Motorcyclist
Americans have the biggest everything: the biggest people, the biggest cars, and, for that matter, the biggest motorcycles.
Today we will talk about one monster in the world of motorcycles - Boss Hoss. Have you heard of these? Don't be upset if not. There is only one of these riding around our Blue-Eyed. So, what is it and what is it eaten with?
The homeland of these monsters is Texas. Boss Hoss Cycles was founded in 1990 by Monte Warn. It all started with the fact that a 5.7-liter Chevy V-8 engine was mounted into a motorcycle frame! Such engines are installed in SUVs such as the Chevrolet Tahoe and the Chevrolet Camaro muscle car. I think you roughly understand the power and cost of such engines? The motorcycle turned out to be quite unusual. It had only one gear (and you don’t need more, I’ll tell you...) Then the company continued to develop and noticeably expanded its range. Parts have been significantly improved (Brembo brake systems, inverted forks, etc.). Although there are officially about two dozen Boss Hoss “models”, which are graded by year and include both motorcycles and trikes, you shouldn’t pay much attention to this. Every, absolutely every, copy of this brand is made to order!
The first time I saw this monster was at the Minsk opening of the season. I had heard about these motorcycles before, but I didn’t even expect to see it in person. Boss Hoss easily won the loudest exhaust competition, simply deafening the airfield with its roar. No, not even a roar... More like a clap of thunder! A little later I met the happy owner of this motorcycle - Vasily Tripuz.
As usual, I’ll lay out a little dry theory regarding this specimen:
Type: Custom / Cruiser
Motor and drive:
| Working volume (cm 3) | 5700 |
| Type | V8 |
| Bars | 4 |
| Power | 502.00 hp (366.4 kW)) @ 5200 rpm |
| Compression | 9.6:1 |
| Torque | 567.00 Nm (57.8 kgf-m / 418.2 ft.lbs) @ 4200 rpm |
| Fuel system | Carburettor. Quadrajet 850 cfm |
| Cooling | Liquid |
| Drive unit | Belt |
| Power/Weight | 0.8513 hp/kg |
Chassis:
| Wheelbase | 2083 mm |
| Fork angle | 33.0° |
| Front shock absorber | 63mm inverted forks |
| Rear shock absorber | Dual 13.5ґ coilover shocks |
Dimensions:
| Weight | 689.7 kg |
| Seat height | 724 mm |
Other
| Gas tank capacity | 32.17 l. |
| Front brake | Two disks |
| Front brake diameter | 320 mm |
| Rear brake | One disk |
| Rear brake diameter | 320 mm |
Article review of the boss hoss 5.7 v8 motorcycle
Just think about these numbers - V8! This bike has a Corvette engine! This unit has done everything on an American scale. Everything is big, even the “small block” here is 5.7 in size! (By the way, this company has a “big block” with a volume of 8,230 cc. Unfortunately, such bikes stopped being produced in 2008.) But considering that our hero has just over 400 horsepower, that’s enough! Although some desperate bikers install turbines and many other different tunings on them, which already increases this unimaginable power. The huge gas tank here is divided into two cells that slide apart. They install a tuned compressor and the motorcycle acquires truly rocket performance - 1000 hp. pp., which the owner will need only to increase his self-esteem (after all, not a single cylinder can bring all these “horses” to life). In general, driving such a unit along any street in our country, you can look up at other motorcyclists. Because this rhinoceros will surpass anyone in both power and appearance. We can say with confidence that this is the most powerful stock factory motorcycle. Although in essence they are not current, as they are made individually for each client. And if in this review we talk about the price of this premium motorcycle, then we have only two words - O-C-E-N-B D-O-R-O-G-O! Therefore, it is not surprising that many have not heard of it, because in Russia the owners of such units can be counted on the fingers of one hand. Let's talk about the history of this beast. Boss Hoss appeared in America, in the state of Texas. Boss Hoss Cycles was founded in 1990 by pilot Monte Warne. This man was able to design a unique cruiser. He just thought, why not put a car engine into a two-wheeled motorcycle. His first models were very simple and their only, but big highlight was the Chevy V-8 engine, the volume of which was 5.7 liters! Just so you understand, such engines are usually installed on jeeps and sports cars, such as the Chevrolet Camaro. Actually, it was for the engine that the bikers paid huge amounts of money. The unit ended up being extraordinary. It had only one gear (which was more than enough...) Then the brand continued its development and expanded its model range several times. Many parts were modernized (Brembo brakes were installed, an inverted fork and many other interesting things). Proper balancing of the heavy motor made it possible to create a low center of gravity, which made the bike easier to handle. With all this, he