Three-cylinder motorcycles have been around for decades now. In fact, some of the most popular and best-selling models in the world are powered by this type of engine, such as the Yamaha MT-09, Triumph Speed Triple and MV Agusta Brutale 800, all of which are equipped with this configuration. engine and whose temperament no longer needs to be proven.
That being said, the fact that the inline three has become the rule has not stopped this Australian company from pushing the boundaries of design and engineering. Radial Motion is an aircraft engine specialist based in South Australia. Radial engines are not new, especially in the world of aviation. Because it's human nature to do crazy things, Ride Motion is developing a motorcycle powered by a three-cylinder aircraft engine. Perhaps the strangest part of it all is how the engine is arranged in the frame.
This is mounted longitudinally in the custom frame, making it much longer than any other motorcycle equipped with a three-cylinder. To build the chassis, Radial Motion teamed up with Kennedy Motorcycle, who used an MV Agusta Brutale chassis as a base, on which the entire frame was redesigned, and only the Brutale's swingarm and front end remain. . As for the engine, it's an air-cooled unit with each bank of cylinders opposed 120 degrees apart.
Interestingly enough, this one-of-a-kind creation has been given the name "Low Flying Object", or LFO for short, as it is expected to reach record speeds during the iconic Bonneville Speedweek in September 2022. This enormous engine has a displacement total of 2 cc, delivers a power of 100 hp and runs up to 240 rpm. These numbers are relatively impressive, especially considering its size and the fact that it is an air-cooled unit. It will certainly be interesting to hear it revving, especially since no engine of this configuration has ever been mass-produced for use on motorcycles before.
At this point, there are still about six months until the bike embarks on its record attempt. Clearly, Radial Motion and Kennedy Motorcycle still have a ways to go before they have something that's viable for racing.
