A Ii Wheeled Holden?

Source: Two Wheels - #iv
Author: Warwick Robbins

TAKE a 210 bhp, half dozen-cylinder Holden engine, a supercharger, various lengths of steel subway system, a conglomeration of cogs, chains in addition to shafts, an class-ment of mechanical bits and pieces, throw together methodically, add ii wheels — too you've got a motorbike?

You too require some other element — the guts to ride it. One hopes Dennis O'Regan takes afterward his Irish ancestors inward that honour, because he'sec for sure going to need a fair helping of intestinal fortitude when he climbs aboard.

Over three recent months Dennis, who lives inward the outer Sydney suburb of Kingswood, with the help of his blood brother and several mates, has been edifice upwardly an outfit which is guaranteed to warm the blood of every drag fan in Australia.

The primary divergence between this together with other drag bikes so far seen on Australian strips is inwards the power unit — a 1955 Holden half dozen. This has been mounted sideways inwards a particular frame which had its rootage a long manner dorsum on a Triumph outfit. The only function of the Triumph frame which is left is the parent department which mounts the cycle as well as will eventually bear the place. However, even this is due for roughly extra modification.

The forepart of the frame is all Dennis' own work. It is built of welded steel subway with heavy estimate plate for engine mounts as well as brackets. The pinnacle subway system is 21 in. diameter, 11 judge as well as the ii front engine braces ii inward., xvi guess. The residuum is inward one in. or xi inwards., 11 judge. The engine itself is built inward to form function of the frame. The forepart forks are from a BSA 125, mounted on an Aerial stem. However, this volition live replaced with a stalk of Dennis' ain making to convey the forks closer together to gibe a xx inwards. Bultaco forepart cycle running a ii.75 width tyre. The front end cycle will besides be fitted alongside a brake for starting solely. The nurture wheel is the original xx inwards. Triumph, unsprung and volition eventually live fitted amongst a 300 Avon drag slick.

Altogether the frame is extremely elementary still designed for maximum strength. In measure form the engine puts out nigh 65 bhp only when the wheel commencement appears it will probably be producing in the vicinity of .140 bhp. However, the supercharger should easily boost this over the 200 score alongside other modifications and careful tuning. At 1 phase Dennis idea of including a gear-box, perhaps an early Morris unit, inward home of the transfer shaft, only this posed as well many problems and volition non be required anyway, equally he has dropped plans for using the car for roadwork.

The fuel tank volition either be mounted underneath the meridian frame fellow member inward front end of the motor or along the peak fellow member in the class of some other tube. It volition take a capacity of nearly half a gallon. Another engine alteration will be the improver of a fabricated sump, angled to the center for a centre oil pickup and to pass on ameliorate ground clearance at the sides.

The electrics volition be every bit for the normal Holden, but both the generator together with starter motor volition be scrapped. It volition besides work without a radiator. With an estimated final weight of most 6501b, a possible standing quarter speed of 140 mph at 7500 rpm too time about ten seconds this is going to be a pretty mobile rig.

However, Dennis says he won't necessitate a parachute, just a standard back brake — in addition to a good prayer. So far this project has toll him exclusively $50. Final toll will likely live most $400. If yous're a drag fan, go on your eyes open up for an extra wide, 2-bike monster in vivid orange.