Worlds largest multi-cylinder motorcycle, this 48 cylinder bike was built by Simon Whitelock – here it is at the Triples Rally in 2004 – it is actually 49 cylinders, as there is a small 75cc engine under the seat used as a starter engine.
The bike is built from a series of 48 engines pulled from Kawasaki S1/KH250 (Triple) motorcycles. Each 88cc cylinder from the original bike has been joined together to form six banks of eight blocks each, with every inline-eight functioning as its own complete engine (with its own crankshaft), tied together with gears. It uses six Jaguar E-Type distributors, and a BMW transmission. holds the Guinness World Record for the most cylinders on a land vehicle.
Yes, it is ride-able – but, the total weight just over a ton! Also, can you imagine the heat that motor buts out?
he’s hooked this rack of eights to a rear box that couples up all six cranks, and also a small scooter engine, which starts it. That’s mad in itself, but imagine what’s involved in welding up 6 crankshafts more than a metre long; each made from 3 cranks.
It’s got six Jaguar V12 distributors on the front of the engine. How did he work out how to drive them? This is all mechanical. No black box here, and yes, it’s 4.2 litre, 48 cylinder and 2 stroke.
The bike is built from a series of 48 engines pulled from Kawasaki S1/KH250 (Triple) motorcycles. Each 88cc cylinder from the original bike has been joined together to form six banks of eight blocks each, with every inline-eight functioning as its own complete engine (with its own crankshaft), tied together with gears. It uses six Jaguar E-Type distributors, and a BMW transmission. holds the Guinness World Record for the most cylinders on a land vehicle.
he’s hooked this rack of eights to a rear box that couples up all six cranks, and also a small scooter engine, which starts it. That’s mad in itself, but imagine what’s involved in welding up 6 crankshafts more than a metre long; each made from 3 cranks.
It’s got six Jaguar V12 distributors on the front of the engine. How did he work out how to drive them? This is all mechanical. No black box here, and yes, it’s 4.2 litre, 48 cylinder and 2 stroke.
Madness! Genius!