Why aren't there more turbo bikes?

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Heimdall Einherjar · Thu Apr 06, 2006 9:20 pm

Something I'm missing?

Mintbread · #2 Unread post by **Mintbread** » Thu Apr 06, 2006 9:27 pm

Why put a turbo on a streetbike?

Heimdall Einherjar · Thu Apr 06, 2006 9:29 pm

Well, let's say you've got some dinky little thing like a Ninja 250 and you wanted to give it some cajones... wouldn't a turbo be the most logical way to do that?

Mintbread · #4 Unread post by **Mintbread** » Thu Apr 06, 2006 9:32 pm

You can pick up cheap sportsbikes with over 100 ponies that go like a stung cat. Why mess with a 250?

flynrider · #5 Unread post by **flynrider** » Thu Apr 06, 2006 9:58 pm

A turbo is not something you just bolt onto a bike. They require lots of intake and exhaust plumbing that most bikes just don't have room for. It's not an easy proposition and would be a waste of time and energy on something like a Kaw 250. As Mint pointed out, for less than the cost of a turbo conversion, you can buy a bike with 3 times the horsepower of the little Ninja.

Back in the 80s there was a surge of turbo bikes from the factories, with a few exceptions, most were disappoinments as well as maintenance nightmares.

#6 Unread post by **Skier** » Thu Apr 06, 2006 10:24 pm

It's cheaper and easier for companies to get more power out of motorcycle motors than to slap on a turbo. And, as mentioned earlier, it's a little more complicated than just "slapping" it on.

However, they sure are fun to ride and listen to. A friend of mine has a turbocharged 'busa. Let's just say it looks interesting to see the rear tire stand up and make smoke at 100 MPH... just from the throttle.

1/4 throttle and 5 PSI was all I was good for on that thing, it was absolutely terrifying.

... and I want to ride it again now, thanks.

Meanie · #7 Unread post by **Meanie** » Fri Apr 07, 2006 2:51 am

There are already too many fools who can't handle the fast bikes. How do you think they would handle turbo? Don't answer that, I already know the answer.

jstark47 · #8 Unread post by **jstark47** » Fri Apr 07, 2006 3:12 am

Just how fast do you need to go, anyway? Aside from tracks, there aren't many places to safely use all that acceleration. Leastways, not around where I live (New Jersey.)

SuperRookie · Fri Apr 07, 2006 3:51 am

Turbo on a bike

I thought that was a joke. Maybe on a drag bike. Other than that, no useful purpose exists that I can conjure up.

DivideOverflow · Fri Apr 07, 2006 3:54 am

SuperRookie wrote:Turbo on a bike I thought that was a joke. Maybe on a drag bike. Other than that, no useful purpose exists that I can conjure up.

How about to increase the mid-range on a bike that makes more power in the upper rpms? Seems like a great reason to me... Get a motor that makes it's power near redline, and put a turbo that spools and boosts at 4000rpm... makes for a nice increase on the way up.

However, like others said, it just isn't practical, just get a better motor