The term "fastest wheeler" can refer to various types of wheeled vehicles, from specialized land speed record contenders to production cars and motorcycles. While highly specialized vehicles hold the absolute speed records, an extraordinary contender in the motorcycle world is the Dodge Tomahawk, known for its staggering speed among bikes.
The Absolute Fastest Wheeled Vehicle
When considering the fastest wheeled vehicle overall, the top speeds are achieved by purpose-built land speed record cars, which are far from production vehicles. These engineering marvels are designed solely for speed on a straight track.
- The current official land speed record is held by the ThrustSSC, which achieved a speed of 1,228 km/h (763 mph) in 1997, becoming the first car to break the sound barrier.
- Projects like the Bloodhound LSR are continually pushing these boundaries, aiming for even higher speeds.
These vehicles represent the pinnacle of wheeled speed, but they are highly specialized, jet- or rocket-powered machines, distinctly different from typical road vehicles.
The Fastest Wheeler in the Motorcycle Category
Among two-wheeled vehicles, particularly motorcycles, the Dodge Tomahawk stands out as one of the fastest ever created.
Introduced as more of a concept bike than a production model, the Tomahawk features an impressive V10 engine, derived from the powerful Dodge Viper. This unique motorcycle is capable of reaching a remarkable top speed of 676 km/h (420 mph), placing it in an elite class of high-performance bikes. While its concept status makes it an outlier compared to mass-produced motorcycles, its potential speed is unparalleled in the two-wheeled realm.
Other High-Speed Motorcycles
While the Dodge Tomahawk represents an extreme, non-production example, several production motorcycles offer incredible speeds and performance. These bikes are engineered for both power and aerodynamic efficiency.
Here's a comparison of some of the fastest motorcycles:
| Motorcycle Model | Type | Top Speed (Approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dodge Tomahawk | Concept Bike | 676 km/h (420 mph) | V10 engine, never mass-produced |
| Kawasaki Ninja H2R | Track-only | 400 km/h (249 mph) | Supercharged, not street legal |
| Suzuki Hayabusa | Production | 312 km/h (194 mph) | Electronically limited for safety |
| BMW S1000 RR | Production | 303 km/h (188 mph) | High-performance sport bike |
The speeds listed for production models are typically electronically limited to ensure rider safety and comply with regulations.
Key Factors for High-Speed Wheelers
Achieving extreme speeds in wheeled vehicles involves a combination of sophisticated engineering and design:
- Powerful Engines: High horsepower and torque are fundamental for accelerating to top speeds.
- Aerodynamics: Streamlined designs minimize drag, allowing vehicles to cut through the air more efficiently.
- Lightweight Construction: Using advanced materials like carbon fiber and aluminum reduces overall weight, improving the power-to-weight ratio.
- Advanced Gearing: Optimized transmission systems ensure efficient power delivery across the speed range.
- Tire Technology: Specially designed tires can withstand the immense forces and heat generated at high velocities.
In conclusion, while highly specialized land speed record vehicles hold the title for the fastest overall wheeled machines, the Dodge Tomahawk stands as an unparalleled example of speed in the motorcycle world.
