Uploaded December 2024 | Updated September 2026, 19 hours ago
Yes, you read that right, a 500cc V8. Built in the 1950s to be a super weapon in motorcycle grand prix racing, the elegant and amazingly powerful engine was star-crossed from the beginning. Loads of horsepower in a tricky chassis on hard, tiny tires, it took out riders as quickly as it took out parts.
The engine is a masterpiece of brilliant engineering and miniature construction. It had a few shining moments and propelled motorcycles in the 1950s to speeds that would not be achieved again until nearly into the 1980s.
The technical specs, racing history and glorious sounds are all captured here.
Yes, you read that right, a 500cc V8. Built in the 1950s to be a super weapon in motorcycle grand prix racing, the elegant and amazingly powerful engine was star-crossed from the beginning. Loads of horsepower in a tricky chassis on hard, tiny tires, it took out riders as quickly as it took out parts.
The engine is a masterpiece of brilliant engineering and miniature construction. It had a few shining moments and propelled motorcycles in the 1950s to speeds that would not be achieved again until nearly into the 1980s.
The technical specs, racing history and glorious sounds are all captured here.
