The weight of a motorcycle is not the last characteristic that motorcyclists pay attention to. There is an opinion that supposedly heavy motorcycles behave more confidently on the road, but this colossus needs to be moved in the parking lot, skillfully maneuvered into turns, and managed with maneuvering... The large weight of the motorcycle affects braking and wear of the entire suspension, tires and other components . Therefore, massive bikes have their disadvantages as well as their advantages.
“The mass of a motorcycle - what can it be?”
If large motorcycles are called “sofas” behind their backs, then our next contenders for the title of the very best can be safely called luxury two-seater sofas.
Throughout history, the motorcycle industry has designed many monster-like bikes, some of the heavyweights Boss Hoss cost over 500 kilograms with their mass, and their trikes even weigh as much as a small car. But at the moment we will look at motorcycles of more mass production and from modern offers of the motor market. Moreover, we have already appreciated light motorcycles; it’s time to choose antagonists for them, because sooner or later every bike has its own buyer.
"Top light city motorcycles 2021 for a beginner"
Dodge Tomahawk
It can rightfully be considered the most powerful motorcycle in the world. He has held this title for quite some time. Considered the fastest bike, the maximum speed can impress anyone - 468 kilometers per hour.
From a theoretical point of view (according to engineers), the bike is capable of reaching a speed of 613 kilometers per hour. Its appearance is more reminiscent of the transport of the distant future, described in science fiction books.
A characteristic difference from other types of motorcycles is the double pair of wheels and the presence of a 10-cylinder engine. The total power is 500 horsepower.
There are 10 variants of this model in total. Each has its own characteristic feature. Price starts at $550,000.
This motorcycle has an impressive weight, which is several times higher compared to other motorcycles - 680 kilograms. The engine accelerates this mass to 100 kilometers per hour in 1.8 seconds.
Watch a video about this monster, completely assembled by hand:
Regio Design XXL Chopper
This giant motorcycle has held the first position in the Guinness Book of Records for eight years as the largest bike in the world. The iron horse Regio Design XXL Chopper was created in the workshop of Italian designer Fabio Reghiani, who labored over his brainchild in complete secrecy for 7 months.
Oddly enough, the largest motorcycle is capable of moving under its own power. To keep the 8-ton machine in a horizontal position, engineers equip the motorcycle monsters with additional side support wheels. The XXL Chopper is no exception, as it can't even stand upright without its two side wheels.
The Regio Design XXL Chopper traveled 150 meters under its own power and honorably removed from the pedestal the creation of the English engineer Gregory Dunham - the Dream Big model, which was 3 meters high and 6.2 m long.
The dimensions of Reghiani’s “iron horse” are more impressive: seat height – 4.9 meters, length – 9.75 m, width – about 2 meters. The total weight of the miracle of motorcycle construction is 5.5 tons. The motorcycle is equipped with a Chevrolet V8 power unit, engine capacity – 5.7 liters, power – 280 hp.
Huge one and a half meter wheels are driven by a three-speed transmission.
Experts recognized the motorcycle as the “final solution” - they say that there is nowhere further to develop engineering, and no one will ever be able to build a larger motorcycle that could move under its own power. The Guinness Book of Records Foundation Commission included the bike in the list of the most significant creations of mankind.
Ducati-1098
Appeared in 2006, the manufacturer considers the model one of the most successful products. This is understandable, because these motorcycles took prizes several times at prestigious racing competitions.
The Ducati 1098 owes its achievements to its tactical and technical characteristics. The total mass of the bike is 173 kg, the maximum speed is above 200 kilometers per hour. The bike accelerates to the first 100 km/h in less than 3 seconds. Power is 160 horsepower.
It is impossible to buy a new motorcycle of this model now. The average cost for this used model is about 500,000 rubles.
An overview and test drive of this motorcycle is presented in this video:
Harley-Davidson
Our top is opened by one of the most conservative and respected manufacturers, which is famous for large and heavy motorcycles.
