World's Fastest Motorcycle JET POWERED!

Make Model	MTT Y2K Turbine Superbike
Year	2001
Engine	Rolls Royce Allison 250 series gas turbine
Max Power	320 hp @ 52000 rpm (286 hp @ rear wheel)
Max Torque	425 ft-lbs @ 2000 rpm
Transmission  /  Drive	2 Speed automatic
Front Suspension	55 mm inverted
Rear Suspension	mono-shock adjustable oleopneumatic, Öhlins
Front Brakes	2x 320mm discs 4 piston caliper
Rear Brakes	Single 320mm disc 4 piston caliper
Front Tyre

Rear Tyre

Dry-Weight	190 kg
Fuel Capacity	34 Liters
Top Speed	250 mp/h  /  402 km/h

With a power output of 286bhp and a top I speed of well over 200mph (322km/h), I the bike that was named Y2K and produced by Louisiana firm Marine Turbine Technologies was almost certainly the most powerful and fastest motorcycle ever to go into series production. Given that Y2K was powered by a gas turbine engine previously used in a helicopter, its performance was hardly surprising.

Jet engines had been used to power drag-racing bikes and a few one-off creations before, but this was the first time that such a machine was produced for roadgoing use. Despite Y2K's price of US $150,000, there was enough demand for Marine Turbine to build and sell a small series of machines over the next few years.

Jet aero engine

With a Rolls-Royce badge on its nose - the turbine was Rolls' Allison 250 as used in the Bell JetRanger - and emitting a high-pitched whine of a kind normally heard on an airport runway, Y2K seemed the most improbable of bikes. But in one way, it made perfect sense. Marine Turbine Technologies (MTT) specialized in taking 'timed-out' jet aero engines - units that had reached the strict limits on running hours, imposed for safety reasons - and using them in new applications, from boats to fire pumps plus the occasional four-wheeled vehicle.When MTT president Ted Mclntyre decided to add a motorcycle to his firm's range, he appointed Christian Travert, a former bike racer and custom builder, to head the project. Jet engines run best at a constant speed, and in helicopter use the turbine's compressor spun at over 50,000rpm. For motorcycle use, Travert added a gearbox and clutch to take drive through 90 degrees to a sprocket, and from there by chain to the rear wheel.

The motor ran on diesel. 'It can use anything from normal pump gas to tequila or even Chanel perfume,' said Travert. 'But diesel burns most efficiently, so that's what makes most power.' Travert also designed and built the chassis, which was similar in layout to that of a normal superbike - but much larger and stronger. A twin-beam aluminium frame held conventional Öhlins front forks and rear shock.If that sounded almost normal, riding the Y2K was anything but. The bike had a small TV screen in the cockpit (connected to a rear-facing camera) instead of mirrors. When the starter button was pressed the turbine picked up speed, its whine rising to a shriek, until the rev-counter showed 20,000rpm, from which point ignition occurred spontaneously and the bike was ready to go.

Low-speed acceleration was unexceptional due to the tall gearing dictated by a two-speed gearbox with automatic transmission. Then the bike came alive, accelerating from 50mph (80km/h) with thrilling force and a smoothness that was almost eerie. Given the engine's power and the way that Y2K scorched from a standstill to an independently recorded 227mph (365km/h) in just 15 seconds, MTT's claims of 250mph (402km/h) performance were entirely believable.

The turbine-powered machine was too long to handle like a sports bike, and required plenty of effort from its rider on a twisty road. But it was impressively stable both in a straight line and through fast curves. Its disc brakes were powerful, too, and

were needed often because shutting the throttle did not make the turbine slow in the normal way.

Despite Y2K's high price, MTT found a steady demand for what had to be the world's most outrageous production superbike. One bonus was that the gas turbine-powered machine came with an engine warranty for the life of the original owner. As Ted Mclntyre put it, 'Anyone who blows up one of these and lives deserves a new engine.

  

MTT Streetfighter Produces 420 Horsepower

MTT, Marine turbine Technologies Inc are turbine engine specialists. Based in South Louisiana, US, MTT is one of the world’s most experienced professionals in the turbine engine industry, having completed more diverse, custom turbine engine installations than any other company in the world.

After developing Y2K Turbine Superbike, which was powered by a Rolls Royce-Allison turbine. Producing 320 horsepower and 576Nm of torque but this machine seen was not enough to satisfy MTT’s adrenaline. So one step more has been taken. Headed by Ted McIntyre II, MTT built the Streetfighter that powered by Rolls Royce-Allison turbine to produce 420bhp and 680Nm of torque. While the Y2K Turbine Superbike could run to top speed of 227 mph (365 km/h), the MTT Streetfighter faster at least 400km/h. MTT Streetfighter as well as faster than MTT Y2K Turbine Superbike, features a bigger swingarm, Pirelli Diablo 240-section rear tyre, increased fuel capacity and an enhanced cooling system.

Featuring a full carbonfibre fairing, 17-inch carbonfibre wheels, tubular aluminium alloy frame, a rear-mounted camera with LCD color display, computerized ignition and two-speed automatic transmission, a 55mm USD fork and oleo-pneumatic, Öhlins fully adjustable monoshock, and 3 x 320mm discs from Brembo, this MTT Streetfighter is priced US$175,000.

 

India Bike Week 2013 show report and gallery

The first edition of the India Bike Week saw 6,500 enthusiasts and 3,000 bikes turn up for two days of mayhem.

 

The first edition of the India Bike Week turned out just as we expected, only better. The India Bike Week is the first of its kind here because it's open to anyone on two wheels. And two-wheelers did come. In hordes. Estimates suggest around 6,500 enthusiasts and 3,000 bikes came to Goa on the 2nd and 3rd of February to eat, meet, greet, drink and celebrate the spirit of motorcycling. 

