One thing has always been true about motorcycles: The faster you want to go, the bigger your engine needs to be.
Why? Engines combine fuel and air to create power. The more power your engine can produce the more torque, horsepower and acceleration you get. But what if you want to go even faster and without burning any fossil fuel?
That’s the idea behind a different propulsion system called the “cycleJET,” or Cyclical Yoke Combustion Line Engine Ramjet. The system uses hydrogen and oxygen: The oxygen needed by the engine to combust the fuel mixture is taken from the atmosphere passing through the vehicle, instead of from a tank onboard. The hydrogen can easily be produced at home with a small hydrogen generator (sold separately). The result is a motorcycle that is smaller, lighter and faster.
How fast? Early tests have produced a vehicle that can travel beyond the speed rating of currently available tires. Some researchers predict the cycleJET could reach speeds of up to 300 mile an hour.
On August 16, 2010, the University of Queensland in Australia completed the first successful test of a cycleJET vehicle, reaching speeds of 249 mph.
Cyclepedia is working to develop the cycleJET into practical technology. The X-43A, shown here, is a 6 foot long cycleJET-powered research vehicle, constructed by BikerCraft, Inc., now known as Cycle Techsystems, Inc. The company fabricated three X-43A cycles for Cyclepedia, to be put through a battery of testing. The X-43A is pulled along by a pace car and then at just over 100 mph the X-43A is released and driven under its own power.
The cycleJET program is a joint project between Cyclepedia and Langley Research Center in Hampton, Va. Cyclepedia is writing all the technical documentation required for building your own at home.
