The World's Fastest Motorcycles?

[Flyboy]

So far it's been an outstanding show on TV and I am excited that I was there personally to witness the challenges between these three great vehicles.

My question to the vets on this site. Do you consider a streamliner to be a motorcycle? I can understand the producers of this show to wanting to grab a wide as possible audience but do you vets consider these vehicles motorcycles? Websters Dictionary definition of a motorcycle is "a motor vehicle similar to a bicycle..."

What do you think?

[lvsalt]

They are the ULTIMATE motorcycles!!!!!!!!

 Are streamliners cars?    they are the ULTIMATE cars!!!!

[JackD]

The difference between a Motorcycle and a Car was defined by the originators .
That goes back awhile.
Nothing has changed.

[ack]

Let me think they steer like a motorcycle, balance like a motorcycle they run on two wheels like a motorcycle, lean like a motorcycle they crash like a motorcycle, are affected by cross winds like a motorcycle use motorcycle engines and they are classified by every land speed organization as a motorcycle. I guess that?s why they call them motorcycles, but what they know.

The main difference I see between Streamliners and conventional motorcycles, other than the obvious physical differences is the skill required to successfully ride one at high speed.  Almost any one can learn to ride a conventional motorcycle in a straight line.  The riders that have successfully ridden fast streamliners have all been highly skilled motorcycle racers of various venues i.e. Rayborn, Vesco, Campos, Odom, Wheeler, Carr and Rocky.

[JackD]

The first women in the 2 club did it with a Motorcycle in 78 and her name is still Marcia.
How many women have operated a Streamliner Motorcycle at any speed.
The women part is far less important than she is in a very small crowd that did it and is more skilled than most bikers.

[t russell]

A bike is a bike a car is a car streamliners are just d cool

[Nortonist 592]

Of course they are motorcycles.  Just as much as the Costella Yacoucci streamliner is a car.  Two wheels, one track, a motorcycle engine and the rest is up to your imagination.

[ironwigwam]

Streamliners might be considered the ultimate motorcycle.
   Rick

[PorkPie]

Streamliners are the ultimate vehicle in LSR, doesn't matter if four wheels or two.

Talking about two wheeler - a two wheeler streamliner is much more difficult to "ride" - in reality you sit in the streamliner - what means you have no chance to controll them with the body - the magic work is countersteering...

Due to this that streamliners got a "wonderful own mind" in his turning around his center of grafity line - call it a rolling barrel - it's very critical to keep him upright - normally helps only a big fin - only the Ack Attack need it not due to his design, but therefore he got a much bigger cross section.

This make the whole riding much more critical by crosswind.

Don Vesco and Sam Wheeler said the same - you have to be born to ride a streamline "bike" proper straight - and by the way....don't forget Leppan, H. P. Mueller and Allen.....................

[bbb]

as with any pairing down... bikes are sit on and sit in. two wheels are what keep the kin.

thats the best jack moment I could muster.

[Freud]

And Jess Thomas and Gary Richards. Gary established his record with a broken frame and not a single track but a dual black line on the salt because of misalignment. Boris Murray, Bill Wirges.

I don't think Boris established a record but all of the others are in the 2 Club. Boris rode for Denis years ago.

Bill Wirges, with his triple Kawasakis, finally established a record and he paid his dues BIG TIME. It's just that he was running when Vesco was very active.


FREUD

[joea]

i dont see any two wheeled streamliner drivers that have also
set records over 240 on a sit on bike and visa versa.....

is it lack of skill.....or other....?.........


Joe

[Freud]

It's only been recently that many anyones have been going over 240 on sit ons.


FREUD

[Flyboy]

But doesn't the classification of a streamline as a motorcycle possibly discredit the achievements of those that have gone over 240-250 mph on a sit-on bike?

On a sit-on bike:

1)  When sitting the bike is between your legs which is true of most production motorcycles.
2) there's the constant streamlining with the body which is an art in itself.
3) If there's  a wipe -out, there is nothing to protect the driver.
4) A motorcycle can be ridden on the street.
5) It comes assembled from a manufactorer and the driver adds his power accesories.
6) When you say the word "motorcycle" it means the same in all languages.

I've never been over 200 on my bike and I've never driven a streamliner. Ack you brought up some good points about CG and driving. Is it true the driver has no lean input while underway? Could someone please explain "countersteering".

In conclusion, I don't want those that have gone over 240 mph on a sit-on bike to feel neglected. Although the steamliners are exciting and more of a refined piece of technological art, my admiration goes to the drivers of those record setting sit-on bikes.

[JackD]

i dont see any two wheeled streamliner drivers that have also
set records over 240 on a sit on bike and visa versa.....

is it lack of skill.....or other....?.........


Joe

The streamlining and the power have been well established for a long time. The recent uptick in the speeds can be attributed to the weight that allows more HP to be applied with a Store Bought assembly.
 The tires are the biggest contribution to that.
Over 300mph, the tire selection and maintenance become the largest limiting factor.