Can you turbocharge a motorcycle? It’s a question that we get all the time here at Speedway Motors. And while there are a lot of opinions out there on the subject, the answer is actually pretty simple: yes, you can turbocharge a motorcycle… but you need to know what you’re doing.
In this blog post, we’re going to take a look at everything you need to know about turbocharging your dirt bike. We’ll cover what a turbocharger is, how it works, and whether or not you can do it safely. By the end, you’ll have a good understanding of whether or not turbocharging your dirt bike is right for you.
What Is a Turbocharger?
A turbocharger is an exhaust gas-driven air compressor that increases the power output of an internal combustion engine by forcing extra air into the combustion chamber. This extra air provides more oxygen for the same amount of fuel, which results in more complete combustion and higher engine power output.
How Does a Turbocharger Work?
A turbocharger consists of two main parts: a compressor and a turbine. The turbine is powered by exhaust gases from the engine, which drives the compressor that forces extra air into the engine’s cylinders. The added oxygen allows the engine to burn more fuel, which results in more power output.
Can You Turbocharge Your Motorcycle Safely?
Now that we know what a turbocharger is and how it works, let’s answer the question: can you turbocharge your motorcycle safely? In short, yes… but there are some things you need to keep in mind. First and foremost, you need to make sure that your engine is in good working order before you start messing with it. Engine that’s not properly maintained will not respond well to being forced to work harder. Additionally, you need to make sure that your fueling system can handle the increased demand for fuel that comes with increased air flow. If not, you run the risk of damaging your engine. Finally, be sure to consult with an expert before undertaking any major modifications to your bike.Turbocharging your motorcycle is not something that should be done lightly.
if done improperly, it can cause serious damage to your bike. But if done correctly, it can provide a significant increase in power output without sacrificing reliability or longevity.
Main Benefits of Adding a Turbo to a Dirt Bike
More Power
One of the most obvious benefits of adding turbo to a motorcycle is that it provides a power boost. This is especially beneficial if you frequently ride on the highway or in other open areas where you can really take advantage of the extra power. Just keep in mind that with great power comes great responsibility—be sure to ride safely and always obey the speed limit.
Better Fuel Efficiency
Adding a turbo to your motorcycle can actually improve fuel efficiency thanks to something called “compound charging.” Compound charging occurs when exhaust gasses from the engine are used to spin the turbine that powers the supercharger. This process of using exhaust gasses to help power the vehicle results in better fuel efficiency. So if you’re looking for ways to save money at the pump, adding a turbo to your motorcycle is one option to consider.
Faster Acceleration
In addition to providing more power, adding turbo also results in faster acceleration. This is because turbos compress air before sending it into the engine, which means there’s more oxygen available for combustion. That extra oxygen results in faster and stronger combustion, which translates into faster acceleration. So if you’re looking for ways to get an edge on the competition, adding a turbo to your motorcycle is one way to do it. Just be sure not to sacrifice safety for speed—racing is best left for the track.
Disadvantages of Adding a Turbo to a Motorcycle
Increased Maintenance Requirements
A turbocharged motorcycle will require more frequent and higher-quality maintenance than a non-turbocharged bike. The increased heat and stress put on the engine by the turbocharger can cause premature wear and tear. This means that you’ll need to change your oil more often, and you may need to replace other engine components more frequently as well. Not only is this increased maintenance inconvenient, but it can also be expensive.
Potential Reliability Issues
While modern turbochargers are reliable, there is always the potential for something to go wrong. If something does go wrong with the turbocharger, it can often take the entire engine with it. This could leave you stranded on the side of the road or worse.
Increased Fuel Consumption
Another downside of adding a turbocharger to your motorcycle is that it will likely increase your fuel consumption. This is because the turbocharger requires extra fuel to keep it running properly. As such, you may find yourself filling up your tank more often than you did before, which can add up over time.
What Is Turbo Lag?
Turbo lag is the delay between when you hit the gas and when your motorcycle’s engine starts producing extra power. When there’s no turbocharger present, the engine can produce power immediately. But when there is a turbocharger, it takes a little bit of time for the charger to spool up and get the engine going. This delay can be frustrating for riders who are used to immediate power delivery.
