Hmmmmm.

[Nisswa Collision]

Hmmmm. I can't look at this without a certain thought invading my brain. The Rocket 3's are now selling dirt cheap. Many with very low mileage. I expect a crashed one even cheaper. 2294cc. 142 hp@5750rpm. 147.5 ft,lbs of torque. 3 cyl. 5 speed shaft drive. The bike weighs over 700 lbs so I expect the trans gears are plenty strong.  Problem? No reverse. That would need to be fixed.

[Nisswa Collision]

the photo was upright when I posted it.

[BDA]

I have the feeling that a motorcycle engine swap was discussed (here or elsewhere) or performed before but I don't remember much about it. There have been some interesting engine swaps (Zetecs are popular but Clifton has a more radical swap). A motorcycle motor sounds very interesting. I don't know much about motorcycle engines but I would only worry that there isn't enough torque at the low end, but then I might be displaying my ignorance.

Let us know what you do! 

[Nisswa Collision]

147.5 ft/lbs @ 2500 rpm. Torque, no issue. Reverse is. I won't be doing it. My original TC for 74-2603R  is supposed to be done on Friday. It got bigger. I've done all I can on my car til I get that back. I see the guy making a Hybusa kit but that looks like a heavy, expensive mess with all the chains and framework.

[BDA]

Keep us up to date with your TC then!

[Richard48Y]

Second major issue for a BEC* build is that unless the Bike engine is Dry-Sump from the factory, or converted, oiling is a problem.
Bikes lean so the oil stays in the sump, cars have have too much side thrust so the oil climbs the side of the sump and starves the pump.

They can be a great conversion. Fairly common in Locost and Spridget builds.
I've thought of doing one in a Spitfire but really do have more projects already than makes sense.

Scratch built car I was very intent on doing as a BEC is now getting a Suzuki 13B twin cam instead as it will be MUCH simpler and avoids the oiling issue/expense.
The 13B is an amazing little engine with a lot of similarity to the Renault TS.
Sadly a bit hard to find in the U.S., but maybe a little easier in Canada?

*BEC = Bike Engine Car.

[BDA]

Are dry sump pans and pumps available for motorcycle motors?

[Richard48Y]

For some of the more popular models, yes.
None that I found were cheap.
Adding the oiling correction parts tends to remove the "savings" and simplicity from the conversion.
Then there are the petty annoyances like having to delete the Kickstand Down alert and similar bike specific quirks.

My bike engine of choice was the FJR 1300 (Rear mounted engine corrected the drive rotation), but the oiling issue and difficulty finding a complete unit persuaded me to go with the automotive equivalent.
13B's are a bit hard to find, I got very lucky and found one cheap from a guy who is reducing his project list.

[Nisswa Collision]

I wonder what the trike builders do about the lack of oil baffles. That problem would effect them too.

[Dilkris]

Interesting thought - especially as shaft drive negating chains. Out of interest the "hill climb" boys (in the UK) commonly use Hayabusa engines and similar in Lotus/Caterham 7's - and they are seriously quick. To this end all oil circulation/starvation concerns must be surmountable.     

[Dilkris]

OK - they may not be Lotus/Cateram 7's but here are some bike engines in cars.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0fY2Gv57Ag&ab_channel=TheGalleryCars-Carvideos

[Grumblebuns]

This conversion was advertised a while back. I no longer see it advertised so I don't know if it sold.

I had a chance to drive a Locost with a Yamaha R1 engine and paddle shifter several years ago. The acceleration in that light weight car was absolutely incredible. I don't think it had a reverse system but who needed it such a light weight car, just push it back manually.

https://www.lotuseuropa.org/LotusForum/index.php?topic=3436.0

[Blitzen]

I have doubts whether oil starvation is an issue with bike engines since they are used for kart, legend and sidecar racing with wet sumps.

[Richard48Y]

If they are running wet sumps in cars they are certain to have modified the sump to keep oil at the pick-up.
Several ways to do that, some just make a very deep sump and extend the pick-up.
Others get fancy with traps and baffles.
But dry-sump is king.