weighed only 503 kg! Today, there are officially about twenty Boss Hoss bikes, which are distinguished by year of manufacture. The company also began producing bikes with amazing designs and equally amazing characteristics. The range was improved year by year due to the diligent engineers and designers of the company. Bikes with reverse gear appeared on sale (this was a necessity, given the weight of the unit), which had an inverted front fork, vacuum-formed body panels and other new design details that made traveling on the Boss Hoss both exciting and comfortable at the same time. In January 2006, Boss Hoss received an EU certificate to sell goods in Europe. In August of the same year, the company surprised the world community with its new product - Boss Hoss Super Sport. This unit has become the only one since 2000, when the famous “502” went on sale. The low seating position, short wheelbase and improved suspension transport its owner to a magical land of real power and speed. This monster was specially released to the delight of the brand’s fans, of whom there were a decent number at a high price. And today something new happens every day in the company. There is no doubt that another new product awaits us soon. At the same time, it will not be possible to review a “typical representative” of this company, since we remind you once again that each model is made to order. But let's get back to power. Our hero is so strong that by unscrewing the throttle by some 15 percent you will already find yourself in a cloud of white rubber smoke and rush off from the start at breakneck speed. That is why there is a special limiter on it. What is his secret, you ask? In simplicity of design! Everything here is “old school” and there is no high-tech. When approaching such a motorcycle, you will know exactly why this or that piece of hardware or button is needed. Separately, you should pay attention to the brakes. They are several times thicker than on regular bikes. The box includes only two gears with a ratio of 1 and 1:5. Gas tank volume is 35 liters. In the city it will last you literally 100 km. On the highway, the bike “eats” much less fuel - 10 l/100 km. (if we talk about the “big block”, then its minimum value is 14 l/100 km). By and large, a small tank will be enough for you, because you can’t travel much on a motorcycle. Even 500 meters in a traffic jam can seem like hell due to the weight of our hero. At the same time, the engine here runs very smoothly and reliably, but due to the power it vibrates a lot (you just have to get used to this). The pedal assembly is standard: on the left are the brake pedals and the gearbox (backward is the first and forward is the second), on the right is the brake pedal. For reverse gear, like on BMW, there is a special button on the left control panel. The Harley-style kickstand is locked, so you can easily move the motorcycle and it won’t fall anywhere. Such a device is justified, because if your bike does fall, only two very strong people can lift it. The sound of this monster is thunderous and monstrous! Perhaps this is why it is worth purchasing Boss Hoss. When riding at low speeds, this motorcycle is very difficult to turn. It is worth noting the good quality of the rubber, which holds excellent grip on the road. There is also a belt here that confidently “drags” all this power. In the end, it’s worth saying that the Boss Hoss is a monumental, beautiful, huge American machine. At 40-60 km/h it drives perfectly, “swallows” bumps and irregularities and handles perfectly. The motorcycle is controversial. On the one hand, it doesn't need that kind of automotive power, but on the other hand, you feel an amazing childish delight on it. If you have such a car or have the opportunity to drive it, then do not miss this chance. It is on Boss Hoss that you will become the star of your city!
Boss Hoss with V6 engine
The idea of putting the biggest engine in the smallest frame, and then riding the result, probably appeared with the first car on Earth. So, I think it won’t surprise you too much if I tell you that a V8 engine was in a motorcycle back in 1906. Glenn Hammond Curtis put on two wheels a motor of his own production, originally designed for airships: Curtiss Model B-8 , with two carburetors and a volume of 4.4 liters, produced as much as 40 horsepower at 1800 rpm.
And this miracle of technology accelerated comrade Curtis to 219 kilometers per hour, after which Glenn held the title of the fastest man on Earth for four years. His record was broken only in 1911. Two facts are noteworthy: before Glenn, the speed record belonged to trains. And after comrade Curtis, a car took the speed record: among motorcyclists, Glenn remained the fastest until 1930. only those who completely lack even a hint of it can accelerate to two hundred kilometers per hour on something similar to a Curtiss V-8 to the instinct of self-preservation.
