Results 1 to 21 of 21
  1. #1
    Registered Users
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Location
    Australia
    Posts
    4
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default Pretend that BRP didn't own Rotax

    What motorcycle or small car (petrol or diesel) engine would you like to see in there?

    Thinking about improved fuel economy as much as anything else.

    My 4wd Subaru Liberty gets 36mpg (imperial) 4.54litres = 1 gallon.

    My friends Hyundai does much better.

    I know this is not going to happen; just find it interesting to speculate.

  2. #2
    Very Active Member WackyDan's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Location
    Charlotte, NC
    Posts
    1,956
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    Hard to say.

    I think a 6th forward gear would do wonders for MPG versus a different engine.... The gearbox for the Spyder was supposed to have been designed from the ground up.... I find it hard to believe they didn't consider a 6th forward gear. Probably would put the SPyder at about a reliable 40+mpg on the highway.

    But... As much as I love the V-Twin, I'm thinking a Inline four would potentially be ideal as well. That could route the exhaust much more efficient than the twin and maybe keep some of the pipe heat off your legs.
    WackyDan - Fun, not crazy.
    Charlotte (Matthews), NC
    Silver Moon SM5 - V35 and V46 Givis, CHAD, Motolight 35w steering lights, Dash Powerlets, Helibar risers, Garage door opener, Eastern Beaver PC-8, Digital voltmeter, Kewl Metal Intake, Evoluzione Sway Bar, RT Shocks and Juice Box PRO.
    *Mower deck in development*
    2008 model -new in crate, April 09
    26,000 miles.

    Looking for other Charlotte area riders to cruise with and compare Spyders.

    HAPPY SPYDER OWNER

  3. #3
    Very Active Member Firefly's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2009
    Location
    Ceresco, Michigan
    Posts
    8,633
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by ErictheBiking View Post
    What motorcycle or small car (petrol or diesel) engine would you like to see in there?

    Thinking about improved fuel economy as much as anything else.

    My 4wd Subaru Liberty gets 36mpg (imperial) 4.54litres = 1 gallon.

    My friends Hyundai does much better.

    I know this is not going to happen; just find it interesting to speculate.
    I bet the Subaru or Hyundai aren't as fun to drive-----

    I would like a bigger Rotax---- don't care about the MPG much. 6th would be nice - and could be done---- but you'll give up reverse to do it.

    So - anyone willing to give up reverse for 6th gear?

  4. #4
    Very Active Member WackyDan's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Location
    Charlotte, NC
    Posts
    1,956
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Firefly View Post
    I bet the Subaru or Hyundai aren't as fun to drive-----

    I would like a bigger Rotax---- don't care about the MPG much. 6th would be nice - and could be done---- but you'll give up reverse to do it.

    So - anyone willing to give up reverse for 6th gear?
    Why give up a gear? If it was designed from the grown up why didn't it have one to begin with? I'm betting it was already a proven gearbox and they redesigned to incorporate Reverse.

    And no... I would not give up reverse.
    WackyDan - Fun, not crazy.
    Charlotte (Matthews), NC
    Silver Moon SM5 - V35 and V46 Givis, CHAD, Motolight 35w steering lights, Dash Powerlets, Helibar risers, Garage door opener, Eastern Beaver PC-8, Digital voltmeter, Kewl Metal Intake, Evoluzione Sway Bar, RT Shocks and Juice Box PRO.
    *Mower deck in development*
    2008 model -new in crate, April 09
    26,000 miles.

    Looking for other Charlotte area riders to cruise with and compare Spyders.

    HAPPY SPYDER OWNER

  5. #5
    SpyderLovers Sponsor BajaRon's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
    Location
    Greeneville, TN
    Posts
    13,600
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by WackyDan View Post

    I think a 6th forward gear would do wonders for MPG versus a different engine.... The gearbox for the Spyder was supposed to have been designed from the ground up.... I find it hard to believe they didn't consider a 6th forward gear. Probably would put the SPyder at about a reliable 40+mpg on the highway.
    This engine/gearbox is the same unit in the Aprilia sportbike. It was designed from the ground up for that application (I think).

    That bike has a 6 speed transmission. But for the Spyder they took out 6th gear and put in a reverse.

    They also re-tuned giving olur motor lower compression, and I'm sure other things, to get more torque and a wider powerband (giving up some peak HP).

    I would like to see a diesel (maybe a 2 stroke diesel). The diesel engine is getting to where it puts out a ton of power and a twin would be plenty.

    Sure a bit heavier but for the Spyder, that extra weight down low wouldn't mean much. You could get 50mpg with an increase in power.
    Shop Ph: 423-609-7588 (M-F, 8-5, Eastern Time)

    Only SLOW people have to leave on time...





  6. #6
    Very Active Member Firefly's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2009
    Location
    Ceresco, Michigan
    Posts
    8,633
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by WackyDan View Post
    Why give up a gear? If it was designed from the grown up why didn't it have one to begin with? I'm betting it was already a proven gearbox and they redesigned to incorporate Reverse.

