Hooniverse Asks- What's The Most Amazing Bike-Engined Car?

Robert Emslie

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Honda S600

There’s a thin line between motorcycles and cars. Both offer personal transportation, both require a certain skill to master, and each is powered by some form of on-board propulsion device, typically an internal combustion engine. Of course what does differentiate them is that one tends to want to fall over when you come to a stop.

That advantage offered by four wheeled vehicles, those colloquially known as cars and or trucks, over motorcycles doesn’t mean that there hasn’t been some interbreeding that has taken place over the years. There have been a number of automotive engined motorcycles, including a VW boxer-powered bike that used to prowl my neighborhood and was owned by a professor at the local community college.

We’re not interested in those today. Instead, we want to talk about the reverse- cars powered by motorcycle engines. Given some thought, you’ll perhaps be surprised at just how many of them there are. My vote for the weirdest and most disappointing was the BMW twin-powered Dale of the ’70s, which proved to be as phony as its creator, Liz Carmichael’s womanhood.  That was an almost ran of a motorcycle engined automobile, but there are still plenty of real contenders from which to choose. Which one do you think is the most awesome?

Image source: Carbase

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Robert Emslie

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55 responses to “Hooniverse Asks- What's The Most Amazing Bike-Engined Car?”

  1. LTDScott Avatar
    LTDScott

    This cheaty little bastard. Sterling wheels!
    <img src="http://images.thetruthaboutcars.com/2011/08/IMG_0085-550×366.jpg"&gt;

    Reply
    1. Irishzombieman☆ Avatar
      Irishzombieman☆

      This is a thoroughly amazing little car.

      Reply
  2. Number_Six Avatar
    Number_Six

    Gordon Murray's Light Car Company Rocket, powered by a modified 20-valve Yamaha motor from the FZR 1000. 0-60 in under 4 seconds, top speed of 150mph. If you can't afford Murray's McLaren F1…
    <img src="http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/01943/Rocket_1943498i.jpg&quot; width="500" />

    Reply
  3. buzzboy7 Avatar
    buzzboy7

    <img src="http://cdnl.complex.com/mp/620/400/80/0/bb/1/ffffff/7fd0ec0e0729eebe6c63d29fd22622a7/images_/assets/CHANNEL_IMAGES/RIDES/2012/11/the-50-coolest-cars-from-the-la-auto-show/morgan3wheeler_400403.jpg&quot; width="600">
    [/thread]

    Reply
  4. muthalovin Avatar
    muthalovin

    This should be a Craigslist Crapshoot.

    Reply
  5. ˏ♂ˊ mzs zsm msz esq Avatar
    ˏ♂ˊ mzs zsm msz esq

    <img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fa/1969_Honda_N360_01.jpg/500px-1969_Honda_N360_01.jpg"&gt; The Honda N360 had an engine from the CB450 but with reduced displacement. I can see a lot of the Z and CVCC in it already.

    Reply
    1. Irishzombieman☆ Avatar
      Irishzombieman☆

      A local dismantling yard (not the pull-yer-own kind, unfortunately) has got one of these sitting on top of a shipping container. You can barely see it from outside the yard. It's been there for years.
      Someday, when I have time and money, gonna make an offer.

      Reply
    2. Peter Tanshanomi Avatar
      Peter Tanshanomi

      Actually, the Honda car engines were quite different in detail from their bike engines.

      Reply
      1. ˏ♂ˊ mzs zsm msz esq Avatar
        ˏ♂ˊ mzs zsm msz esq

        I thought not in this one T but I don't know a lot. They had a N600 too that looked similar on outside and you might be confusing with that. I think that one had even a water cooled engine. The S500 and S600 also were not very much like the motorcycle engines. But this one here is the Japanese market N360 which had aircooled motorcycle engine with reduced displacement to be sold as a kie car.

