[oldebonnie]

Anybody remember the double engine dragsters that were competitive back in the '60s and '70s? I saw a couple of them run at US30 Dragstrip back in the good old days. If I recall they used pre-unit engines, linked together at the primary. I can't remember what gearbox they used, or how they got power to it. Jackshaft? I remember on of the guys who had built one discussing the problems of linking the engines including synchronizing; I seem to recall one engine would be on the exhaust stroke while the other was on the power stroke.

Anyway, they sure were spectacular; what an incredible sound. I always thought it would be a way cool layout for a chopper; probably not practical but it would sure be an attention getter.

 

[KADUTZ]

have you tried Expert Cycle in Hobart? Its on your way to Chicago

 

[oldebonnie]

Actually they are north but a little east of me; I am closer to the state line with Illinois.

One of the Goodpaster (sp? Bobby?) guys was racing around here back in the day. I used to see them at the track. But I have never done business with them. They have amixed reputation around here, but that isn't unusual for a place that has been around a while. Can't please everybody. They have done work for a neighbor of mine who has a chopped Beezer. He told me they refused to keep the chopper overnight! I recall last spring he was having some problems with the Beezer and eventually they sold him a new carb, which solved the prob but did seem a little extravagant to me. But the old Amals can be problematic and maybe replacement was the best option.

My first motorcycle job was at Calumet Cycle in Highland (Yamahas); they are long gone now. I was 18 and got a job putting bikes together out of the crates and general errand boy. I worked later (after AMI) for Honda of Terre Haute and for Fox's Yamaha in Bloomington. I had a part time mechanic job at a concession kart track; that was interesting.

 

[Mecchanica]

Most just used a Triumph gearbox, but I remember one, at least, which had a Panhead box. They sounded great.
There was a streetbike based on a 70 Bonneville where the owner had done a beautiful job of grafting two unit engines togeter. Very professional job and it reportedly was nice to ride, if heavy and slow turning with the long wheelbase. I recall that it was stolen and he was offering a reward.

 

[oldebonnie]

Mecchanica-

Do you remember how they configured the setup? How they linked the engines, and got power to the trans? What clutch?

I am going to have to go into the vault and dig out the old magazines!

 

[Mecchanica]

Sorry, I just saw a photo in ........... ? Old Bike Journal?....or ?Walnecks?......maybe even Classic Bike?....no, not likely, but it was just a shot from the left side of the completed bike, and I don't remember any details.

 

[oldebonnie]

I have found a pic of an old twin engine dragster. I know I have more in the old bike mags vault, but those are not easily accessible. But I picked up a vintage '76 Peterson's MC Repair Manual that has a pic. I will post it once I figure out how to scan and upload it.

 

[GrandPaulZ]

I think the two cranks were linked by chain, and a modded clutch running through a modded gearbox was the setup.

 

[tealetm]

Picture

 

[oldebonnie]

Thanks Travis. That is a nice vintage pic. There were at least several teams racing double engine Triumph dragsters. I have to repeat myself: The one I heard made an incredible sound. I can still hear it today (if I have had enough beers, and close my eyes...).