    And no... I would not give up reverse.
    Basically same engine from the Aprilla bikes - 6 speeds. Just so happens they don't need reverse on race bikes-----

  7. #7
    Mod Maniac ataDude's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2008
    Location
    North Texas
    Posts
    3,373
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    My vote is for a Kawa ZX1400 inline four... or even the milder version used in the Concours.
    ata = allergic to asphalt

    My mods: https://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/...ead.php?t=5753
    .
    There are two kinds of people: (1) those who can read, reason and apply the experiences of others; and (2) those who just have to pee on the electric fence. ataDude, 2009

    My Spyder:


  8. #8
    Mod Maniac ataDude's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2008
    Location
    North Texas
    Posts
    3,373
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    Why did I know you'd say that?

    BTW... no joy on the new toy... wouldn't negotiate at all.
    .

    Quote Originally Posted by HDXBONES View Post
    S&S 145"

    Last edited by ataDude; 05-11-2009 at 08:46 PM.
    ata = allergic to asphalt

    My mods: https://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/...ead.php?t=5753
    .
    There are two kinds of people: (1) those who can read, reason and apply the experiences of others; and (2) those who just have to pee on the electric fence. ataDude, 2009

    My Spyder:


  9. #9
    Invalid Emails
    Join Date
    Mar 2008
    Location
    Blue Grass, Iowa
    Posts
    150
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default DIESEL engine

    [quote=BajaRon;97495]
    I would like to see a diesel (maybe a 2 stroke diesel). The diesel engine is getting to where it puts out a ton of power and a twin would be plenty.

    I think the EPA requirements have done away with all the on-road 2 stroke diesels. They could not meet the particulate (soot) requirements. A turbo diesel would be great, but better get better than +40 MPG so we would not have to be finding diesel fuel pump.

  10. #10
    Very Active Member retread's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2008
    Location
    Bargersville, IN
    Posts
    2,962
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    How about a Triumph Rocket 3 engine with an auxillary forward-reverse box and shaft drive?

    john

  11. #11
    Very Active Member Star Cruiser's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    Wasaga Beach, Ontario
    Posts
    788
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Firefly View Post
    I bet the Subaru or Hyundai aren't as fun to drive-----

    I would like a bigger Rotax---- don't care about the MPG much. 6th would be nice - and could be done---- but you'll give up reverse to do it.

    So - anyone willing to give up reverse for 6th gear?
    70mph in 4th and I cruise nicely in 5th at 80 mph. Not sure I go fast enough to use a 6th gear . I think I prefer the "R" over too many speeding tickets.

  12. #12
    SpyderLovers Founder Lamonster's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
    Location
    Springfield, MO
    Posts
    15,858
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by retread View Post
    How about a Triumph Rocket 3 engine with an auxillary forward-reverse box and shaft drive?

    john

    And the ugly would be hid behind the panels

  13. #13
    Active Member
    Join Date
    May 2008
    Location
    Hertfordshire,UK.
    Posts
    132
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    HDXBONES



    NO NO NO NO NO DEFINATELY NOT.

    I got my Spyder for what it is.




    Had I wanted to modify or change anything abuot it I would not have got my Spyder but had somthing made to my spec, or made it myself.

    I keep wondering why so many want to change or have changed such a great machine.

  14. #14
    Active Member Cliff-Co.'s Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2008
    Location
    colorado
    Posts
    85
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default replace rotax

    Quote Originally Posted by Lamonster View Post

    And the ugly would be hid behind the panels
    How's about a Harley-Porsch made V-Rod engine, engine and tranny allin one same-o as Rotex

  15. #15
    SpyderLovers Founder Lamonster's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
    Location
    Springfield, MO
    Posts
    15,858
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Cliff-Co. View Post
    How's about a Harley-Porsch made V-Rod engine, engine and tranny allin one same-o as Rotex
    Another great choice

  16. #16
    Invalid Emails
    Join Date
    May 2008
    Posts
    131
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    how about a valk motor with a lamonster supercharger

  17. #17
    Invalid Emails
    Join Date
    Jan 2009
    Location
    North Central FL, USA
    Posts
    167
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    I agree with Harley's Revolution engine from the V-Rod!

  18. #18
    Registered Users
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Posts
    5
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    I think the obvious choice for me would be the Apprillia RSV4 engine. 180bhp 3 different fuel maps and a sound to die for, bet it would slot straight in as well. Its only a matter of time. I hope.

  19. #19
    Yellinacha Smylinacha's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2008
    Location
    Blue State Blues, USA
    Posts
    4,152
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    A big ole Hemi like my Charger! Add dual exhaust - preferably big ole stacks on the back - then I'd be stylin!

  20. #20
    Very Active Member AMTJIM's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    Vail, AZ
    Posts
    1,558
    Spyder Garage
    1
    In the twisties I was playing the tart...
    2009 GS SM5 , Red/Black

  21. #21
    Active Member John in PA's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2008
    Location
    Hollidaysburg, PA
    Posts
    121
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    How about the V-4 out of the Honda ST1300?
    John Wells
    Hollidaysburg, PA

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •