An Unconventional Modification

While the Harley-Davidson Street Glide is renowned for its factory power, the world of custom motorcycle building often seeks to push mechanical boundaries. Matt Mikka, the skilled engineer and fabricator behind the YouTube channel Warped, recently undertook a radical experiment: replacing a stock Harley engine with two functional jet turbines.


The transformation was a significant engineering challenge. The team completely stripped the motorcycle, removing the original engine and transmission to accommodate the new propulsion system. To ensure the jet engines were mounted securely, the crew designed, waterjet-cut, and welded a custom structural framework, cleverly positioning the turbines where the bike’s saddlebags usually sit.


Because jet engines consume fuel rapidly due to their high air-intake demands, the team installed a secondary 11.3-gallon fuel tank in the space formerly occupied by the original engine. Additionally, they replaced the standard charging system with a custom-built battery pack utilizing Tesla cells.


Performance and Experience

The power output of a jet engine is calculated differently than traditional automotive motors. The twin setup generated roughly 150 pounds of thrust. Given that the modified bike weighed only about 350 pounds after the removal of the heavy transmission and stock engine, it had a decent power-to-weight ratio. While initial testing showed a 0-30 mph time of 16.63 seconds and a top speed reaching 60 mph, the true allure was not the raw performance metrics.


Sean Kerr, the client and host of the Bikes and Beards YouTube channel, described the experience as entirely unique. Starting the machine feels more like piloting an aircraft than riding a motorcycle, requiring a precise sequence of operations to avoid electrical shorts. Kerr remarked:


«After hearing this bike, this is not only the coolest thing I own, it's the loudest motorcycle I've ever heard in my entire life.»

The ride experience differs drastically from a standard Harley-Davidson; the usual mechanical vibrations and gear shifts are replaced by the raw, smooth rush of exhaust gas propelling the vehicle forward.


Safety Measures and Engineering Risks

Operating a jet-powered motorcycle poses significant risks, necessitating several safety-focused modifications:

  • Containment Shields: Mikka fabricated protective shields around the turbines to protect the rider in the event of a mechanical failure or explosion.
  • Emergency Shut-off: To prevent a "runaway" engine scenario—where the turbines continue to run regardless of throttle position—the team installed an emergency valve to instantly cut the fuel supply.
  • Heat Management: The turbines generate intense heat and can shoot flames during startup, posing a significant risk to anyone or anything located directly behind the motorcycle.

Ultimately, while this project may not redefine motorcycle speed records, it stands as a remarkable feat of mechanical engineering, successfully creating a fully functional jet-propelled motorcycle from a familiar cruiser platform.