Castrol Rocket
The Castrol Rocket is a purpose-built to obtain the motorcycle speed record motorcycle, with the triumph of decades back getting ready for the first time a work to provide the fastest two-wheeler. The car was developed by Castrol, Hot Rod Conspiracy ( suspension ), Carpenter Racing ( motor tuning) and Triumph North America. The first attempts in 2013 on the Bonneville Salt Flats have been affected by adverse weather conditions. Driver was there Jason DiSalvo.
Development and testing
Bob Carpenter, even race- driving with drag bikes the " Pro Stock Motorcycle " class, was responsible for building the engines. It shortened the piston and connecting rods made of titanium used. The design and overall construction of the vehicle was to Matt Markstaller, a mechanical engineer who is familiar with Bonneville since the early 1980s. The time was very limited, but should be the decisive conversation takes just a year on the salt lake to the first roles. Since the Castrol Rocket to come up with a relatively short run to almost 700 km / h and a special attention was paid to the traction. Testing to optimize the running stability were made in a wind tunnel. Nevertheless, drivers experienced DiSalvo first at low speeds known under "fish dance" wavering phenomenon and had problems to follow with the bike in a straight line.
Tom Burkland, who already drove faster than 400 mph with a car on the salt lake, is determined by the FIM as a technical inspector for record motorcycle with enclosed cockpit. After his impression of the Castrol Rocket is a well -made machine, but he saw potential problems with engine cooling. The throttle handles provoked his astonishment, they are the driver DiSalvo although welcome.
The project is viewed by stakeholders as applied for several years. To reach the goal, an optimal surface finish of the runway and good weather conditions, it is necessary at the same time.