Engineering a Jet-Propelled Motorcycle
While the Harley-Davidson Street Glide is renowned for its stock power, particularly in its latest iterations, the world of custom motorcycle building often pushes boundaries beyond conventional engineering. In a recent project, Matt Mikka, an engineer and fabricator from the YouTube channel Warped, undertook the challenge of converting a used Street Glide to operate exclusively on two miniature jet engines.
The conversion process was highly intricate, necessitating the removal of the motorcycle’s original engine and transmission. To accommodate the new propulsion system, Mikka and his team had to develop a custom mounting structure. They utilized waterjet cutting and welding to securely integrate the twin turbines into the space typically occupied by the bike's saddlebags.
Because jet turbines consume significant amounts of fuel due to their massive air intake requirements, the team fabricated an auxiliary 11.3-gallon fuel reservoir, positioned where the original engine once sat, to provide a steady supply of diesel. Furthermore, the standard charging system was discarded in favor of a custom-built battery pack utilizing Tesla cells.
Performance and Riding Experience
The performance metrics of this custom build are unconventional. Producing approximately 150 pounds of combined thrust, the bike—weighing roughly 350 pounds after the removal of its heavy powertrain—managed a 0-60 mph sprint during testing. While these figures may not break land-speed records, the sensory experience is reportedly unparalleled.
Sean Kerr of the YouTube channel Bikes and Beards, the client for this build, noted that operating the machine is a complex, aircraft-like procedure. Any deviation from the startup sequence could cause the system to fail. Regarding the experience, Kerr remarked:
«After hearing this bike, this is not only the coolest thing I own, it's the loudest motorcycle I've ever heard in my entire life.»
The ride itself offers a stark departure from the traditional Harley-Davidson experience. Devoid of engine vibrations or gear shifting, the machine moves forward solely through the force of jet exhaust, creating a unique sensation for the operator regardless of the modest acceleration.
Safety Measures for Jet Propulsion
Integrating jet engines onto a motorcycle frame introduced significant hazards. To mitigate the risk of catastrophic failure, Mikka fabricated containment shields around the turbines to protect the rider in the event of an explosion.
Another major safety concern involved uncontrolled acceleration. Similar to a “runaway diesel” scenario, the engines could potentially remain throttled regardless of rider input. To combat this, an emergency shut-off valve was installed to immediately terminate the fuel supply. Additionally, spectators were warned of the extreme heat and flames emitted during startup and operation, as the turbines discharge intense exhaust directly behind the motorcycle.