And what did the festivities comrpise? Well, for starters, there were 28 live bands and DJs. There was cage fighting and there were the watering holes — the Howling Dog bar and the Coyote Ugly bar. But that's not all. There was so much more to it. Ever seen a turbine engined motorcycle that has a top speed of 402kph and get to 320kph in just 5.3seconds? Ever seen a 1914 Triumph 'H' Trusty 500cc looking like it left the showroom yesterday?  Or a Royal Enfield that's being readied for a land speed record run at Bonneville next year? 

Ever had a chance to talk to a couple who's riding around the world on their BMW GS 1200 Adventure? Or that chap who bought a KTM 640 and rode it around South America for four months before bringing the bike back with him to India? 

They have stories to tell. Stories you can learn from. Stories that one day might come helpful when you run out of gas in Bolivia.

There was a biker build-off competition, safe riding courses, a biker flea market, bike accessories, bike everything. And the lamb chops were phenomenal.

Meeting so many different kinds of bikers was one of the highlights for us from Autocar India. They say you meet the nicest people on a Honda, but you can also meet them on a Yamaha, BMW, Triumph, Ducati, Bajaj or a KTM.

Some say the event felt like a Harley meet, but this is untrue. It just looked like a Harley meet because Harley Davidson was one of the main supporters (other bike makers, where were you?) of India Bike Week. 

In fact, that is one of the aims of the organisers for next year's event. To get support from more 

Indian manufacturers and give this already fantastic event a healthy mix. 

Most importantly though what the organisers got right was the vibe. It felt good, it was right. It elevated motorcycling. We, for one, are really looking forward to next year.

 

Beautifully detailed Harley 48 built by Rajputana Customs. 

 

The India Bike Week had on offer everything a biker needs. 

 

The MTT Y2K. Turbine powered. 320bhp. Top speed; 402kph. 

 

Royal Enfield signs up MotoGB

Royal Enfield appoints MotoGB as its new distributor in the UK.

 

Royal Enfield, the Chennai-based motorcycle manufacturer, has appointed a new distributor, MotoGB for its bikes in the UK. MotoGB will take over from Royal Enfield’s long-standing distributor Watsonian Squire with immediate effect. 

MotoGB is the UK’s largest independent importer and distributor for imported bikes and scooters like SYM, MV Agusta, Benelli, Daelim, Keeway and now Royal Enfield as well. 

Royal Enfield has registered growth of over 50 percent in recent years in international markets and the UK being this motorcycle manufacturer’s place of origin, it is an important market for the company.   

 

KTM 390 Duke with ABS coming this June

 

KTM is ready to step up the excitement in the Indian market with their upcoming 390 Duke. While we wait for the official launch in June, some details regarding the baby Duke are coming to light.

A significant feature on the 390 Duke for India will be the inclusion of Bosch’s 9M ABS option. The sensors at the front and rear wheels will be connected to an independent ECU for the ABS function, that also monitor engine torque to optimise braking. This is certain to be a big boon as demanding Indian riding conditions are known to throw many uncertainties at street riders, all the more pertinent when the power on tap increases, such as with the 390 Duke. However, riders could also have the option of switching off the ABS system.

Just looking at the 390 Duke’s performance potential makes the ABS option a sensible move. The 390 Duke is 25cc short of doubling the displacement of the 200 Duke, and 43bhp is considerably more power than the 200 Duke. Despite the jump in power, the 390 puts on just under 10kg, which means its power to weight ratio is a gob smacking 290bhp per tonne! The Ninja 650 has a power to weight ratio of 337bhp per tonne, so, it’s clear the 390 Duke is going to be a properly fast motorcycle.

What’s putting all the power down? The 390 Duke comes shod with 110mm section front and 150mm section rear tyres, like on the 200 Duke. There’s 300mm front and 230mm rear discs, again from the 200 Duke, and including ABS ensures the 390 Duke’s performance can be enjoyed with a lot less to worry about.

 

 

 

Porsche Museum

The successful record of Stuttgart’s sports-car manufacturer is based on decades of experience in automotive manufacturing and in motorsports. The history of Porsche sports cars begins in 1948 with the legendary Type 356 "No. 1,” but the conceptual basis of the brand is the result of the lifelong work of Professor Ferdinand Porsche (1875–1951), which was continued by his son Ferry (1909–1998).

By establishing an independent engineering office in Stuttgart in 1931, Ferdinand Porsche laid the foundations for the House of Porsche, and he made automotive history by pioneering developments for his client companies. During the past six decades, Porsche has experienced many high points as well as low ones. But thanks to efficient production methods, distinctive positioning of its brand, and innovative models such as the 356, 911, 914, 924, 944, 928, and the Boxster and the Cayenne, the former sports-car specialist has developed into one of the world's most successful automobile manufacturers.

This unique history is both an honor and an obligation. Porsche customers, shareholders, and Porsche fans had often expressed their wish for an inspiring place in which to display the corporate history, and in July 2004 Porsche’s Management Board responded by approving the construction of a new museum at Zuffenhausen’s Porscheplatz. After three years of construction the museum as an architectural emblem of the Porsche brand makes now history as the most spectacular building project ever undertaken by the company. The Porsche Museum houses a Central Department offering all the historical and contemporary knowledge about Porsche. It serves to present the fascinating thrill and diversity of the Porsche brand to visitors from all over the world.

For more info:  http://www.porsche.com/international/aboutporsche/porschemuseum/