In a shocking turn of events, a road-legal motorcycle with a massive engine has emerged. This unbelievable creation, known as Tinker Toy, was built by engineer Simon Whitelock in 2003. Whitelock, who had a deep affection for Kawasaki Triples, worked tirelessly to construct this mind-boggling bike. Although his motorcycle workshop, Hertfordshire Superbikes, is no longer in operation, Tinker Toy lives on and is now up for sale.
The heart of this extraordinary machine is a 48-cylinder engine, making it the most complex motorcycle engine in the world. With a mind-blowing capacity of 4200cc (4.2 liters or 256 cubic inches), this engine is comprised of 16 Kawasaki KH250 three-cylinder two-stroke engines arranged into six banks of eight cylinders each.
Constructing the engine and assembling the rest of the bike was no small feat. Whitelock had to custom-make most of the components, from the frame to the engine internals. The exhaust system was painstakingly handmade, and the headers were built in sections to prevent warping. Even parts borrowed from other motorcycles had to be extensively modified to fit this unique project.
The Tinker Toy’s design also includes a stretched and widened tank that serves as a cover for the electronic systems, with the actual fuel tank concealed between the engine banks. The front end of the bike is borrowed from a Honda Goldwing, while the rear end was specially made for this build. The motorcycle weighs approximately 600 kg (1300 pounds) and is equipped with heavy-duty wheels featuring stainless steel spokes.
While many may wonder about the performance of this one-of-a-kind motorcycle, Whitelock has remained tight-lipped about its power output. He emphasizes that Tinker Toy was not built for power but rather for the Guinness World Record. However, he did mention that the bike should be capable of reaching speeds between 120 and 130 miles per hour (193 and 210 kph).
A mind-blowing motorcycle with a whopping 49 cylinders is set to hit the auction block in April. The Whitelock Tinker Toy, a Guinness World Record holder, is equipped with an enormous engine that produces a jaw-dropping 512 horsepower. This beast of a bike is truly a sight to behold.
The massive engine of the Tinker Toy is unlike anything you’ve ever seen. With 48 cylinders connected to a single transmission sourced from a BMW motorcycle, it’s a true engineering marvel. But what’s even more fascinating is how the engine starts. Instead of a conventional motorcycle engine, the Tinker Toy relies on a single-cylinder 2-stroke engine acting as a starter motor. Initially, a 50cc two-stroke “donkey engine” was used, but it was later replaced with a more powerful 125cc two-stroke single. This means that the Tinker Toy actually boasts a total of 49 cylinders.
However, with such a massive engine, the riding position of the Tinker Toy has been compromised. It requires long arms and legs to reach the handlebars, and riders must be cautious of their leg positioning to avoid contact with the exhaust headers. Despite these challenges, the Tinker Toy remains a remarkable feat of engineering.
The Whitelock Tinker Toy is not just a record-breaking motorcycle; it’s also a sought-after collector’s item. Although its creator has expressed a reluctance to sell it, the motorcycle will be up for auction in April. Bonhams, the renowned auction house, has set a price guide of £40,000 – £60,000 ($51,000 – $76,000) for this extraordinary machine. So if you’re a motorcycle enthusiast with deep pockets, this is your chance to own a piece of history.
Curious about how the Tinker Toy engine sounds? Many have likened it to the thunderous roar of a four-engined Avro Lancaster WWII heavy bomber. But don’t just take our word for it; check out the video below to experience the awe-inspiring sound for yourself. Get ready to be blown away by the sheer power of this incredible motorcycle.
