Diesel Sport Bikes

[Decks83]

Hi Everyone,

I'm new to the diesel bike world, but I got to wondering why nobody has ever built a diesel-powered sportbike. I have decided to correct this, and I have started a blog to chart it. I would really appreciate everyone's ideas and input.

Financing the project is going to be my biggest issue, but other than that I've researched most of what I would like to do ideally.

Check it out at: http://dieselsportbike.blogspot.com

I'm going to check out the rest of the forum, and I will keep you all posted on my progress.

[zarquon]

It has been done: http://wiki.dieselkrad.info/Thunderstar_1200_TDI

Sorry for the german language

And some more informations direcly from the builders: http://www.startwin.com/paginas/special ... erstar.htm

mostly dutch of course

Rafael

[Decks83]

I've seen the Thunderstar, but I'm looking at converting an existing sport bike, rather than starting from scratch

I want to build something more along the lines of a full-fairinged race capable bike.

Also, the Thunderstar is relying on a 1200cc engine, where I plan to limit myself to engines under 1000cc, mostly to maintain weight and handling characteristics.

[thundercougarfalconbird]

you might want to read more of this forum befor saying no one has done sportbikes

search user

heiko
sbrumby
thundercougarfalconbird

there may be others im forgetting about but these are all sportbike related diesel conversions

[Decks83]

Hey TCFB,

What did you use? your bike is really along the lines of what I'm trying to do! I also really like Heiko's Triumph.

What kind of performance are you guys getting? Would they be competitive on a track?

When I'm finished, My goal is to run the bike on bio-diesel, and get similar 0-60 and 1/4 times to a stock bike (Regardless of HP and RPM numbers)

Any direction you can give me would be really appreciated!

[thundercougarfalconbird]

im not sure how heiko's bike works out for seepd and performance, as for mine, it was a 1985 kawasaki gpz 900, with china v twin, now with turbo it will pull the 160kph and its reasonably driveable. its 4 inches longer then stock and has about the same weight as the stock bike, but your not going to be setting any records with it on any track, good luck with your venture if you want to be competitive with gas bikes but i guess that depends how deep your pockets are,and good luck sticking a 6 speed baker with smart engine in anything without stretching it. from the pictures i have seen of the smart engine in a bike you will need to change the oilpan for sure, it seems to be very tall.
my best advise, take the money you are going to do the build with and buy gas for your gas bike.

[DieselFly]

I have to agree you won't win any speed races. These bikes are sort of the tortoise and the hare they will go the distance without stopping. Audi did the same thing with their LMP cars until they were forced to run smaller tanks. My Vtwin 20hp Punsun runs over 100mpg. and is alot of fun but is never going to be a racer. A simple rule to look at is torque is acceleration and horsepower is top speed. The diesels power to weight ratio will always be higher. Increasing power increases weight which decrease performance its like a dog chasing its tail. I have $2000 into my bike but have put about 200 hours of labour into building it. My labour is free and teaching machine shop at a high school gives me the equipment if you have to pay someone to build your bike you better look at $20-30K to get started. DO build a bike keep it simple and enjoy the fun of having something different that drives by gas stations on a regular basis without stopping. I blast around the Kingston area on mine and for now have the only diesel bike around this area. That will change when I finish the second one up this winter and another friend is pumped to build one and he just finished his $30K Harley type custom and likes my heap just because its different

Sean

[Nikuya]

I must admit, I like this idea and would love to convert a sports bike to diesel although I wouldn't really be interested in going for max speed... more just having a fully faired diesel bike although the only thing stopping me is dollars :'(. That said, good luck and I cant wait to see updates.

[Heiko]

hi
now i saw your comment.
i transformed the speed triple from triumph into diesel sport bike. now they are four pieces.
is the same like daytona.
look on my side.
http://www.dieselmotorrad.net
there are movies.


ciao heiko