V8 motorcycle

[DarthRider]

Anybody remember the Ford V8 60 engine?
It was a small "flathead" V8, 60 HP, dependable, made bewteen 1937 and 1940. And they were used in modified form in all sorts of dirt track cars, midgets and the like.

I have a friend in Dallas who is building a motorcycle around one of them. Yeah, yeah, I know...Boss Hoss, big, heavy, useless POS. But...

Not so this one! I haven't seen it yet, but here's what I know. This is a very compact engine so the overall size of the bike will be about like a big HD. The driveline is all Moto Guzzi, from the flywheel back. The weight will be less than a big HD, but still no lightweight.
The engine with .100 overbore is 147 cubic inches, ~ 75 HP, and 100 ft lbs torque. With the light flywheel and mild power-mods it will be a quick revver, turning ~5,000 RPM. And those who have heard a warmed up flathead V8 run can attest the sound is beautiful!

It should be a real blast to ride. The styling will be sort of "retro-rod", but it will have all modern amenities and will be DOT/EPA certifiable or partially exempt. He and his partners are going to produce them in very limited numbers.

I know I'll never have one, but I can't wait to ride it. You just know with that power, weight, sound and look it will be fun!

Here's what the motor will look like, more or less;

[mnnden]

Dave, interesting concept, brought back memories, Den

http://www.honestcharley.com/honest-...torcycles.html

[DarthRider]

Old "Honest Charley"...yeah!
A V8 60 bike is not really new, but the one these guys are doing is very different from Charley's...styling, suspension, frame, shaft-drive, motor-mods, etc.
Thank God there are Honest Charleys and Arnolds (my bud) in the world!

[Donson]

Dave,do You still have Your 2-cylinder Maytag opposed twin? Im thinking of a new project-My vibrating,heated recliner,sissy bar and curb feelers,for those long trips to the beer cooler,Hmmmmmm....

[Jacob]

I would like to know more about this Flathead 60 project. Who can I contact?
Jacob

[vintagemxr]

I saw a really nice Moto-Guzzi / Ford flathead conversion the Del Mar Concours in the '90s. The workmanship was first rate and the engine looked like it belonged there. Wish I could find a photo of it but that would mean opening boxes in the closet instead of file folders on the hard disk.

the other Doug

[DarthRider]

I would like to know more about this Flathead 60 project. Who can I contact?
Jacob

Hey Jacob, welcome aboard! When you get time tell us about yourself, bikes , etc.

I exchanged emails with Arnold last week. The bike (Prototype #1) is virtually finished and is being tested & fettled.
I'm not sure what's next for them, this is going to be a very small production and take a while. You can see what the interest in & market for this kind of bike is by the reception it got here.
Arnold promised pics soon and I will post them on this thread.
If you want to contact Arnold, send me a PM with contact info, etc. and I'll forward it to Arnold. That way he can contact you.

Arnold is not a fly by night. He's been involved for years in developing/building/importing/racing/marketing performance & collectible motorcycles. One example is the Ghezzi Brian.
He's also an ex-racer and has sponsored road racers. His day-job is a mortgage banker. He has imported and "legalized" hi-end hot rods for Tom Cruse & Brad Pitt.
And a real good guy!

[JCsman]

Damn nice flock of geese there!

Post a pic of the flathead bike when you're able, Dave. For guys of a certain age that was a magical engine. Of course we mostly knew about/were interested in the bigger flathead, not the little 60. I'm anxious to see what a guy can do with one who's likely interested in a V-8 bike that is NOT elephantine.

Any idea what the dimensions of the flathead are?

[SV Andy]

Sounds good can't wait for the photographs, this bike should be in eye candy.

[DarthRider]

Any idea what the dimensions of the flathead are?

No Bill, I have no idea but I'll find out when I hear from Arnold. It's a little guy.
This bike will just be a Sunday cruiser but with the capability & dependability for coast to coast!
The Anti-Boss Hoss.

Andy, the Ghezzi Brian is based on a Guzzi motor & driveline but most of the rest is Ghezzi Brian. And the motor & driveline are highly modified. They are registered & titled as G-B. Each one is hand built. I don't know if they are still being imported to U.S. from Italy, they didn't sell well...imagine that! Everybody wanted a Harley or a GS, and a handy dealer. A Guzzi dealer could work on them but probably wouldn't want to.
They are very fast and handle like a race bike. I rode Arnold's bike and was very impressed!