The New And Improved Unofficial R65 Forum V2

General Category => Chit-Chat => Topic started by: nhmaf on January 31, 2014, 09:08:28 PM

Title: Pretty cool V-8 rat cafe bike build
Post by: nhmaf on January 31, 2014, 09:08:28 PM

Snagged these video links being discussed in our Granite State BMW Riders Club newsletter - I especially like the photo sequence of the construction and the fact that he is using an old, 1959 vintage V-8 engine.    
Build video-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJa6tiyHuFg&feature=youtu.be

Test riding video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CylsjD9IGrw&feature=youtu.be

Title: Re: Pretty cool V-8 rat cafe bike build
Post by: Rob Valdez 79 R65 on February 01, 2014, 04:23:02 PM

That was fun!

Title: Re: Pretty cool V-8 rat cafe bike build
Post by: Dustybin on February 03, 2014, 01:20:55 PM

There are some things that do not belong on a motorcycle. A V8 is one of them. Only it,s mother could love it! :-X

Title: Re: Pretty cool V-8 rat cafe bike build
Post by: steve hawkins on February 04, 2014, 07:31:48 AM

I have to agree, brother.  If I had a workshop like that with a small V8 begging to be used and some cash behind me, I would be building a 50's style 'race car'.  Drop tank for a body shell, etc.

Road legal of course.

Cheers

Steve H

Title: Re: Pretty cool V-8 rat cafe bike build
Post by: montmil on February 04, 2014, 10:48:44 AM

Quote

There are some things that do not belong on a motorcycle. A V8 is one of them...

Both Honda and the Italians had some beautiful "Swiss watch" V8s during their early GP days.

Now that's a V8 that belongs! [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

Title: Re: Pretty cool V-8 rat cafe bike build
Post by: steve hawkins on February 05, 2014, 08:13:29 AM

Were either of them successful against their competitors? Or just overcomplicated anachronisms.  Sometime you got to ask, should I do it, not can I do it.......

Very impressive, nonetheless. As an engineering exercise.  And a very nice noise.

Just the humble view of an Englishman living in the "green and pleasant land" where we are being taxed within an inch of or our lives........those of us that work, anyway.

Cheers

Rev. light

Title: Re: Pretty cool V-8 rat cafe bike build
Post by: marcmax on February 08, 2014, 12:11:51 PM

Now this is a proper alternative use of a V-8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvR-eaKUVqU&feature=youtu.be

Title: Re: Pretty cool V-8 rat cafe bike build
Post by: Luca on February 08, 2014, 03:37:32 PM

Wasn't that long ago that the Honda CBX 1000 (an 1100cc IL6) made it's 3 year run.  Overly complicated and hard to tune, nobody thought that an in-line six belonged on a bike.  Go figure they're becoming serious collector items now.  According to Leno the valve adjustment requires dropping the engine.

...I'm willing to be the CBX was inspired by some of Honda's race bikes, such as the successful mid sixties  Honda RC166 sporting a 250cc IL6 with between 60 and 70 horsepower, a 20k redline, a 7 speed transmission, and an absolutely glorious exhaust note.  Keep the revs up, there's no flywheel!

With fuel injection and hydraulic valves, more cylinders are easier to pull off for an every day rider.  BMW is selling a six cylinder now, and the flathead V8 in this one-off build doesn't have a whole lot more displacement than the American big twins.  I'd be willing to bet we'll see an 8 cylinder production bike in the next 30 years, though I won't place a wager on the cylinder configuration.