Would you ride a 343hp 2.0L V8 motorcycle?
The PGM 2.0L V8 comes from the land down under, and it’s the most powerful production motorcycle money can buy.
Made in Australia by a former Moto GP mechanic Paul G. Maloney, the PGMV8 is like no other V8 motorcycle the world has ever seen. Its curb mass of just 242kg and power output of 343hp puts this naked 2.0L V8 monster into a category all of its own. The PGM is almost 50kg lighter than the 2458cc Rocket 3 without any fluids added (dry), and according to reports rides like any other conventional (non-V8) motorcycle. Maloney, you are a magician!
Most V8 motorcycles look about as ridable as Batman's motorcycle or are heavy straight lines muscle cruisers. But not the PGMV8, it can be used in real life.
Engine
The engine is actually two 2006 Yamaha R1 engines bolted together at a 90°, forming a 1996cc V8 motor with 334HP @ 12,800rpm and 214Nm of torque @ 9,500rpm. After doing a few quick calculations, that’s enough torque to fold the universe and time travel through a black hole. Honest...
The engine note is played through a custom-built pair of titanium Akrapovic 4-into-2-into-1 exhausts which helps to save weight.
Chassis and suspension
The frame is comprised of a custom made chromoly alloy trellis, with a machined aluminum subframe, and completed with carbon fiber paneling.
With a premium price tag, comes premium components, as such PGMV8 is kitted out with Ohlins FGRT301 front forks, and an Ohlins TTX Mk2 rear monoshock. Top of the range shiny springy bits.
Brakes
The brakes used to slow down the forged aluminium Marchesini wheels are second to none, with two nickel-plated Brembo GP4 calipers upfront and Brembo P4 at the rear.
Price
Although there’s no exact figure, there have been suggestions from numerous sources that the PGMV8 retails for around $120,000 US… so unless you get crowdfunding or you’re Jay Leno it might be a little out of your budget.
Verdict
Reserved for oligarchs and very rich daredevils, the PGM8 might not be everyone's kind of ride, but my goodness is it something special.
So, say the stars aligned and you could ride this beast. Would you?
Click here to find out more.
Full specs
ENGINE | |
Configuration: | 90 degree V8 |
Capacity: | 1996cc |
Bore/stroke: | 77 x 54mm |
Compression ratio: | 13:1 |
Cylinder Head: | DOHC, five valves per cylinder |
Cooling: | Liquid |
Fuelling: | 8 x 45mm Mikuni Drive-By-Wire throttle bodies |
Engine Management: | Motec M130 ECU and software |
Power: | 334HP @ 12,800rpm (At the countershaft sprocket) |
Torque: | 214Nm @ 9,500rpm (At the countershaft sprocket) |
Exhaust: | 2 x 4-2-1 titanium |
TRANSMISSION | |
Type: | Six speed sequential gearbox |
Clutch: | Wet, multi plate |
Final drive: | Chain (17/45) |
CHASSIS | |
Rake: | 25.5 degrees |
Trail: | 107mm |
Material: | Front – Chrome-moly tube trellis Rear – CNC machined Aluminium |
SUSPENSION | |
Front: | Ohlins FGRT301 48mm USD forks… fully adjustable |
Rear: | Ohlins TTX Mk2 shock, with custom link |
WHEELS/TYRES | |
Front: | 17.0 x 3.50 Marchesini 10 spoke, forged aluminium 120/70ZR-17 Michelin Pilot Power 3 |
Rear: | 17.0 x 6.00 Marchesini 10 spoke, forged aluminium 190/50ZR-17 Michelin Pilot Power 3 |
BRAKES | |
Front: | Brembo GP4 Nickel plated calipers on 320mm discs |
Rear: | Brembo P4-34 Nickel plated caliper on 220mm disc |
DIMENSIONS | |
Weight: | 242kgs wet with fuel, water and lubricants |
Weight bias: | 51/49 front to rear static |
Seat height: | 840mm |
Wheelbase: | 1540mm |
Fuel capacity: | 16.5 litres |
PERFORMANCE | |
Top speed: | How brave are you? |