        Reply
      2. ˏ♂ˊ mzs zsm msz esq Avatar
        ˏ♂ˊ mzs zsm msz esq

        Scratch that, on the first page of google results, seems very little related to the motorcylce engine even in the N360, the internet lied to me, you set me straight, thanks.
        http://www.curbsideclassic.com/blog/two-wheelers/…

        Reply
      3. ˏ♂ˊ mzs zsm msz esq Avatar
        ˏ♂ˊ mzs zsm msz esq

        <img src="http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/7947/20022010002.jpg&quot; width="500"> But looky here, from first two lines of GIS results. Now I'm really confused, cause that looks more like it.
        <a href="http://japanesenostalgiccar.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=8561” target=”_blank”>http://japanesenostalgiccar.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=8561

        Reply
        1. Peter Tanshanomi Avatar
          Peter Tanshanomi

          The N360 is the same basic SOHC configuration as the N/Z600 car engine. The CB450 was DOHC with torsion valves. Totally different heads, crankcases, etc.

          Reply
          1. ˏ♂ˊ mzs zsm msz esq Avatar
            ˏ♂ˊ mzs zsm msz esq

            Thanks again T!

    3. erikgrad Avatar
      erikgrad

      Completely off topic – but in case you are still looking for a Rover, check this out (just shared by someone on Jalopnik Oppo):
      http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/SD-1-/111085301990…

      Reply
      1. ˏ♂ˊ mzs zsm msz esq Avatar
        ˏ♂ˊ mzs zsm msz esq

        <img src="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/226717_3182988151802_1929167798_n.jpg&quot; width="600"> Thanks Erik! I saw it this morning on BaT but could have missed it since I do not check everyday. My wife will not let me and I will pause for now, because I have a much much better plan. I have one shot at this, going to make it right and at the right time too. There are LHD ones in Germany that look so very much better 😉

        Reply
  6. scroggzilla Avatar
    scroggzilla

    The correct answer is the NSU TT and TTS
    <img src="http://www.audiblog.nl/wp-content/nsu-tts-bergmeistertitel-1974.jpg"&gt;

    Reply
  7. Kogashiwa Avatar
    Kogashiwa

    Surely the Caterham Blackbird. CBR1100 engine in a Superlight R 500 chassis (basically – few small differences). 969lb, 0-60 in 3.7 seconds …
    <img src="http://encarsglobe.com/data_images/gallery/01/caterham-blackbird/caterham-blackbird-03.jpg"&gt;
    For myself, I've long wanted to build a litrebike powered AE86. Maybe an R1 unit to keep it kind of in the family.

    Reply
    1. buzzboy7 Avatar
      buzzboy7

      That may be the strangest roll cage design I've seen.

      Reply
  8. P161911 Avatar
    P161911

    Does this count?
    <img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8e/Cushman.jpg"width=500&gt;

    Reply
  9. quattrovalvole Avatar
    quattrovalvole

    Obviously..
    <img src="http://blog.caranddriver.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/47-Great-24-Hours-of-LeMons-Cars-of-2012-626×426.jpg&quot; />

    Reply
  10. Peter Tanshanomi Avatar
    Peter Tanshanomi

    As much as I want to nominate the Sub G1 and Guzzi-powered Blackjack Zero, as well as the all-conquering (though thoroughly imaginary) Cyrobuka, I have to give the nod to Dennis Palatov's dp1. The level of engineering and attention to detail in this car is truly amazing.
    <img src="http://www.dpcars.net/dp1/track14s.jpg"&gt;

    Reply
    1. BЯдΖǐL-ЯЄРΘЯΤЄЯ Avatar
      BЯдΖǐL-ЯЄРΘЯΤЄЯ

      Still prefer the Mk1 with a Cossie.

      Reply
  11. Peter Tanshanomi Avatar
    Peter Tanshanomi

    And of course…
    <img src="http://hooniverse.info/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/1936Harley-DavidsonSideCarCustomSv.jpg&quot; width="500">

    Reply
    1. Piston Slap Yo Mama Avatar
      Piston Slap Yo Mama

      That photo demands further info. A google image search made me 0% clearer on the subject.

