Motorcycles with Car Engines

Mount a car engine in a frame of motorcycle It may seem like an absurd idea, but this madness has been successfully implemented many times. However, some models have taken this idea to a whole new level, creating some of the wildest motorcycles ever seen.

Over the decades, many automakers have used motorcycle engines into small, affordable cars. However, some manufacturers and enthusiasts have decided to do the opposite: build motorcycles powered by car engines.

The result? Some of the most insane two-wheeled machines in history, like the five examples below.

1. Van Veen OCR 1000

A Van Veen OCR 1000 may even look like a conventional motorcycle, but its mechanical heart proves otherwise. It was powered by a rotary car engine originally developed..

Its story began in 1974, when the Dutch company Van Veen unveiled a prototype at the Cologne Motorcycle Show in Germany. Built on a custom frame, this crazy superbike was equipped with a 996cc twin-rotor Wankel engine, able to deliver 100 hp.

This engine was initially created by Engine, a joint venture between NSU and the Citroën. However, due to reliability problems, it never made it into a mass-production automobile. Van Veen acquired the rights to the design and adapted the unit for his revolutionary motorcycle.

Unfortunately, mechanical problems persisted, and the high cost of the bike restricted its sales. Ultimately, only 30 units were produced, making the OCR 1000 a valuable rarity today.

2. Boss Hoss Classic Cruiser

If you are a hardcore motor fan Chevy V8, but also loves riding motorcycles, Boss Hoss Classic Cruiser was made for you.

Since 1990, The Boss Hoss manufactures motorcycles and tricycles powered by Chevrolet V8 car engine, with the Classic Cruiser being one of its most iconic models. With an absurd wheelbase of 2.03 meters, this bike is no ordinary Harley – in fact, it’s even more imposing.

A Classic Cruiser can be equipped with three engine options Chevy V8:

• LS1: 445 hp
• 383 Stroker: 430 hp
• Small Block 454: 563 hp

In addition to the Classic Cruiser, The Boss Hoss offers several other models equipped with these powerful V8 engines. Even though they are heavy motorcycles, the power of the engines guarantees a unique and adrenaline-filled riding experience.

3. Dodge Tomahawk

O Dodge Tomahawk started as a break idea between two employees of Dodge, but soon became a functional conceptual vehicle. Although it would be an exaggeration to call it a motorcycle, it had handlebar and behaved like a motorcycle.

Presented in North American International Auto Show of 2003, the Tomahawk surprised the world with his 8.3 liter V10 engine, taken directly from Dodge Viper. This monster generated impressive 500 hp, coupled to a solid chassis made of aluminum alloy.

In theory, this engine could take the Tomahawk to incredible 643 km/h, but in practice, this has never been proven. Experienced riders have tried to test the bike's speed, but no one has been able to surpass it. 320 km/h.

Initially, the Dodge produced only one copy. However, the American luxury retailer Neiman Marcus acquired the rights to manufacture nine more units.

4. Millyard Viper V10

A Dodge Tomahawk was insane, but many bikers thought it was more engine than motorcycle. That's when the British engineer Allen Millyard decided to create his own version of a motorcycle powered by V10 engine.

Different from Tomahawk, The Millyard Viper V10 had an aesthetic closer to a traditional motorcycle. However, it had a 8.0 liters It is 500 hp, taken directly from a Dodge Viper.

Even weighing 600 kg, the motorcycle was fast. In 2023, Millyard broke the speed record for UK Timing Association, reaching 295 km/h with a passenger and 333 km/h driving alone. These numbers show that, in addition to being an impressive piece of engineering, the Millyard Viper V10 was a true high-speed machine.

5. Lazareth LM 847

Inspired by Dodge Tomahawk, O Lazareth LM 847 further elevated the concept of motorcycles equipped with car engines.

Created by the renowned French builder Ludovic Lazareth, this “muscle bike” had four tilting wheels, one all-wheel drive system and an engine 4.7-liter V8 taken directly from a Maserati Quattroporte.

That Ferrari-Maserati F136 engine delivered 470 hp and made the LM 847 roar like an Italian supercar. However, its top speed was limited to just 150 km/h, probably by security issues.

The good news is that this insane bike it was not just a concept. A Lazareth produced 10 units, sold for around R$ 1.2 million each.

Conclusion

The motorcycles on this list are real engineering aberrations, combining the brutality of the car engines with the boldness of the vehicles of two wheels. Although not all of them are practical or easy to ride, they represent the pinnacle of creativity and mechanical innovation.

Be an engine Wankel, one Chevy V8, one V10 of the Dodge Viper or one V8 Maserati, these motorcycles prove that the passion for speed and power has no limits. Although most of them are extremely rare and expensive, they continue to inspire enthusiasts around the world to challenge the limits of what a motorcycle can be.

And you, would you drive one of these wild machines with a car engine?