Engineering a Jet-Powered Harley-Davidson Motorcycle
Matt Mikka transforms a stock Street Glide into a turbine-driven custom machine.
1Radical Custom Engineering
Engineer Matt Mikka of the YouTube channel Warped undertook a complex project to convert a stock Harley-Davidson Street Glide into a jet-powered motorcycle. By removing the traditional internal combustion engine and transmission, the team replaced standard mechanical components with twin jet turbines, fundamentally altering the bike's core architecture and operational design.
2Structural and Fuel Modifications
The build required custom fabrication, including waterjet-cut mounting systems installed where the saddlebags once resided. Because turbines consume massive air volumes and fuel, the team added an 11.3-gallon reserve diesel tank in the original engine bay. Furthermore, the stock charging system was replaced with a custom battery assembly utilizing Tesla cells.
3Performance and Thrust Dynamics
The twin turbines generate approximately 150 pounds of thrust. With the bike's weight reduced to roughly 350 pounds after stripping the stock powertrain, it reached 60 mph during testing. While these speed figures are modest, the motorcycle offers a unique riding experience characterized by the absence of traditional gear shifts and engine vibrations.
4Operational Complexity and Sound
Starting the jet-powered motorcycle requires a precise, aircraft-style sequence to prevent electrical shorting. Client Sean Kerr noted that the machine is exceptionally loud, surpassing any standard motorcycle he has previously operated. The lack of mechanical vibration combined with the raw exhaust force creates a sensory experience entirely distinct from conventional Harley-Davidson rides.
5Safety and Containment Measures
Given the proximity of the turbines to the rider, Mikka fabricated a containment shield to mitigate risks of turbine failure or explosion. The design prioritizes rider safety, acknowledging the inherent volatility of operating small jet engines in such a compact, exposed configuration. These protective measures were essential for the project's overall viability.
6Emergency Throttle Control
To prevent runaway engine scenarios where turbines might continue running regardless of rider input, the team installed an emergency shut-off valve. This mechanism allows for the immediate termination of the fuel supply. This critical safety feature ensures the rider maintains control over the jet-propelled system during high-throttle operations or unexpected mechanical malfunctions.
7Environmental and Thermal Hazards
The jet turbines present significant thermal risks, particularly to anyone positioned directly behind the motorcycle. During startup, the engines emit visible flames, and as the throttle increases, the exhaust produces intense heat blasts. This necessitates extreme caution for bystanders, as the rear-facing exhaust output creates a dangerous environment for those nearby.
8Innovation in Custom Culture
This project highlights the experimental nature of modern custom motorcycle culture, where engineers push boundaries beyond traditional performance metrics. While the jet-powered Street Glide may not set speed records, it represents a successful technical integration of aerospace components into a consumer vehicle chassis, demonstrating advanced fabrication skills and creative mechanical problem-solving.
Original article: SlashGear — Engineering a Jet-Powered Harley-Davidson Motorcycle