Why aren't there more turbo bikes?
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- Elite
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Why aren't there more turbo bikes?
Something I'm missing?
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- Elite
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- flynrider
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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.
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.
Bikin' John
'93 Honda CB750 Nighthawk
'93 Honda CB750 Nighthawk
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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.
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.

[url=http://www.motoblag.com/blag/]Practicing the dark and forgotten art of using turn signals since '98.[/url]
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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.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.
However, like others said, it just isn't practical, just get a better motor

2008 BMW K1200S
2003 Z1000 - For Sale
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2003 Z1000 - For Sale
1979 KZ650B - Work in progress
2005 Ducati SS 1000DS - sold :'(
1994 VFR750 Interceptor - sold
1984 VF700F Interceptor - sold
2004 Hyosung GV250 - sold