Road Glide Limited
Dry weight 407 kg, loaded 423 kg.
As the manufacturer describes it, this is a bike for those who love the Milwaukee-Eight 114 V-Twin engine and the Sharknose shark-head fairing.
Powerful and obediently responsive 89 hp engine. with an instant response to turning the accelerator handle, it consumes 6.3 liters per 100 km. The motorcycle tank is 22.7 liters.
The motorcycle is equipped with all sorts of features for ease of movement, including the reflex™ defensive rider systems.
Now the price for this bike is approaching 2.5 million rubles.
CVO Limited
Dry weight 411 kg, loaded 428 kg.
The manufacturer presents this bike for those who are looking for a unique touring model and an aggressive, sometimes daring, style with a premium finish. The mention of premium trim hints that the price for the new bike will also be... premium.
The CVO Limited will appeal to those who enjoy the most powerful engine from Harley-Davidson.
A little more and it would have been two liters, but the Twin-Cooled™ Milwaukee-Eight 117 produces 105 hp, in addition to the motorcycle's Tomahawk™ wheels and heated handlebar grips.
With a fuel tank capacity of 22.7 liters, the motorcycle will use 6.3 liters per 100 km. The maximum amount of electronics and the reflex™ defensive rider systems are also used here.
All this pleasure from the assembly line will cost almost four million rubles.
Blackbird CBR1100XX
This motorcycle from Honda became available for purchase in 1997. Many expected it to compete with the then widely known Ninja ZX-11.
At the moment, we can say with complete confidence that the “black bird” is ahead of its competitor with a big head start. Some consider the Blackbird to be one of the best all-around bikes out there.
The model has an engine with a capacity of 164 horsepower. Weight is about 225 kilograms. The maximum permissible speed is 290 kilometers per hour.
The average cost for a used model is about 200,000 rubles.
A test drive of the Blackbird CBR1100XX motorcycle is presented in this video:
Yamaha R1
A legendary bike, known all over the world. The products produced by this manufacturer have always been progressive.
The motorcycle is made in a futuristic style, its power is 185 horsepower, and its weight is 177 kilograms. The maximum speed is 300 kilometers per hour.
The price for a used motorcycle is 150,000 rubles. To purchase a new bike you will need to pay about $4,000.
Watch a test drive of the Yamaha R1 motorcycle in this video:
Red Bull Rider
Few designers and engineers risk experimenting with the shape of a motorcycle body, but not the managers of the Red Bull company, which has held first place in the production of energy drinks for several years.
To prove to everyone that “Red Bull gives wings,” especially for the exhibition in Detroit, engineers presented the world’s only high-speed motorbike, stylized under the Red Bull company brand.
The motorcycle has a very aggressive design. The Red Bull Rider is not just a display piece for advertising, but also a fully functional bike. True, it is very far from the high-speed Jaguar, the maximum speed of the motorcycle is only 40 km/h, but you can easily travel 120 km on one tank of gasoline.
Suzuki Hayabusa
The model is widely known in Japan. Goes on sale in 1999. The wide popularity of this motorcycle is quite simple to explain: since its release, adjustments have been constantly made to the bike to allow it to compete with the latest models.
The manufacturer is trying to keep the motorcycle in the lead, and it is succeeding. At the moment, Suzuki Hayabusa can be considered one of the best. The engine power is 197 horsepower, which provides it with a top speed of 330 kilometers per hour.
To purchase a new motorcycle you will have to pay more than $5,000. A used model in the Russian Federation costs about 300,000 rubles.
A review of the motorcycle and a ride test on it is presented in this video review:
Indian
Some people have a lot of heavy-duty models, but on the other hand, is anyone surprised by this?
Roadmaster Dark Horse 116
The manufacturer calls it iconic and says that the number in the name is an indication of the new powerful 1890 cc air-cooled Thunder Stroke 116 engine. In addition, it has the best torque in its class - 168 Nm.