If you think T-buckets aren't the safest vehicle, just look at the Curtiss V-8. Compared to this motorcycle, any bucket is a standard of safety.
After Glenn Curtis, quite a few people built their own version of a V8 motorcycle, but perhaps Monty Warne . By some coincidence, Warne, like Curtis, is associated with aviation: Monty is a certified aircraft technician and former pilot. Comrade Warne built his first V-8 bike in 1990, mostly out of a desire to test his own abilities. It is not known exactly how further events developed, but already in the same year 1990, Monty had his own team of engineers, and the company they founded, Boss Hoss, acquired its first clients.
One of the Boss Hoss kit bikes. If you are familiar with modern Hoss products, then you can feel the difference and the long journey that the company has come from its beginnings in the 90s.One of the Boss Hoss kit bikes. If you are familiar with modern Hoss products, then you can feel the difference and the long journey that the company has come from its beginnings in the 90s.
One of the Boss Hoss kit bikes. If you are familiar with modern Hoss products, then you can feel the difference and the long journey that the company has come from its beginnings in the 90s.
Today, Boss Hoss has a reputation for producing perhaps the most American bikes, not counting Harley-Davidson. But Boss Hoss began much more modestly: by selling not even the motorcycles themselves, but kits for their construction - the so-called kit bikes. In other words, the buyer got the frame, a single-speed gearbox and many other very useful parts, but the engine and a few other unimportant little things had to be obtained somewhere else. The final result thus largely depended on the directness of the buyer's hands. For these reasons, early Hoss often had a very homemade appearance, and sometimes, even before the first ride, they were overgrown with a set of spare parts intended for Harley-Davidsons and Chevys.
This motorcycle could easily be mistaken for another early Boss Hoss, but in fact it is a Kannon with the same Chevrolet V6 engine that Monty Warne would use in his motorcycles. Unfortunately, Kannons did not withstand the realities of the market and are no longer produced. Information about them is minimal, but this '97 model is excellent for visual comparison with a similar model of the same year from Hoss.This motorcycle could easily be mistaken for another early Boss Hoss, but in fact it is a Kannon with the same Chevrolet V6 engine that Monty Warne would use in his motorcycles. Unfortunately, Kannons did not withstand the realities of the market and are no longer produced. Information about them is minimal, but this '97 model is excellent for visual comparison with a similar model of the same year from Hoss.
This motorcycle could easily be mistaken for another early Boss Hoss, but in fact it is a Kannon with the same Chevrolet V6 engine that Monty Warne would use in his motorcycles. Unfortunately, Kannons did not withstand the realities of the market and are no longer produced. Information about them is minimal, but this '97 model is excellent for visual comparison with a similar model of the same year from Hoss.
This motorcycle could easily be mistaken for another early Boss Hoss, but in fact it is a Kannon with the same Chevrolet V6 engine that Monty Warne would use in his motorcycles. Unfortunately, Kannons did not withstand the realities of the market and are no longer produced. Information about them is minimal, but this '97 model is excellent for visual comparison with a similar model of the same year from Hoss.
This motorcycle could easily be mistaken for another early Boss Hoss, but in fact it is a Kannon with the same Chevrolet V6 engine that Monty Warne would use in his motorcycles. Unfortunately, Kannons did not withstand the realities of the market and are no longer produced. Information about them is minimal, but this '97 model is excellent for visual comparison with a similar model of the same year from Hoss.
This motorcycle could easily be mistaken for another early Boss Hoss, but in fact it is a Kannon with the same Chevrolet V6 engine that Monty Warne would use in his motorcycles. Unfortunately, Kannons did not withstand the realities of the market and are no longer produced. Information about them is minimal, but this '97 model is excellent for visual comparison with a similar model of the same year from Hoss.
This motorcycle could easily be mistaken for another early Boss Hoss, but in fact it is a Kannon with the same Chevrolet V6 engine that Monty Warne would use in his motorcycles. Unfortunately, Kannons did not withstand the realities of the market and are no longer produced. Information about them is minimal, but this '97 model is excellent for visual comparison with a similar model of the same year from Hoss.
