December 26, 2007: World's Heaviest Motorcycle

When you've got a genuine Russian tank engine lying around, how can you resist repurposing it? And really, tanks are so lumbering and oafish, and with the price of gas nowadays... something a little more sleek and maneuverable is obviously called for.

This giant motorcycle took the team of welders and mechanics at the Harzer Bike Schmiede in Zilly, Germany, almost a year to craft. It is 17'4" long, and 7'6" tall, and weighs four-and-a-half tons. 1.8 tons of that is the tank engine itself. The Guinness Book of World Records has just confirmed it is the heaviest motorcycle ever (though interestingly, there is no mention of the size dimensions breaking any records.) They are still hoping to obtain a special license to actually drive it on the road.

Creator Tilo Nieber has dubbed the machine "the Led Zeppelin." Apparently in Germany, Zep counts as "heavy metal" music.

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Originally Posted by Clodfobble Creator Tilo Nieber has dubbed the machine "the Led Zeppelin." Apparently in Germany, Zep counts as "heavy metal" music.

It has a "springer" front suspension like a DKW or a Greeves: nice work!
9000 pounds: Lay it over at the store and all you need are about 15 or 20 willing standers-by to tip it back up.
Where's the fuel tank?

Maroon fuel tank right where you'd expect it.

Not exactly the SIZE you'd expect...

Great!

Yea the fuel tank looks a bit small. My guess is that it hold just enough to start it. Minus the weight of the armor usually found on a tank the milage should be a bit better on that bike frame. How would you like to get that thing up to about 120 on a straight away? How far do you think it would take to stop that beast?

Don't see a muffler. I asked the driver about it, and he said "Huh?"

All that space and it only seats one?

I hope he doesn't try to catch it with his leg when it tips over. It'd smash him flat.

Parkin thats gotta suck too.

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Originally Posted by Hoof Hearted I hope he doesn't try to catch it with his leg when it tips over. It'd smash him flat.

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Originally Posted by Clodfobble It is 17'4" long, and 7'6" tall, and weighs four-and-a-half tons. 1.8 tons of that is the tank engine itself. The Guinness Book of World Records has just confirmed it is the heaviest motorcycle ever (though interestingly, there is no mention of the size dimensions breaking any records.)

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Originally Posted by Gravdigr Also, can anyone translate the text?

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Originally Posted by slang I'm American. Don't speak Deutsch any more.

Damm cheater! A trike is not a bike. It is more akin to comparing a Chimp to a human, related but not the same.

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Originally Posted by Ibram yeah but i'll bet you speak DOUCHE purdy well huh?!

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Originally Posted by slang I speak fairly well out of my ass as well.

I'm waiting to see the pic where he wrecks on that thing

Here is more of the same...

"Gregory Dunham from the USA has constructed the worlds largest rideable motorcycle that is 3.429 m (11 ft 3 in) tall to the top of handlebars, 6.187 m (20 ft 4 in) long and weighs 2.948 tons (6,500 lb). It is powered by a 8.2 litre (502 cu in) V8 engine and has tyres that are 1.88 m (74 in) tall. The top speed is 65 mph with an economy of 6 miles per gallon."

try this