Turbine engine motorcycle legality

[buddy]

So i am aware that road legal ones exist. I am just wondering how it would work. As far as i can see i would need an MSVA test if i converted a bike to a turbine engine.

The biggest issue i can see is that it has no capacity. As far as i can work out, if the bike is old enough there wont be any emissions requirements.

Im an engineer by trade and am in the process of building my 2nd turboshaft engine, technically i can do it. Id love to put it in a bike and have it legal though.
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When this baby hits 88 miles per hour... you're gonna see some serious shit.

[Robby]

It could be entered with a capacity of 0cc. I think this is done for electric vehicles, where some kind of size has to be entered.

Probably one to discuss with DVLA when you try to register it. I would assume there would be a lot less red tape if the frame it goes into is over 40 years old - so tax is zero rated. Could possibly avoid MSVA going down that route as well. I'm not sure how the points system currently works for deciding if something needs an MSVA, and if it ends up on a Q plate.

Personal geeky interest angle - can you hook it up to a generator and make a diesel-battery-electric turbine hybrid motorcycle?

[stinkwheel]

Not sure it would trigger an MSVA if you retain the original unaltered frame, suspension, wheels and brakes.
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[buddy]

I had also thought the classic bike route may make life easier.

Im sure you could go "diesel electric" It would probably be the easiest route to go down to be honest.
My plan is to use a scooter cvt and clutch assembly. That is, if its worth doing. Im building the engine either way.
____________________
When this baby hits 88 miles per hour... you're gonna see some serious shit.

[buddy]

Id imagine insuring it may be difficult too, but again, there are others out there that have done it
____________________
When this baby hits 88 miles per hour... you're gonna see some serious shit.

[Polarbear]

How on earth would you reduce the turbine revs to a usable level? My limited experience of gas turbines is the turbine is tiny but the gearbox is built like a brick shithouse because of the massive forces and rev reduction needed. My only experience is of gas turbine emergency ships generators however.
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Triumph Trophy Launch Edition

[buddy]

The freepower unit (the bit that does the driving) doesnt need to rev as high as the gas producer(turbine engine). Gearboxes are available that can do 50k rpm or higher. I think the one for the h2 supercharger is good for 80k rpm i think.

Im aiming for 20hp with this engine, nothing too exciting.
____________________
When this baby hits 88 miles per hour... you're gonna see some serious shit.

[buddy]

[stinkwheel]

Or just buy something that's already a Q-plate, then who's to know?
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[MCN]

I think..... I registered two auld BSAs never registered before.

Registration required:

OEM name.
Model.
Date of manufacture.
Chassis number.
Engine serial number.

Plus the other owner detail.

I'm not suggesting that a made-up power unit cannot be fitted, but their will be hurdles.
An independent engineer's report etc. might help.

DVLA will have some guidance if you can get through to them on phone or email. (better).

Turbo bikes are not impossible.

Insurance will be the most difficult item.
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Disclaimer: The comments above may be predicted text and not necessarily the opinion of MCN.

[buddy]

People register and insure steam traction engines theyve made themselves entirely in their shed... Allan Millyard makes his own engines and installs them into modified bikes. It must be doable
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When this baby hits 88 miles per hour... you're gonna see some serious shit.

[MCN]

[stinkwheel]

Genuinely, as I said before, if you do an engine swap only and don't modify the original frame, wheels and suspension, all you need to do is notify the DVLA of a change of engine number. Send it in with a letter from the MOT station stating vehicle vin ABC123 is now fitted with engine number DEF456. Swansea drone sees the form, types in the numbers, new V5 comes back.

Theere are insurers who specialise in heavily modified vehicles. I use bikesure, all the mods on my 612 enfield are fully declared to them (exhuast, brakes, suspension, engine, bodywork. Basically the only thing not modified is the frame.). My mate has an Ural running with a 1.9 passat turbo diesel in it, this is also done via bikesure. You phone them up, tell them what you have and send in photos, they do you a quote.

My insurance is fairly spendy at £450 comp but there are four bikes on it including the pimped one which is on an agreed value. Also includes euro recovery, even for the >25 year old ones. Perversely, the little Minsk 125 is the "main" bike now, apparently the highest risk out of a highly tuned enfield bullet, bullet trials bike and VFR750.
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[Easy-X]

[stinkwheel]

[Ste]