Interested in working with us? Call us on (800) 800-5678 or fill out this quick form and we will contact you within 24 hours!
Latest News from Wisconsin & Illinois
Secret Project: 100 mph-80mpg Motorcycle
Posted on Sep 01, 2009
Posted 2/14/2008
Back in the late 1970’s, Harley-Davidson engineers collaborated with Porsche to build a six cylinder, liquid cooled engine motorcycle. The secret project was shelved after millions of dollars were spent in development of the radical design. Three of the Nova bikes still exist and are warehoused in the archives at the Harley-Davidson plant on Juneau Avenue in Milwaukee.
Some of the men who worked on that project at Harley, now retired, have come together again in a new venture at Advanced Engines Development Corporation. The company is owned by Nick Hirsch, a former engineering executive at Harley-Davidson. Along with other Nova project engineers and a retired engineer from Outboard Marine Corporation, the group call themselves the Gray Eagles.
The concept bike is a 107 cubic inch, turbocharged, diesel engine powerhouse, capable of 100 mph and they claim to get about 80 miles per gallon. Advanced Engines Development has been working on this engine for a number of years, mainly for the U.S. military. But, they see definite potential for a street class, heavy weight motorcycle with a diesel engine. The sophisticated fuel delivery system is about 20% to 30% more efficient than gas engines and it produces less carbon dioxide, which will make the EPA happy.
They have a long road ahead of them, looking for investors and then a niche in the market if bikers embrace the bold new design. But they’re not in any hurry. These guys love being around each other, and love working in the shop on this bike.
Attorney Michael Hupy and Advanced Engines Development Corp. owner, Nick Hirsch sit on the Board of Directors of the Center for Teaching Entrepreneurship, an organization that promotes life skills and self-reliance in Milwaukee’s youth through the utilization of entrepreneurship
To see a video of the Gray Eagles’ diesel motorcycle, or read the complete story, click on the link below:
