Editor’s Note: This article takes a retrospective look at the MTT Turbine Superbike, the world’s first production motorcycle powered by a helicopter turbine engine.
Motorcycles are just as important as cars in the realm of high performance. We have often posted about some of the incredibly powerful cars heavily used in action movies. Some passionate people have a deep, unwavering passion towards fast bikes, and some get totally addicted to classic cars. We may easily say that cars and motorcycles are the new compelling religions of our modern era.
The Y2K Turbine Superbike
Out of the many millions of bikes that run on the roads today, one highly specific bike became absolutely iconic due to its outstanding, mind-blowing technology. It is very often simply called the “Superbike”. Of course, you have likely seen this roaring bike heavily featured in the high-octane movie “Torque”. It’s the legendary MTT Turbine Superbike, also widely known as the Y2K Turbine Superbike.
The incredibly loud turbine bike was originally created by Ted McIntyre of (MTT) Marine Turbine Technologies Inc. The specialist US turbine manufacturer, based in Franklin, Louisiana, primarily produces high-performance turbines for fast boats and massive fire-suppression water pumps. Their insane MTT Turbine Superbike is proudly the world’s very first street-legal production motorcycle powered completely by a gas turbine engine.
Engine and Performance
The formidable bike is massively powered by a genuine Rolls-Royce Allison Model 250 turboshaft helicopter engine. It loudly produces a staggering 320 HP (238 kW) at an ear-splitting 52,000 rpm, and the rear wheel alone puts down a massive 286 HP. It has a verified, officially recorded top speed of an astonishing 227 mph (370 km/h).
Key Specifications:
- Torque: 425-ft/lbs @ 2,000 rpm
- Transmission: 2-speed, automatic
- Lubrication: Dry-sump / 3.5-qts turbine oil
- Frame: Lightweight aluminium alloy
- Weight: 500 lbs
- Compressor Speed: 54,000 rpm
- Fuel: Diesel and kerosene
- Fuel Capacity: 8.5 gal (34 litres)
- Reserve Tank: 1.5 gal (6 litres)
Chassis and Components:
- Wheels: 17-inch carbon fibre; Dymag
- Wheelbase: 68 inches
- Tyres: Front: 120 60ZR17, Pirelli | Rear: 200 50ZR17, Pirelli
- Front Forks: 55-mm, inverted
- Shocks: Mono-shock adjustable, oleo-pneumatic, Ohlins
- Brakes: 3×320-mm floating system, 4-piston calipers, disc brakes by Brembo
- Fairings: Carbon fibre
- Rake: 27 degrees
- Colours: Infinite custom colours available
- Seat Height: 31.5 inches
- Seat: Single or double options
- Rear View: Rear-mounted camera with LCD colour monitor on the dash, plus standard side mirrors
Luxury and Records
The extraordinary bike boasts a massive price tag of $175,000, which firmly places it in the realm of an extreme luxury vehicle. It proudly holds a Guinness World Record as the “Most expensive production motorcycle”. The incredibly thirsty engine in the bike is totally capable of running perfectly using standard diesel fuel or aviation Jet A fuel. The bike also remarkably incorporates a built-in radar detector with a laser scrambler system, and offers an optional passenger seat.
MTT Turbine Streetfighter
The Turbine Streetfighter is the more recent, naked model released by MTT that heavily features all the standard mechanical features of the original Turbine Superbike mentioned above. It remarkably comes with a crazy option to further upgrade to a massive 420 HP (310 kW) Rolls Royce Allison turbine engine. It features a considerably larger swing arm, a massive Pirelli Diablo 240 rear tyre, greatly increased fuel capacity, and a significantly enhanced cooling system.
The insane turbine bike is also officially recognised by Guinness World Records as the “Most powerful production motorcycle”. According to “Speedology – The Science of Speed” broadcast on National Geographic, the deafening MTT turbine bike is specifically engineered for extreme high performance and boasts the greatest power-to-weight ratio of any two-wheeled production vehicle to date.
The iconic superbike is also heavily featured in the flashy 2004 action movie “Torque”. The climactic Y2K bike street racing sequence at the very end of the movie is one of its most memorable, over-the-top scenes. Though the brave rider in the movie isn’t responsibly wearing a crash helmet, we highly recommend you to always wear one if you ever get the chance to ride a jet-powered motorcycle. Which one is your absolute favourite movie bike? Leave your thoughts in the comments.
