Salt Contender

[Mean Gene]

Hi, all. I currently have no diesel bike as of yet, but I plan to start building very soon. The reason for the build is a land speed record attempt at the Bonneville Salt Flats. I will be using a Lombardini 6LD260 with the bore reduced to get into the 250cc push rod class. The frame will be a modified Honda CB 350. The transmission will be a 250cc Yamaha 2 stroke with the cylinder, piston, and rod removed. Other suggestions for transmission are welcome if you have a better idea that is cheap and available in the states. In order to run this engine I have to prove to the inspectors that this engine was used in the Royal Enfield Taurus (if I am not mistaken it was actually the 6LD325, but it should be acceptable). I am currently in need of some kind of advertisement or factory literature regarding this beast. If anyone has anything they could provide, I would be very grateful.

Mean Gene

[coachgeo]

Love it. Sorry can't add any technical advice.

In the class you are considering can you add anything like LP fumigation or LP and Nitrous?

Speaking with folk in forums that discuss hopping up diesel yard tractors for pulling contest will get you a good bit of info on how to power booste your engine if it is allowed.

[Mean Gene]

That's the fun part. The sky is the limit on hopping up this little motor. The first order of business will be adding boost. I have an RBH31 turbo, but I think even this will be too large. The better option might be to find a larger turbo, remove the exhaust turbine and drive it off the crank using either chain or belt that way I do not have to worry about being able to spool up. My last option would be to use a smog pump from a big block chevrolet. LP will be next after boost, then Nitros. I'll just have to keep my eye on the EGT. One more thought on documentation: does anyone have a owner's or shop manual for the Taurus? I searched for quite some time to no avail. Plenty of Bullet manuals, but nothing for diesels.

Mean Gene

[Calkins]

Any luck here? I have similar ideas...

[Mean Gene]

I got the bike finished at the 11th hour, passed tech, made a qualifying run and backed it up for a record. I was able to come up with enough documentation to satisfy their requirements that it was a production motorcycle engine. The record you ask? 15.772 mph. I know, disappointing, but my main engine did not get done so I had to rely on my backup stocker that was pretty wore out. I was having pump issues that I could not get resolved in time. I'll be back next year to set a respectable speed. If you want to see a video someone posted one of my runs on youtube. Just search bonneville and slowest.

Mean Gene

[Calkins]

Are you running an SCTA event, or AMA/BUB/FIA? I wanted to do a streamliner, in the AMA/BUB group, and run their diesel class. But, they only have 750cc, 1500cc, and 3000cc classes! So, the next thought is SCTA, and run the fuel classes (which I'm guessing you are doing).

You wouldn't be willing to share the documention info, would you?

[Mean Gene]

I am running SCTA (Speedweek). Believe it or not if you run straight diesel and there is not specifically a diesel class then you are put into the gas class. If you do methanol injection or something like that then you are put into the fuel class. Just as a side note; if you were to build a 4 wheel streamliner instead of a 2 wheel then there is a class specifically for diesel streamliners. I can share the documentation I have although it is rather limited. This will only apply to the Lombardini 6LD engine model series.