This motorcycle could easily be mistaken for another early Boss Hoss, but in fact it is a Kannon with the same Chevrolet V6 engine that Monty Warne would use in his motorcycles. Unfortunately, Kannons did not withstand the realities of the market and are no longer produced. Information about them is minimal, but this '97 model is excellent for visual comparison with a similar model of the same year from Hoss.
This motorcycle could easily be mistaken for another early Boss Hoss, but in fact it is a Kannon with the same Chevrolet V6 engine that Monty Warne would use in his motorcycles. Unfortunately, Kannons did not withstand the realities of the market and are no longer produced. Information about them is minimal, but this '97 model is excellent for visual comparison with a similar model of the same year from Hoss.
This motorcycle could easily be mistaken for another early Boss Hoss, but in fact it is a Kannon with the same Chevrolet V6 engine that Monty Warne would use in his motorcycles. Unfortunately, Kannons did not withstand the realities of the market and are no longer produced. Information about them is minimal, but this '97 model is excellent for visual comparison with a similar model of the same year from Hoss.
This motorcycle could easily be mistaken for another early Boss Hoss, but in fact it is a Kannon with the same Chevrolet V6 engine that Monty Warne would use in his motorcycles. Unfortunately, Kannons did not withstand the realities of the market and are no longer produced. Information about them is minimal, but this '97 model is excellent for visual comparison with a similar model of the same year from Hoss.
This motorcycle could easily be mistaken for another early Boss Hoss, but in fact it is a Kannon with the same Chevrolet V6 engine that Monty Warne would use in his motorcycles. Unfortunately, Kannons did not withstand the realities of the market and are no longer produced. Information about them is minimal, but this '97 model is excellent for visual comparison with a similar model of the same year from Hoss.
This motorcycle could easily be mistaken for another early Boss Hoss, but in fact it is a Kannon with the same Chevrolet V6 engine that Monty Warne would use in his motorcycles. Unfortunately, Kannons did not withstand the realities of the market and are no longer produced. Information about them is minimal, but this '97 model is excellent for visual comparison with a similar model of the same year from Hoss.
However, fans of rat bikes and other very crude-looking machines existed at that time. In addition, a well-built Boss Hoss was, although not the most comfortable, still a full-fledged motorcycle. Those few who used it every day were able to appreciate the difference in vibration between two cylinders and eight, and bikers who had at their disposal not only a Hoss, but also a Harley, often preferred the Boss, at least in winter: the huge engine warmed their legs perfectly . In short, despite all the shortcomings, the number of customers grew steadily, and therefore in 1996 Monty Warne earned enough money to move from kit bikes to the construction of full-fledged motorcycles. This approach allowed us to establish full-fledged quality control, which quickly grew into improvements in design and construction.
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One of the Boss Hoss V6 bikes. Unlike the Kannon motorcycle, which is in many ways similar to the early Boss Hoss, this machine already has a very recognizable design of the second generation of Hoss, custom parts like an exhaust manifold, and also - which is important for the market - its own brand.One of the Boss Hoss V6 bikes. Unlike the Kannon motorcycle, which is in many ways similar to the early Boss Hoss, this machine already has a very recognizable design of the second generation of Hoss, custom parts like an exhaust manifold, and also - which is important for the market - its own brand.
One of the Boss Hoss V6 bikes. Unlike the Kannon motorcycle, which is in many ways similar to the early Boss Hoss, this machine already has a very recognizable design of the second generation of Hoss, custom parts like an exhaust manifold, and also - which is important for the market - its own brand.
The V6 motorcycles Warne produced in '97 and '98 were largely experimental for the Boss Hoss brand. In particular, it was the six-cylinder models that were first equipped with a new two-speed automatic transmission. Plus, especially for the small 4.3-liter Chevrolet engine, the frame was narrowed and shortened. But despite this, the bike remained quite huge compared to other motorcycles.
Some vintage photos from the 1997 article. Note the missing radiator housing: bikers may well have removed it after purchasing the motorcycle, but it is unlikely that Boss Hoss would have provided the bike to journalists in this form. Most likely, the company did not yet have radiator housings in 1997.Some vintage photos from the 1997 article. Note the missing radiator housing: bikers may well have removed it after purchasing the motorcycle, but it is unlikely that Boss Hoss would have provided the bike to journalists in this form. Most likely, the company did not yet have radiator housings in 1997.