And what other modern fillings you won’t find in it! Even at first glance, the list is wow - 7-inch Ride Command touchscreen display with navigation, premium 200-watt premium audio system with Bluetooth, proximity entry system, tire pressure sensors, electronic windshield adjustment.
The gas tank volume is close to 20.8 liters, and the weight is close to 394 kilograms .
This pleasure costs more than three million rubles.
Challenger Limited
Big and menacing. The motorcycle is powered by a 1768 cc liquid-cooled PowerPlus engine that produces 122 hp. fed from a 22.7 liter tank.
Naturally, a complete set of modern electrics - electronic cruise control, ABS system and contactless ignition, an electronic dashboard with all the necessary sensors and all-LED lighting. The bike with hard side panniers and a comfortable windshield weighs 361 kilograms.
The asking price for this “behemoth” is almost three million rubles.
Ninja ZX-14 (ZZR1400)
Every manufacturer tries to create a product that can impress any buyer. And Kawasaki succeeded. The reason for this is not only the beautiful appearance of the motorcycle. This model has excellent tactical and technical characteristics.
Maximum power – 210 horsepower. The motorcycle boasts a top speed of more than 300 kilometers per hour. These figures are truly impressive.
The price of a motorcycle on the secondary market starts from 400,000 rubles.
Review and test drive of the Ninja ZX-14 motorcycle:
MV Agusta F4 CC
One of the legendary motorcycles has a limited edition and is difficult to purchase even on the secondary market. Tamburini, a very popular designer, participated in its creation. Ferrari engineers also took part.
The appearance of the vehicle indicates that the bike is capable of reaching high speeds - the maximum is 306 kilometers per hour. Power reaches 200 horsepower. Overtaking this motorcycle on the highway will be quite problematic.
A nice addition is the many adjustments: this includes adjusting the suspension, adjusting the steering angle, and it is also possible to change the height of the console pendulum. The pilot can adjust the height of the footrest individually to suit his height. The engine has a control unit that can change power depending on the mode set by the pilot of the vehicle.
Skeleton Bike
On the roads you can see quite a few “steel horses” in a deadly form, but they are all stylized as decadent in a garage setting. Another thing is the conceptual development of the engineering company The Crypt (USA), which created its Skeleton on a professional basis.
The presentation of the custom Titanium Skeleton Bike was not well received - even experienced bikers were somewhat shocked by such an afterlife appearance of the new motorcycle, which was also planned as a production one. The custom bike is made in the shape of a human skeleton with all the anatomical details. The first fans of the new “crunch”—that’s what these motorcycles are called—were American informals, who received the new bike with a bang.
Technically, the Skeleton has a number of unique components and assemblies, for the production of which new technologies are used. To bring the frame as close as possible to the shape of the human spine, a medical skeleton cast from titanium was used in production. This made it possible to reduce the overall weight of the structure and make it extremely durable.
The fuel tank of the motorcycle is shifted down, the refueling hatch is located on the opposite side on the rear fender. The headlights, as befits a racer from the underworld, are located in the eye sockets of the skull.
S1000RR
Motorcycle from BMW. This model gained great popularity immediately after the 2009 world championship. BMW pilots took part in the S1000RR. Became available for purchase in 2008.
It quickly and confidently gains its 336 kilometers. Power is 225 horsepower. The mass of the bike is 162 kilograms.
In the Russian Federation, a used model can be purchased for 550,000 rubles. To take possession of this motorcycle from BMW without mileage, you will have to pay 1,250,000 rubles.
An overview and test drive of this model is presented in the following video:
Turbine Superbike
A bike from MTT is also in the lead. Only 5 representatives of this model go on sale per year, which makes the motorcycle unique.
This bike has several features, for example, a gas turbine engine. The model is also equipped with an LCD monitor that displays the rear view. The bike has a lot of new electronics built into it.
