Green technology is enabling or forcing many engineers on ways to think or rethink the continued evolution of motorsports. It is easy to argue from point of view and talk about how great a combustion engine sounds, but we are really into pushing forward with new ideas and creative concepts. We have a deep passion for all things involving gas and carburetion but what if you wanted to create a racing bike to break new records at Bonneville or your local drag strip. With that in mind, check out what some engineering students came up with for a concept motorcycle.
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| Saline Bird Concept is a speed record motorbike concept powered by a compressed air engine. |
Like the Saline Airstream, the Saline Bird Concept is a race motorbike created for the Les Triplettes de Bonneville. The motorbike is powered by an compressed air engine fed by three air tanks with a total capacity of 27 liters. All of technical parts are mounted on a frame made of carbon fiber.
The position of the biker is directly inspired by speed skier position
for better aerodynamics.
The conventional body panels are replaced by leather skin parts that
can be slipped on and off “like a sock” in order to switch between the
different categories (with body panel or without it). It can also be turned into a road model by replacing the handlebar.
Technical partners of the project include MDI (engine), LUXFER (air
tank) and BRM.
The Saline Bird Concept was created by five design students at the ISD
of Valenciennes (France) for their 2010-2011 final project.
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| Saline Bird Concept motorcycle |
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| Saline Bird Concept motorcycle from rear axle |
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| Saline Bird Concept motorcycle front end |
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| Saline Bird Concept motorcycle with body panels removed |