How to Deal with Turbo Lag
Luckily, there are a few things you can do to minimize turbo lag. First, make sure your motorcycle is properly tuned. A well-tuned engine will have less lag than one that isn’t running as smoothly. Second, avoid riding at low speeds. The lower the rpm, the longer it will take for the turbocharger to engage. So if you’re trying to accelerate from a stoplight or slow down while maneuvering through traffic, you may notice more pronounced turbo lag. Third, don’t stomp on the gas pedal too hard. Sudden acceleration can also cause longer periods of turbo lag. Instead of mashing down on the pedal, gradually increase pressure until you reach your desired speed.
Why are turbochargers more common in cars than motorcycles?
The main reason turbochargers are more common in cars than motorcycles is because of size. Motorcycles are, by nature, smaller than cars—and that includes the engine. As a result, there’s simply not enough space to fit all of the necessary components of a turbocharger (e.g., the compressor, turbine, intercooler, etc.) into a motorcycle engine. Additionally, because motorcycle engines are already small, there’s not a whole lot of room to increase displacement (i.e., the size of the cylinders). And since turbos rely on increased displacement to function properly, it again becomes an issue of space.
While it’s true that most motorcycles don’t come with turbos, that doesn’t mean they can’t be modified to accept one. However, it’s important to keep in mind that doing so comes with a few challenges—namely cost and weight. Turbocharged motorcycle engines tend to be significantly more expensive than their non-turbo counterparts due largely in part to the fact that they require special components that can only be sourced from aftermarket suppliers. And because those components are often made of cast iron or steel (rather than aluminum), they tend to add quite a bit of weight to the motorcycle—sometimes upwards of 100 pounds! That extra weight can impact handling, which is why many bikers opt not to go the turbo route.
High Performance Motorcycles vs Turbocharged Motorcycles
High-Performance Motorcycles
If you’re looking for speed, power, and agility, then a high-performance motorcycle is probably the way to go. These bikes are designed for racing and other high-speed activities, so they can definitely give you the thrill you’re looking for. However, they also come with some drawbacks. First of all, they’re usually very expensive. If you’re not careful, you could easily end up spending more than you can afford. Additionally, they require a lot of maintenance and upkeep. You’ll need to regularly tune and service your bike to keep it running at its best. If you’re not prepared to put in the time and effort, then a high-performance motorcycle might not be the right choice for you.
Turbocharged Bikes
Turbocharging is a popular modification that many bikers make to their bikes. It essentially involves adding a turbocharger to your engine in order to increase its power output. This can be a great way to get more performance out of your bike without spending a lot of money on a new one. However, there are some downsides to consider as well. First of all, turbocharged engines tend to be less reliable than standard ones. Additionally, they require more frequent maintenance and tuning in order to stay in good condition. If you’re not prepared to put in the extra work, then turbocharging your bike might not be the right choice for you.
Conclusion:
As you can see, there are a lot of things to consider before turbocharging your dirt bike. But if you do it right, it can be a great way to increase power without sacrificing reliability or longevity. Just be sure to consult with an expert and make sure your engine is in good working order before undertaking any major modifications.
FAQs:
Can You Turbocharge Any Motorcycle?
Theoretically, yes. However, some motorcycles are better suited for turbocharging than others. In general, Japanese motorcycles from the 1980s and 1990s can be easily converted to turbos with off-the-shelf kits. European bikes from the same era may require some custom work, but it’s still possible. Newer bikes are more difficult to convert because they’re already close to peak performance levels. So, if you’re dead set on turbocharging your motorcycle, do some research to see if it’s even possible with your specific make and model.
Is Maintenance of a Turbocharged Motorcycle Expensive?
No, not necessarily. In fact, most turbos are designed to last the lifetime of the vehicle they’re installed on with proper maintenance. That said, every now and then you may need to replace worn out gaskets or seals. Additionally, it’s important to use good quality motor oil and change it frequently when you have a turbocharged motorcycle. All things considered, maintenance for a turbocharged motorcycle isn’t any more expensive than for a non-turbocharged bike—just remember to stay on top of it!
