Motorcycle specifications Feuling W3 2000 Warrior, Wanted, ou... Whahou !

3 cylinders, 2470 cc, 150 hp and over 25 mkg... this is the crazy idea of Jim Feuling. A gifted and renowned mechanical engineer, his company (Feuling Technologies) collaborates with major automotive brands and, until recently, with Harley-Davidson - a collaboration that came to an end with the launch of the W3 project. The initial idea was to graft a 3rd cylinder onto a Harley engine. Today, on the Feuling W3, the only Harley part is the gearbox. Top speed is anecdotal. The soul of the W3 is its demonic acceleration. From 2000 rpm, the throttle becomes the detonator of a rocket engine. The sensations are akin to those provided by American dragsters fuelled by methanol and other derivatives that blow up in your face. The 20 cm rear tire screams out in pain with every hard start. With it, Hayabusa and ZX-12R don't stand a chance at the green light.

The size of the brakes is hardly impressive, but they are effective for a machine of this size. Although derived from an H-D engine, the feuling's is much smoother than Milwaukee's twin cam and its vibrations more discreet. The frame is a classic steel double cradle, the square-section swingarm has been reinforced, the fork is inverted and the column angle is a very open 30°. With a sedan wheelbase of 1,753 mm and a "peculiar" geometry, the W3 doesn't really appreciate sporty riding on twisty roads, not to mention its ground clearance. Are you sure you want the price? Well, if you insist: $16,400 for the engine with carburetors and ignition, $19,500 for the chassis kit that combines engine, ignition, wiring, frame and swingarm. The assembled, hand-sewn bike: $39500. If that's not enough, you can drool over Feuling.com.

M.B
(inspired by S. Van Gelder's article
Moto-journal n° 1 518 - internet photos)