practicality in mind. As the Rover V8 car I once drove down through Europe easily managed 25 mpg, the fuel mileage of one in a bike fra should be tolerable.
FREEMAN says
I wonder how it handles with the auto rear tire.
Jeff says
Swedish girls are a smaller . No need for an oversized bike . 😉
Phoebe says
I have to say, I’m not really into cruisers, but these are very cool! I was wondering when I’d see someone use the aluminum Buick/Rover V8 for a motorcycle engine. They make a great little V8 to stick in a small British car (TR8, MGB-GT V8).
marshall says
i don’t know anything about putting car tires on motorcycles, but wouldn’t that rear tire drift to the side or something at high speeds? i’ve never seen an asymmetrical tire on a motorcycle.
OMMAG says
Rolf is a real craftsman.
I hope those guys at Boss Hoss take notes.
NTOLERANCE says
Google “Riding the dark side tire” for info on a car tire on the back of a motorcycle. Wont out handle a Gixxer by any means but for a cruiser, it handles well.
David says
I have looked at building my own V8 bike and talked to Rolf about the bikes he builds. First, the engine is all aluminum so overall the bike does not weight any more than a big Harley. I also don’t care for the pipes but that is easily changed as is the rear tire if you want a bike tire. He said the sidewinder was easier to build but the long bike was more fun in the twisties due to the greatly increased side ground clearence. Either way, these bikes were not built to race with a ‘Busa so I don’t see where that would even be relevant. The Ultimate in Cool is what this bike is. I picture a long one with a streched tank, a little more fork and rake to go with it, a 21″ front tire, a Fat Bob rear fender and a nice Corbin seat. It would be had to tell it from a Dyna in a glance but when you idled off from the crowd and everyone heard that rumble, you would know who everyone was looking at.
David
robman says
Reminds me of an article I read bout twenty years back bout a bike I think was called a Rorton? Which was a Rover/Buick 3.5l in a Norton frame transverse mounted, that looked real tidy too. Can imagine a few more car engine powered bikes appearing in the future now that Triumph have busted the 2l mark. How about a V6 Skyline turbo or a Mitsbishi Evo.