|
Introducing Die Moto, the custom-built
performance diesel motorcycle that has
set the world speed record for diesel
motorcycles at 130.614 mph. Capable
of running on diesel, biodiesel, or straight
vegetable oil (SVO) fuels, Die Moto was
designed and fabricated at The Crucible
by a team of environmentally conscious
vehicle enthusiasts, engineers and artisans. The
Die Moto team is out to prove the viability
of alternative fuel technology in performance
vehicles, and with emissions 78% less
than a standard diesel engine at speeds
over 130 mph, they’re succeeding. As
fuel efficiency and low emissions become
increasingly important, diesel technology
has responded with improved mileage and
easy adaptation to biodiesel and SVO.
The team of volunteers, known as The Diesel
Dozen, crafted Die Moto from BMW R1150RT
motorcycle parts, replacing the motor with
a high performance BMW automotive diesel
engine found only in Europe. |
Team leader Michael Sturtz, the founder
and Executive Director of The Crucible,
has garnered considerable notoriety throughout
the country for his wildly original synthesis
of art and functionality in everything
from vehicles to fire operas. The
results of this collaboration is a motorized
work of art—an automotive engine
on a motorcycle chassis encased in a
hand-crafted ¾ aluminum fairing
reminiscent of the GP racers, paying
homage to the early pioneers of motorcycle
daring.
The team is hoping to break their own
record with another run at Bonneville
in the future, expecting to get it up
to 160 mph. Although Die Moto is
designed to break records, the real story
is that environmental responsibility
and alternative technology can result
in a high performance motor vehicle. |