The mass is 225 kilograms, but despite the heaviness, the maximum speed is 365 kilometers per hour. Power is 193 horsepower.
If you want to get this unit into your garage, you will need to pay a fairly large sum of $200,000.
Moto Welbike
Welbike celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2021. The motorcycle still combines unique functionality and ingenious simplicity of design, but this does not mean that anyone can build such equipment in their garage.
The Welbike was created by engineers of the British intelligence service for very specific purposes - to increase the maneuverability of a soldier during sabotage operations in enemy territory. During the three years of World War II, England produced 3,853 of these motorcycles - this suggests that the bike really met all wartime requirements.
In 1945, Welbike production was discontinued, and some of the new vehicles were transferred to the Royal Parachute Regiment. Most of the motorcycles were used for the military operation "Market Garden" in Holland in September 1944.
The power unit of the motorcycle is represented by a single-cylinder two-stroke engine with a volume of 98 cubic meters with an air cooling system. The motorcycle was easily folded and placed in a container with a diameter of 40 cm, and after landing, the soldier needed only 15 seconds to unfold the motorcycle and set it in motion.
The total weight of the motorcycle is 32 kg, fuel capacity is 3.5 liters, maximum speed is 50 km/h. This reserve was enough to cover 140 km of travel, which is a lot under the conditions of a military operation. It was this motorcycle that was approved as military transport for the British army until 1950.
Today, the rare motorcycle can occasionally be seen on the roads of Europe - collectors prefer to use it rather than keep it in the garage.
Street Fighter
Another model from the manufacturer MTT. It has an incredibly beautiful appearance, impressive dimensions and incredible power. Outwardly, it is very similar to a turbine bike, but the tactical and technical indicators are very different.
The total power is 430 horsepower, which provides a top speed of 402 kilometers per hour.
Scientific progress opens up new frontiers for humanity. The TOP described above once again confirms the fact that nothing is impossible. The world does not stand still, new technologies are developing very quickly, and the very next day our ranking of the most powerful motorcycles in the world may become outdated. Over time, models will definitely appear that are several times more powerful and faster.
Gregory
Blog author
The most unusual combat motorcycles in history
Self-propelled two-wheeled vehicles appeared back in the 60s of the 19th century; initially, a steam engine was installed on them.
These were the most distant ancestors of modern motorcycles. The first motorcycle with an internal combustion engine was built by German engineers Wilhelm Maybach and Gottlieb Daimler in 1885. Both engineers are the founding fathers of two major automobile brands that are still known throughout the world today. Gradually, motorcycles developed, improved, and by the beginning of the First World War they reached a level that attracted the attention of the military of many countries. It is worth noting that before the start of the First World War, the horse remained the main means of transportation in all armies. Horses were used in armies in huge numbers, but they required daily care, they had to be fed and watered. For example, in the Russian Imperial Army in 1916, 50 percent of all food cargo was horse feed: oats, hay, feed straw. These were millions of pounds of cargo, which were not only heavy, but also took up a lot of space. The advent of mechanized vehicles greatly simplified logistics, and they could not be treated like a living creature.
Motorcycles were especially popular with infantry, signalmen and messengers. During the First World War, motorcycles underwent a baptism of fire and began to be used quite massively. They were used for courier communications, terrain reconnaissance, as a means of quickly transporting small loads, and in some cases as combat vehicles. Over time, weapons, small armor and camouflage paint began to appear on motorcycles. By the beginning of World War II, motorcycles were already widely used by all armies of the world, and the image of a German soldier on a motorcycle with a sidecar became a textbook example. Over time, designers began to offer unusual designs for combat motorcycles, even armored monsters. Let's look at the most interesting of unusual projects.
