Motorcycle-powered Sevens?

[barbox]

I want something lightweight with high revs, like at least 10k redline.  A motorcycle-engine Seven seems like the right formula, but I've been struggling to find anyone that still makes them.

 

Super 7 Cars in Canada used to make the GSX 1300R Hayabusa-powered Caterham, but they seem to have gone out of business.

 

The Deman SR7 would also do a bike engine, but they also seem to not be in business anymore.

 

The Caterham Blackbird and Caterham Fireblade were bike-powered, but haven't been in production for about 20 years.

 

But then just recently, I found the XCS Dieci which is a Hayabusa-powered Seven that launched this year.

 

Are there other options (besides fully custom) for a high-revving Seven I should look into?  Anyone have any more info about XCS Designs?

[CBuff]

This one has been listed for a while. In Canada and not cheap. (From crocs listings )
 

https://www.autotrader.ca/a/caterham/super 7/vaughan/ontario/19_12525939_/?showcpo=ShowCpo&ncse=no&orup=1_1_1&pc=T4N 6S6&sprx=-1

 

[Croc]

The problem with importing that Caterham is that it is not yet 25 years old although someone managed it as there is one in the south. 

David Saville-Peck is sadly no longer with us as he would have been able to do a kit version of that cycle engine caterham. 

 

A number of manufacturers have done bike engined cars over the years - Caterham Blackbird, Westfield Hayabusa - although they are no longer current.

 

For for current makers - you have found XCS.  But also MK Indy is out there:

https://www.mksportscars.com/models/mk-indy-model.html

They used to have a USA dealer although not sure who that is or how to get in contact?

 

There is a USA7s member with a bike-engined Locost amongst other things.  Calling @spitfun to the discussion as a voice of experience.

 

Deman had a mixed reputation - some loved them some hated them. 

 

The problem with bike engined cars is you are using a small lightweight engine to propel something that is a magnitude of weight higher.  Thats not a great equation for reliability on the transmissions. 

 

 

[BlakeJ]

Definitely not a Se7en, but if you want a motorcycle engined, purpose built race car, I witnessed one of these running well at Thompson Speedway in CT this weekend:

 

https://rushautoworks.com/car_post/rush-sr/

 

 

[spitfun]

Find yourself a well built Locost BEC and you won't look back. I am on my 3rd,this one being a MK Sportscars with an R1 in it-tons of fun and quite quick. I would consider selling mine but I don't think I could find a better one-no matter what name is on it. 

[slowdude]

Echoing croc, looking at sport bike i4's, they have peaky powerbands and lower torque to HP ratio. You'd get your 16k rpm, but there might be other engines which can provide that RPM sound.

 

Regarding the weight of the car.. I've always thought a motorcycle I6 would be great. Benelli sei / Honda cbx / bmw k1600. They're all used for pushing 5-700 pound bikes, they have significant power and displacement etc.

[fastg]

I think the Triumph Rocket 3 would be perfect engine. Powerful, torquey, and great tuning potential. Shaft drive so it should be an easy install. 

 

Graham