      Reply
      1. Peter Tanshanomi Avatar
        Peter Tanshanomi

        It was built in the late '70s by a fairly well-known Harley chopper builder. He had an old sidecar and an extra flathead motor next to each other in the corner of his shop, and the lightbulb went on over his head.
        Unfortunately, it was built with no suspension at all, so it was more of a novelty than real transportation.

        Reply
        1. Piston Slap Yo Mama Avatar
          Piston Slap Yo Mama

          It also dispenses with front brakes unless they're inboard. That guy's a nutter, but brilliant.

          Reply
    2. Batshitbox Avatar
      Batshitbox

      I'm hopeful there a whole 'nother S&S Super engine powering the right side.
      (Argh, V-4 made of radial twins- my head hurts.)

      Reply
  12. Modeleccentric Avatar
    Modeleccentric

    Dang…I got nuttin'….

    Reply
  13. mdharrell Avatar
    mdharrell

    <img src="http://clunkbucket.com/wp-content/gallery/1980-kv-mini-1/img_3620.jpg&quot; width="500">
    Amazing: Causing distraction, consternation, confusion, dismay; stupefying, terrifying, dreadful.
    Oxford English Dictionary

    Reply
  14. Piston Slap Yo Mama Avatar
    Piston Slap Yo Mama

    BMW 700 LS which I assume had the motorcycle opposed flat twin. A decade + ago a local repair shop had one for pocket change but alas I didn't have the spare change. Now they're unobtanium.
    <img src="http://www.autopictu.com/images/bmw-700-ls-08.jpg&quot; width="600">

    Reply
    1. Slow_Joe_Crow Avatar
      Slow_Joe_Crow

      I was going to post the BMW 700 myself, I always wanted to see what would happen if you repowered one witha turbocharged R100RS engine.
      I also nominate the Westfield Megabusa

      Reply
      1. Peter Tanshanomi Avatar
        Peter Tanshanomi

        I'd have to vote for the airhead-powered Brooklands roadster.
        <img src="http://www.madabout-kitcars.com/images/imgtxt/1280/pembleton-brooklands.jpg&quot; width="512">

        Reply
    2. scroggzilla Avatar
      scroggzilla

      Saw one of these at last year's Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix. It was biblically loud.

      Reply
  15. Preludacris Avatar
    Preludacris

    GSXR Mini, while obviously custom, is the first one I think of.
    <img src="http://i1225.photobucket.com/albums/ee390/mr_cerberus/last%20owners%20pics/zcars_mini_detail5.jpg"&gt;

    Reply
  16. CherokeeOwner Avatar
    CherokeeOwner

    I'm surprised no one has posted one of these yet…
    <img src="http://images.gizmag.com/inline/t-rex-16s-12.jpg"&gt;
    It's amazing to think something this intense and performance-focused exists. Anyone who rails against electronic nannies and model bloat in modern vehicles should put their money where their mouth is and DD one of these.

    Reply
    1. Number_Six Avatar
      Number_Six

      Supposedly the most powerful mass-produced carburetted motorcycle engine. Mine only has two wheels.
      <img src="http://www.sportbikes.net/forums/attachments/zzr-1200/120383d1176696773-looking-suggestions-my-new-zzr-1200-kawasaki-zzr1200.jpg&quot; width="500" />

      Reply
  17. P161911 Avatar
    P161911

    Formula SAE cars! This is my favorite from the mid-1990s that I worked on.
    <img src="http://gtms.gatech.edu/wp-content/static/GTMS_Car_Pics/1993_Car_42.jpg&quot; width="500/">
    This one has a 600cc Honda engine with a Turbo and modified GM fuel injection system. It was putting out about 75HP through a 20mm air intake, if I remember correctly.

    Reply
    1. wunno sev Avatar
      wunno sev

      my eyes develop this involuntary twitch every time i see an older fsae frame, just from all the designs that are now in egregious violation of the rules

      Reply
      1. P161911 Avatar
        P161911

        They have more than the very basic safety rules, engine size, and intake rules now? That's too bad. That particular car had an aluminum honeycomb monocoque front frame. I believe the engine was a stressed member too.

        Reply
        1. BAMacPherson Avatar
          BAMacPherson

          The current ruleset is 161 pages long but everything revolves around safety. The only real rules restricting performance are the 610cc max rule, and restrictor sizes.

          Reply
        2. wunno sev Avatar
          wunno sev

          there are rules about everything!
          sometimes it feels like the whole car is designed by the rule book, but when you see the variety of frame designs that do turn out, that's pretty clearly not true. of course, i'd assume there's nowhere near as much variety as there was in the mid-'90s.
          it's not all for naught. this year i stopped by for a day. one car had hit a wall head-on. the impact attenuator didn't crush; instead, the panel it was mounted on entered the driver's footwell and snapped off the pedals.
          the driver was fine, but he was very close to breaking his ankles. hence, more safety rules.

          Reply
  18. CABEZAGRANDE Avatar
    CABEZAGRANDE

    The Diablo Smart ForTwo conversion (Busa engine). It instantly makes the Smart into one of the most desireable cars ever. Easy to get around 1200 lbs and 250ish hp. With that tiny wheelbase it looks like an incredibly good time. [youtube vExpEl0_5-Y http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vExpEl0_5-Y youtube]

    Reply
  19. discontinuuity Avatar
    discontinuuity

    Not exactly a bike engine, but how about Balto, the snowmobile-powered Miata?
    <img src="http://blog.caranddriver.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/23-Two_Stroke_Miata-626×426.jpg"width=500&gt;
    <a href="http://blog.caranddriver.com/lemons-goodbad-idea-of-the-week-two-stroke-miata/” target=”_blank”>http://blog.caranddriver.com/lemons-goodbad-idea-of-the-week-two-stroke-miata/

    Reply
  20. BЯдΖǐL-ЯЄРΘЯΤЄЯ Avatar
    BЯдΖǐL-ЯЄРΘЯΤЄЯ

    Does the Hartley V8 Busa engine count?
    <img src="http://automodified.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/Ariel-Atom-500-V8.jpg&quot; width="600">

    Reply
  21. Tomsk Avatar
    Tomsk

    I've always been fond of the Radical SR1 and its Suzuki-based 1,340cc four-banger.
    <img src="http://db2.stb.s-msn.com/i/C5/4D5F8A895591273254989CB69ABCB.jpg&quot; width="500" />
    But my real favorite is a superbike-engined (I wanna say Suzuki…) mini Porsche 956/962 track car. I'd tell you more and provide a picture, but since I can't think of the manufacturer's name, I'm getting bupkis on all the search engines. Ugh!

    Reply
    1. Raze1138 Avatar
      Raze1138

      If you and I are thinking of the same car, it's the Diasio D962.

      Reply
      1. Tomsk Avatar
        Tomsk

        That's the one! Thank you!
        <img src="http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee295/Mischievous962/Diasio/West10Side.jpg&quot; width="500">

        Reply
  22. wunno sev Avatar
    wunno sev

    <img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/01-2012-morgan-3-wheeler-fd-opt.jpg"&gt;
    morgan 3-wheeler, ofc

    Reply
  23. nanoop Avatar
    nanoop

    Bike-powered? The Fahradi Farfalla!
    <img src="http://hannes_langeder.public2.linz.at/FAHRRADI/Bilder/Fahrradi_SUB2.jpg&quot; width="600">
    Oh, not that kind of bike? Sorry…

    Reply
  24. domino_vitali Avatar
    domino_vitali

    Hell’s Treehuggers Toyo-Davidson. Can't find a photo yet.

    Reply
    1. mdharrell Avatar
      mdharrell

      There's one here:
      http://hooniverse.info/2013/06/04/hooniverse-asks-…

      Reply
  25. XRSevin Avatar
    XRSevin

    Legends Cars!
    <img src="http://www.bagshotmot.com/motor-sports/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/legendscarcutawayow8.jpg&quot; width="600">

    Reply
    1. rovingardener Avatar
      rovingardener

      And TQ, or three quarter midgets. They mostly come with snowmobile or motorcycle drive-trains as above and like super-karts.

      Reply
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    best web hosting free music download sites mac

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    Alexandria

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