MTT Turbine Superbike
 | |
| Manufacturer | Marine Turbine Technologies |
|---|---|
| Also called | Y2K Superbike |
| Production | 2000–2005 |
| Class | Sport bike |
| Engine | Rolls-Royce 250-C18 turboshaft |
| Transmission | 2-speed semi-automatic |
| Suspension | mono shock adjustable, oleopneumatic, Öhlins |
| Brakes | 320 mm discs, 4-piston Brembo calipers |
| Rake, trail | 27 degrees |
| Wheelbase | 68 in (1,700 mm) |
| Dimensions |
L: 2450mm |
| Seat height | 840mm |
| Fuel capacity | 34 l (7.5 imp gal; 9.0 US gal) (diesel, kerosene, or Jet A) |
The MTT Y2K Turbine Motorcycle, also known as the Y2K Turbine Superbike, is a wheel-driven non-production motorcycle powered by a turboshaft engine. When MTT president Ted Mclntyre decided to add a motorcycle to his firm's range, he appointed Christian Travert, a former bike racer and custom builder, to head the project. Early models were powered by a Rolls-Royce-Allison Model 250-C18 gas turbine producing 320 shp (240 kW) at 52,000 rpm.}[1] Unlike some earlier jet-powered motorcycles where a massive jet engine provided thrust to push the motorcycle, the turboshaft engine on this model drives the rear wheel via a two-speed gearbox and chain and sprocket. The motorcycles are produced on demand and made to order for buyers.
The turbines used in the motorcycles are second-hand, having reached the United States FAA-mandated running time limit, after which they must be rebuilt regardless of condition. MTT refurbishes the engines and extends a long term warranty with the purchase of every bike.
The MTT Turbine Superbike does not require jet fuel to operate. MTT has fueled the Y2K with diesel, kerosene and Bio-Fuel with excellent results.
In 2006, MTT released the "Street Fighter," at the Las Vegas SEMA show. The Street Fighter began the standardization of the more powerful 420 hp (310 kW) turbine from the Allison 250-C20B engine.
In 2015, MTT released two new models. The first was a three-wheeled trike with the 420 HP turbine engine. It features the latest technology and enhanced safety features. The second new bike released by MTT is the 420-RR (Race Ready). The 420-RR is the most extreme bike that MTT produces based on technical advances, aerodynamics and Race Ready enhancements.
Reaction
Greatest Ever: Motorcycles, a television program by Discovery Channel, ranked the Turbine Superbike the fourth greatest motorcycle, stating that it held a Guinness World Record for the world's fastest production motorcycle, and that it was also the most expensive.
Paul Garson praised its audacity, while Jay Leno, who owns a Y2K Turbine Motorcycle, said, "It really does scare you half to death, but it's great fun."[2] Later, Leno said, "I've got to go with the Y2K Jet Bike as one of the all time sexiest. It's the most fun because it's a bike… and it's a jet, and because it's the best motorcycle ever for shutting up the Harley guys."
Men's Journal said it is, "One the most awe-inspiring, innovative, and otherwise amazing designs. With production limited to five per year it's no wonder the MTT Turbine Superbike has become a revolution", in their feature article 'Perfect Stuff'.
John Burns, of Motorcyclist, said, "Under full power, tracks like a bullet train…and the strangest thing is the complete lack of vibration. You hear the turbine but don't feel the turbine, except for the fact that it's trying to smoothly compress all your vertebrae into one dense donut."
"It's bloody mad and extremely scary… it feels like bungee-jumping, except with the bungee pulling you forwards and not upwards. The sheer sense of uncontrollable acceleration building and the wind noise rushing up to meet you", said John Cantlie of Motor Cycle News.
References
- ↑ PDF brochure of the MTT Turbine SUPERBIKE
- ↑ Greatest Ever: Motorcycles (Television production). Discovery Channel. Archived from the original on 2012-06-18. Retrieved 2013-02-17.
- ↑ "Most Expensive Bikes In The World", All10List
External links
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to MTT Turbine Superbike. |