Wankel anyone?

[tfb]

I think that you would need the technical ability of Soichiro Honda and the wallet of Jay Leno to get that thing running.

[txironhead]

Well, I never said it wouldn't be a challenge......

When you consider 60hp from a 500cc motor, especially one with older technology, it's not bad. A little tweaking and it could be a nice little screamer. Don't wreck it, though, cuz I have no idea where you'd get parts.....

I will agree that they're not as fuel efficient, but as a recent Toyota commercial said: If fuel economy was the most important consideration, we'd all be driving scooters. Besides, I wouldn't have a classic rotary as my main bike, more of a show bike that I could ride in parades, etc. or just to freak the guys at the bar out. I'd tell them I put a new "Z" motor into an old bike frame. Just might work, depending on how many beers they'd had.....

I don't mind the hijack....you might be able to put sintered pads on that thing.....

One thing everyone here has to agree on: rotary bikes definitely strike up a conversation!

[KGB]

Having owned a 1976 RE-5, new, can I chime in here?

The 1975 "star wars" version, good luck finding the instruement cover or tailight lense.
The 76 version was a better looking bike, imho.
As to finding parts, Mazda has some. Not many of the mechanics back then knew anything about this motor, let alone the 2 stage carb.
Some of the earlier models had sealing problems on the roters.
This was covered under warranty.
If you look at the specs posted, it was real fast and it was heavy.
And now in the $3 per gallon fuel it was a pig. Not very fuel efficient.

It did handle pretty well for it's size and weight.
The classic Suzuki black with blue pin striping still looks great today, mine was this combo. A very different bike, in all the years I've only seen 1 other one on the road, and that was in 77 or 78.
The sound is totally different from an inline 4.
My bro in law described it as a "quiet airplane" taking off.
It just revved and went.
Tourque was not a problem as a rotary has a fairly flat power band.
It's not peaky like other motors.
I sheared like 6 teeth off 2/nd gear drag racing it
And sold it/traded it in for a GS550 :-D

Definately a collector bike now, and for a select few. It's seems to be a
love it or hate it model.
As to mod's for speed, I don't know of any that you could do.
Short of adapting some Mazda parts, I know of no speed shops
that modify these.
The suspension, sure that can be modded,
but why mod something like this?

[chiphead]

I remember the RE5s.
Nightmare!

[KGB]

I remember the RE5s.
Nightmare!

LOL yea for you as service manager.............more paperwork !!

[mixongw]

Or maybe...

http://www.corestore.org/boost.JPG?SSImageQuality=Full

[Desolation Angel]

Everyone I know pretty much believe the rotary is the way to go on a sportscar. Supposedly, there's nothing like it. Gas mileage is a bit poor and it uses more oil than the old timey piston engines. I gotta drive an RX-8 someday and find out for myself.

I never heard much good about the Suzuki, but it was cool looking in my opinion. I'd take one.

[txironhead]

Or maybe...


http://www.corestore.org/boost.JPG?SSImageQuality=Full

Now THAT'S a bike for speed. Not sure I'd ride it through the twisties, but I'd definitely like to try it on the quarter, provided there was a LONG overrun. I do think that they need to re-evaluate the brakes on it, though. Looks a bit puny for that engine. And, um, can we put a heat shield between the rider and the glowing-red parts? Asbestos underpants tend to itch.......

I'm going to semi-hijack my own thread here. In the movie Torque (good movie, if a bit unrealistic) the turbine bike (yes, it exists, Jay Leno has one) was awesome. Anyone know where to get more info on it? Also, does anyone know of any homebrew versions? My brother (aircraft mechanic) has a timed-out 90hp turbine he wants to put on a bike and I thought I'd do some research for him. Maybe if I do he'll let me ride it when it's done. I kinda picture that ride like the first scenes of Masters of Menace. If that's so, I probably won't be posting here anymore.......I have to remind him to put brakes on it....GOOD ones.

BTW, anyone know if that movie (Masters of Menace) is coming out on DVD?

[Mysuzyq]

Now THAT'S a bike for speed. ..I have to remind him to put brakes on it....GOOD ones.

Yeah, make sure you get some sintered pads on that bad boy..:-D


Tony.

[Albert257]

I just sold my rebuilt 1991 Mazda RX7 non-turbo so that I could buy a 1979 GS750. Rotaries are totally different to work on, and sound totally different and even smell different when they run. They might not be the best on gas mileage but as far as the power to weight ratio they destroy the 4 cyl piston engine and plus, the rotary has a grand total of 3 moving parts in the engine, 2 rotars and 1 eccentric shaft. A piston engine has what, 100+ moving parts?? I looked for a RE5 for a while but decided to stick with a basic GS. But alas, I miss my rotary....

[Hap Call]

I'm going to semi-hijack my own thread here. In the movie Torque (good movie, if a bit unrealistic) the turbine bike (yes, it exists, Jay Leno has one) was awesome. Anyone know where to get more info on it? Also, does anyone know of any homebrew versions? My brother (aircraft mechanic) has a timed-out 90hp turbine he wants to put on a bike and I thought I'd do some research for him. Maybe if I do he'll let me ride it when it's done. I kinda picture that ride like the first scenes of Masters of Menace. If that's so, I probably won't be posting here anymore.......I have to remind him to put brakes on it....GOOD ones.

BTW, anyone know if that movie (Masters of Menace) is coming out on DVD?

They are built from old helo turbines that are no longer certified for use in an airframe. The company that builds the bike is out of southern Louisiana. They do a lot of repair of helos that are used in the offshore drilling business.

Hap

[solo 2]

As someone who has owned and raced RX-7's for the last 16 years I would love to get hold of one of these in good condition. The rotary technology back then wasn't so great, but in general they are almost impossible to destroy. Only high milage or long periods of sitting really harm them. It would be interesting to see if you could port one of those, get some big power out of it.

[Can_O_Tuna]

Everyone I know pretty much believe the rotary is the way to go on a sportscar. Supposedly, there's nothing like it. Gas mileage is a bit poor and it uses more oil than the old timey piston engines. I gotta drive an RX-8 someday and find out for myself.

I never heard much good about the Suzuki, but it was cool looking in my opinion. I'd take one.

How about a 600hp 1983 Toyota Starlet... This is my buddy Eddy's

[Nessism]

I built a 12A Mazda rotory engine a few years ago - ported the intakes (similar to a two stroke), and installed an aftermarket intake/exhaust. Engine could be picked up and carried around the garage in my arms. Had it dynoed at 130+ HP and still climbing at the rear wheels when the dyno guy shut it down. Driveability was flawless, everybit as good as stock. Downside to me was that the emissions were VERY dirty - stunk up the road and made me feel guilty. Some day I'm going to build another and figure out some way to run cats out back to clean it up a little (mostly to make myself feel better). Perfect engine to slam into an old MG or Triumph (car that is). Good stuff.

[chiphead]

LOL yea for you as service manager.............more paperwork !!

Suzuki wouldn't let us take them apart. Replace the engine core was the only thing to do for internal engine issues.