
To call it a motorcycle is to stretch the truth. When all it is, as of yet, is a motor inside a frame. No forks, no wheels, no plastics, no electrical wiring, no brakes, no hoses, no belts, no bearings, no nothing. What we do have, however, is the nucleus in which all great bikes begin: the motor. A 2006 Suzuki Gsxr750 mill capable of an unbelievable 148 horsepower at a screaming 13,200 rpm. Despite all that is lacking, this project has the undisputed advantage of a solid foundation to build upon.
To say that we have our work cut out for us is an understatement, especially when my collective mechanical knowledge consists of using a hammer and duct tape. Just like all projects, this one is dependent on the two great motivators of time and money, which are both in short supply these days. Nonetheless, a valiant albeit slow effort will be made to this machine. But we cannot do it alone.
This is where you come in dear readers. We will need the assistance of the knowledgeable few and the opinions of many to reach our goal of producing something like no other.
Your first assignment is to tell us which direction we should go with this project. To Hell is NOT an option, as we have already narrowed the choice down to three alternatives.
The first idea is to put new technology into an old package. Picture a 1986 Gsxr frame with a 2006 750 motor. This would be a true sleeper that could run with the best of them. The amount of fabrication, however is hauntingly unknown.
The second option is to build a true track machine which has the potential to open a whole new world of competitive racing to many here at IPM. But would such efforts be wasted on a bunch of amateurs?
The final option, which is a total departure from the two-wheeled endeavors is to put our motor into a small micro car, such as the new SMART or an old MINI. California SMOG and DMV issues aside (which are pretty substantial), can you image having the one of the greatest motorcycle motors of all time in a light compact car?
Considering the obstacles that lay in wait, all of these choices seem far flung and hopeless. Only time, money, and ambition will tell. In the meantime, we are asking you readers to dream with us and share in our naive excitement, and vote!
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