Czech machinist Pavel Malanik’s home-built creations are rolling pieces of art that leave you in awe of this central European maestro’s imagination.
His latest creation is this absolutely drool-worthy piece of moving metalwork that draws power from a large air-cooled V8 engine that was originally designed to power aircraft.
Malanik’s creation draws power from an air-cooled OHV V8 that displaces 4.4 litres. The Czech machinist recreated the J.A. Prestwich 4.4 litre aircraft engine from scratch to power his motorcycle.
The original J.A. Prestwich 4.4 litre aircraft engine was used to power vehicles as diverse as airships, a monoplane and a car, and only four examples survive to this day.
To recreate the engine, Malanik went and measured the one that powered the monoplane at its current home, the Science Museum in London, UK. Thankfully for Malanik, the engine showcased at the science museum was cut open so people could see its internal workings, allowing him to get the exact measurements he needed to create his own.
Malanik recreated every part of the engine except for the crankcase and the pistons from scratch while also adding a lithium-ion battery to ensure the ignition worked as smoothly as possible. Malanik also got the parts nickel-plated, giving it a rather eye-catching look.
The engine produces around 50hp and 250Nm of peak torque at very low rpm levels. Due to the torque output, the gearbox is a single-speed unit.
To deal with the mad torque output of the aircraft motor, Malanik connected it to the rear wheel with the help of two 3/4-inch chains that need to be replaced after a few hours of riding. These chains connect up with clutches on either side of the rear wheel hub.
Malanik also designed a custom steel tubing frame for the bike’s custom-made foot pegs. The front sports custom design conical tube rocker arm suspension while the rear sports fixed rear frame with spring suspension.
The handlebar features braces to help deal with the vibrations of the V8 engine and is just long enough for the rider to reach slightly forward and grab them without burning his/her legs on the powerplant. Both sides also feature contracting band-type brakes, one on each side.
The custom bike also sports a short rear mudguard and 26-inch rear wire wheels that are fitted with Ensign special beaded edge tyres.
Pavel Manalik’s custom motorcycle took the machinist four years to build and resulted in a rolling piece of automotive art that is a sight for sore eyes.
