YouTuber transforms Harley into jet-powered bike

YouTuber Matt Mikka took a destroyed Harley-Davidson Street Glide and converted it into a jet-powered motorcycle, replacing its traditional engine with two compact turbojets. The project, titled Jet Glide, showcases a radical departure from conventional motorcycle design.

Jet engines replace traditional power

Instead of the Harley’s usual V-Twin engine, transmission, and clutch, Mikka installed two jet turbines in place of the motorcycle’s side bags. These turbines generate around 670 newtons of thrust, propelling the bike forward without any mechanical connection to the rear wheel.

Design challenges and modifications

The conversion required significant modifications, including removing the original engine and replacing it with a custom fuel system for the turbines. Mikka used a combination of 3D printing, laser cutting, and welding to create custom parts, adapting the Harley’s frame to accommodate the jet engines.

Surprisingly modest performance

Despite the jet engines, the Jet Glide has a top speed of around 97 km/h, far below what one might expect from such a powerful propulsion system. The design limitations, including the weight of the motorcycle and the lack of mechanical gearing, contribute to its relatively low speed.

Experimental nature of the project

The Jet Glide is not intended for practical use but rather as an experimental prototype. It highlights the challenges of using jet propulsion on a motorcycle, with issues like fuel consumption, noise, and safety making it more of a spectacle than a viable alternative to traditional engines.