Armored motorcycle projects
The idea of equipping a motorcycle with a machine gun and minimal armor was proposed by Frederick Richard Simms back in 1898. This man, in fact, also founded the entire automotive industry in Great Britain. The project he created was something like a motorized wheelchair with a machine gun on board, which was covered with an armored shield. In modern terminology, his invention would be called an ATV. He mounted a 7.62 mm Maxim machine gun on it. A notable feature of the development, called Motor Scout, was that, if necessary, the driver-gunner could switch exclusively to pedal traction.
During the First World War, motorcycles began to receive weapons en masse.
In the armies of many countries, models appeared with a machine gun mounted in the stroller, which was covered in front by an armored shield. At the same time, the Russian Imperial Army also designed a self-propelled anti-aircraft gun based on a motorcycle. This model did not have any reservations. At the same time, a standard Maxim machine gun was placed in the carriage on the installation for conducting anti-aircraft fire. After the end of the First World War, one of the most powerful and heaviest motorcycles with a sidecar, the American Harley Davidson, became the basis for the creation of armored bicycles for many years. In the USA, back in the 1930s, police officers wanted to acquire motorcycles with armor. Apparently, it was due to the need to resist the gangsters who had received numerous Thompson submachine guns at their disposal. In fact, these motorcycles were ordinary versions of Harleys with a sidecar, on which armored shields with bulletproof glass inserts were installed on the front. The shields were similar to those used today by special forces during assaults and hostage rescues.
Motorcycle reservation option for American police
Much more advanced versions of armored bikes were designed in Europe in the 1930s. The Belgian and Danish militaries considered the possibility of using such equipment in a combat situation. Thus, the famous Belgian company FN (Fabrique Nationale) in 1935 created an armored bike for the Belgian army, designated FN M86. The model for the armed forces received an engine boosted to 600 cc and a reinforced frame. However, even such an engine, which produced 20 hp, gave in to additional armor, the weight of which reached 175 kg. The driver covered himself in front with a massive armored shield, which had a window. In a combat situation, the window was closed and it was possible to monitor the road through the viewing slot. The shooter in the wheelchair was protected by armor on three sides.
Armored Moto FN M86 armored bike at the parade in Sao Paulo
The military were not satisfied with the running capabilities of the motorcycle. The speed and maneuverability of the heavy vehicle left much to be desired. However, FN was successful in the international market. The model was sold to the Brazilian police under the designation Armored Moto FN M86. Both built motorcycles, as well as all the technical documentation for their production, went to Brazil. Moreover, other Latin American countries, as well as Romania and Yemen, later purchased such armored bikes. True, all the batches were small; in total, about 100 of these motorcycles were produced.
The engineers of the Swedish company Landsverk went even further, who built the Landsverk 210 armored bike for the Danish army. The model was created in 1932 on the basis of the Harley Davidson VSC/LC motorcycle. On this model, the driver was covered with armor not only from the front, but also from the back, and also partially from the side. At the same time, the armor protected the motorcycle itself, all important components and assemblies, and even partially covered the wheels. In Denmark the model was called FP.3 (Førsøkspanser 3). However, the military was not impressed by the model; it was very difficult to control the motorcycle, and it skidded a lot at speed. A powerful 1200 cc engine, developing up to 30 hp, did not save the situation, since the mass of armor and weapons placed on the model exceeded 700 kg.
Armored bike Landsverk 210, FP.3
Grokhovsky's armored bike
During the interwar period, the Soviet designer and engineer Pavel Ignatievich Grokhovsky proposed his own design for an armored combat motorcycle or simply an armored bike.
