Around 20 years ago, a British engineer put together 16 three-cylinder engines in a motorcycle. Now the record-breaking one-off with a 48-cylinder drive is for sale.
Eight or even twelve cylinders are considered a superlative in motorcycle construction. Such small calibers should only elicit a mild smile from the future owner of the one-of-a-kind “Tinker Toy” made by Simon Whitelock in the early noughties. The British engineer combined 16 three-cylinder two-stroke engines from the 1970s Kawaski KH250 to create a massive 4.2-liter engine. The small three-cylinders are lined up on three levels, which is why the 48-cylinder giant is quite long and tall . The frame and exhaust system were made by hand. A number of parts come from various Kawasaki models, the six-speed gearbox and footrest system were taken from a BMW. An additional single-cylinder two-stroke engine is used to start the many engines. In this respect there are even 49 cylinders. The Tinker Toy runs and is also mobile, as documented in some YouTube videos. Despite the oncoming handlebars, the driver lies on the dummy tank with his upper body stretched far forward. The position is unlikely to be comfortable. Whitelock did not provide any information about the performance. Theoretically, the 48 cylinders could provide over 500 horsepower. However, the bike is only supposed to travel at a speed of around 200 km/h. A good 20 years after its completion and entry in the Guinness Book of Records, Whitelock wants the Tinker Toy on April 21st at the International Classic MotorCycle Show in Stafford as part of a Bonhams Live -Sell at auction. Bonhams estimates a target range of 40,000 to 60,000 pounds, which corresponds to 47,000 to 70,000 euros.
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