One of the articles, written in 1997, plainly says that the first thing you need to do is get used to the size of the bike. But this is the only negative mentioned in the article. The author writes that the new automatic transmission works perfectly, and there is no need to be distracted by gears. The Boss Hoss turns, as expected, reluctantly, but at the same time, the control is “neutral and natural”: with a little practice, even a full turn can be easily performed in one movement. It’s comfortable to sit on the motorcycle: the seat height is 66 centimeters, and the brake lever is located a little far away. On the other hand, reaching for it doesn’t make much sense: the bike’s rear brakes are much more practical.
Despite the fact that the photographs of the motorcycle are dated 2008, the advertisement for the sale of this bike itself is dated 2019. Let's just hope that this Boss Hoss actually managed to survive 10 years and remain in such good condition that the seller simply didn't see the point in taking new photos.Despite the fact that the photographs of the motorcycle are dated 2008, the advertisement for the sale of this bike itself is dated 2019. Let's just hope that this Boss Hoss actually managed to survive 10 years and remain in such good condition that the seller simply didn't see the point in taking new photos.
Despite the fact that the photographs of the motorcycle are dated 2008, the advertisement for the sale of this bike itself is dated 2019. Let's just hope that this Boss Hoss actually managed to survive 10 years and remain in such good condition that the seller simply didn't see the point in taking new photos.
Despite the fact that the photographs of the motorcycle are dated 2008, the advertisement for the sale of this bike itself is dated 2019. Let's just hope that this Boss Hoss actually managed to survive 10 years and remain in such good condition that the seller simply didn't see the point in taking new photos.
And, as the author notes, more than 150 horsepower on two wheels allows the motorcycle to reach very serious speeds. Sure, sportbikes will still be faster, but none of them can offer the feeling that the Boss Hoss offers as it relentlessly accelerates its mass of hardware. With a fuel consumption of 8 liters per hundred kilometers and a gas tank of just over 28 liters, it turns out to be quite a decent cruiser. The author does not advise ladies to wear a skirt if they want to ride such a motorcycle: the solid shape of the bike forces the rider to spread his legs very wide.
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The owner of this six-cylinder motorcycle took the time to take a lot of pictures showing the mechanisms and small parts of the bike. So despite the poor quality of the photos, it was this ad that gave me the opportunity to look at the Boss Hoss and Chevy's V6 in great detail.The owner of this six-cylinder motorcycle took the time to take a lot of pictures showing the mechanisms and small parts of the bike. So despite the poor quality of the photos, it was this ad that gave me the opportunity to look at the Boss Hoss and Chevy's V6 in great detail.
The owner of this six-cylinder motorcycle took the time to take a lot of pictures showing the mechanisms and small parts of the bike. So despite the poor quality of the photos, it was this ad that gave me the opportunity to look at the Boss Hoss and Chevy's V6 in great detail.
The owner of this six-cylinder motorcycle took the time to take a lot of pictures showing the mechanisms and small parts of the bike. So despite the poor quality of the photos, it was this ad that gave me the opportunity to look at the Boss Hoss and Chevy's V6 in great detail.
The owner of this six-cylinder motorcycle took the time to take a lot of pictures showing the mechanisms and small parts of the bike. So despite the poor quality of the photos, it was this ad that gave me the opportunity to look at the Boss Hoss and Chevy's V6 in great detail.
The owner of this six-cylinder motorcycle took the time to take a lot of pictures showing the mechanisms and small parts of the bike. So despite the poor quality of the photos, it was this ad that gave me the opportunity to look at the Boss Hoss and Chevy's V6 in great detail.
The owner of this six-cylinder motorcycle took the time to take a lot of pictures showing the mechanisms and small parts of the bike. So despite the poor quality of the photos, it was this ad that gave me the opportunity to look at the Boss Hoss and Chevy's V6 in great detail.
The owner of this six-cylinder motorcycle took the time to take a lot of pictures showing the mechanisms and small parts of the bike. So despite the poor quality of the photos, it was this ad that gave me the opportunity to look at the Boss Hoss and Chevy's V6 in great detail.