Pavel Grokhovsky was primarily an aircraft designer and worked in the interests of the newly emerging airborne troops. As we already know, he was not a pioneer in the creation of an armored vehicle; similar ideas were widely considered by the military of many countries in the 1930s. The designers offered numerous options for single-seat armored vehicles, as well as armored motorcycle models with a sidecar and machine gun armament. Grokhovsky’s armored bike differed from the developments of foreign designers primarily in the presence of a full-fledged armored hull that protected the fighter from all sides. Grokhovsky's armored vehicle was a small single-seat armored vehicle on a half-track chassis with a motorcycle-type front swivel wheel. The caterpillar mover was distinguished by the presence of only one belt, as well as two support wheels of small diameter on the sides. The armor is light, providing protection for the fighter and vehicle components from small arms fire and small fragments. The armored hull covered the entire motorcycle. The driver of the armored vehicle simultaneously served as a gunner, firing from a machine gun mounted in the front hull. The driver's seat was in a closed armored cabin at the front of the vehicle, followed by the engine and transmission compartment. To observe the terrain, the driver used viewing slots in the vehicle’s body, as well as a hemispherical turret on the roof of the body.
Grokhovsky's armored bike. Rice. A.Shepsa
Grokhovsky's armored bike was worked out in detail, but the military was not interested in the project, so it was never realized in metal. It’s a pity, considering that Germany’s own version of the half-track motorcycle appeared and was widely used during the Second World War, although it was a variant without armor, which proved to be an effective lightweight tractor-transporter. At the same time, like Grokhovsky’s armored vehicle, the German SdKfz 2 was created primarily for airborne troops.
Half-track motorcycle SdKfz 2
The German half-track motorcycle SdKfz 2 is rightfully considered one of the most interesting, and most importantly effective and sought-after examples of unusual combat motorcycles. This model became one of the heroes of the Hollywood film “Saving Private Ryan.”
Mosfilm is not lagging behind in this regard; SdKfz 2 is also presented in the Russian film “Star”, in which a Soviet reconnaissance group encounters a German patrol on a half-track motorcycle. From 1940 to 1945, 8871 such motorcycles were assembled in Germany, and after the end of the war, approximately 550 more machines were built from the existing stock. This model was developed as a transporter and half-track tractor for parachute and mountain ranger units. The vehicle was planned to be used as a light artillery tractor. At the same time, the undeniable advantage was that the motorcycle could be easily transported directly on board the main German military transport aircraft Ju-52. During the war, the half-track motorcycle found use in all parts of the German army. It was usually used to transport light artillery pieces: mountain and anti-aircraft guns, small-caliber mortars, and various trailers. The SdKfz 2 could also be used as a cable layer and even an aircraft tug at airfields.
Separately, we can highlight the fact that one of the factory delivery options was mounted armor, after installing which the half-track motorcycle turned into a combat reconnaissance vehicle armed with a machine gun. True, such a modification significantly increased the weight of the motorcycle, which negatively affected the speed characteristics and cross-country ability of the SdKfz 2. In the usual version, the SdKfz 2 half-track motorcycle could move over rough terrain at speeds of up to 40 km/h, and on the highway it could reach 62 km/h . At the same time, the standard carrying capacity of the model was 350 kg, the crew was up to three people.
Anti-tank scooter
One of the craziest projects in the history of military motor vehicles can be called the French anti-tank scooter Vespa 150 TAP.
The model was built serially and was produced in commercial quantities - from 500 to 800 pieces. The unusual scooter was specially designed for French paratroopers and was a carrier of an American-made 75-mm M20 recoilless rifle. When creating this model, the designers took as a basis the Italian Vespa scooter with a single-cylinder two-stroke gasoline engine. The main advantage of this solution was mobility; the speed of the scooter on paved roads reached 66 km/h. At the same time, its frame supported the weight of the American M20 recoilless rifle, which, although not the crown of creation, still penetrated 100 mm of armor with the help of cumulative projectiles.
Vespa 150 TAP
These combat scooters were supposed to be used in pairs. On one the recoilless rifle itself was mounted, on the other the shells were transported to it. Two paratroopers, having such means at their disposal, had to effectively fight the enemy’s light armored vehicles. To fire, the recoilless rifle was naturally removed from the scooter and placed on a machine reminiscent of the machine gun for the M1917 Browning machine gun. At the same time, in an emergency, it was possible to shoot directly from a scooter, however, one could forget about the accuracy of shooting.