The owner of this six-cylinder motorcycle took the time to take a lot of pictures showing the mechanisms and small parts of the bike. So despite the poor quality of the photos, it was this ad that gave me the opportunity to look at the Boss Hoss and Chevy's V6 in great detail.
The owner of this six-cylinder motorcycle took the time to take a lot of pictures showing the mechanisms and small parts of the bike. So despite the poor quality of the photos, it was this ad that gave me the opportunity to look at the Boss Hoss and Chevy's V6 in great detail.
The owner of this six-cylinder motorcycle took the time to take a lot of pictures showing the mechanisms and small parts of the bike. So despite the poor quality of the photos, it was this ad that gave me the opportunity to look at the Boss Hoss and Chevy's V6 in great detail.
The owner of this six-cylinder motorcycle took the time to take a lot of pictures showing the mechanisms and small parts of the bike. So despite the poor quality of the photos, it was this ad that gave me the opportunity to look at the Boss Hoss and Chevy's V6 in great detail.
The owner of this six-cylinder motorcycle took the time to take a lot of pictures showing the mechanisms and small parts of the bike. So despite the poor quality of the photos, it was this ad that gave me the opportunity to look at the Boss Hoss and Chevy's V6 in great detail.
The owner of this six-cylinder motorcycle took the time to take a lot of pictures showing the mechanisms and small parts of the bike. So despite the poor quality of the photos, it was this ad that gave me the opportunity to look at the Boss Hoss and Chevy's V6 in great detail.
The owner of this six-cylinder motorcycle took the time to take a lot of pictures showing the mechanisms and small parts of the bike. So despite the poor quality of the photos, it was this ad that gave me the opportunity to look at the Boss Hoss and Chevy's V6 in great detail.
The owner of this six-cylinder motorcycle took the time to take a lot of pictures showing the mechanisms and small parts of the bike. So despite the poor quality of the photos, it was this ad that gave me the opportunity to look at the Boss Hoss and Chevy's V6 in great detail.
The owner of this six-cylinder motorcycle took the time to take a lot of pictures showing the mechanisms and small parts of the bike. So despite the poor quality of the photos, it was this ad that gave me the opportunity to look at the Boss Hoss and Chevy's V6 in great detail.
The owner of this six-cylinder motorcycle took the time to take a lot of pictures showing the mechanisms and small parts of the bike. So despite the poor quality of the photos, it was this ad that gave me the opportunity to look at the Boss Hoss and Chevy's V6 in great detail.
The owner of this six-cylinder motorcycle took the time to take a lot of pictures showing the mechanisms and small parts of the bike. So despite the poor quality of the photos, it was this ad that gave me the opportunity to look at the Boss Hoss and Chevy's V6 in great detail.
History remains silent as to why the V6-powered Boss Hoss was only produced for a few years. Perhaps the journalists were not too honest and the bike still had problems. Or maybe Monty Warne simply didn’t have enough budget to promote three engines to the people at once. And it’s quite possible that the V6 simply wasn’t popular enough: when you can buy a motorcycle with a much more familiar and popular V8 for almost the same price, it’s quite logical that people would choose the eight-cylinder version.
Unfortunately, there is only one photo of this motorcycle. I found it on a forum for owners of motorcycles with a V-twin engine, and attempts to contact the owner of this bike yielded nothing.
In general, all V6 Hoss that have survived to this day can already be called rarities: motorcycles have been on the road for more than twenty years. And each of them is one of the few six-cylinder bikes that can be called production. I would say that these motorcycles are another small achievement of the American school of mechanical engineering.
Sources
https://www.drummerdonnie .com/BossHoss.html https://www.kloompy. com/motorcycles/1998-boss-hoss-bh3_i425 https://www.bikewale. com/news/30546-cult-bike-of-the-day-boss-hoss-cycles.html https://www.motorcyclenews .com/news/2016/march/mcn-plus—boss-hoss-v6-first -ride—bike/ https://suprememotos. com/boss_hoss/80420-1998-boss-hoss-limited-edition-american-v6-motorcycle-mint-condition.html https://www.2040-motos.com/Boss-Hoss/Boss-Hoss/1998-boss -hoss-v6-clean-282/ https://newatlas .com/glen-curtiss-pioneer-aviator-land-speed-record-holder/46766/ https://www.cycletrader .com/listing/1997-Kannon -V6-5011207035
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