This
was the prototype bike of the famous V8 drag bike.
In 1964 Arvil felt if you had more Horse Power you could go faster. So he built
a 400 HP Chevy race car motor with Hillborn fuel injectors running alcohol
for fuel and put it on two wheels. However, to use a clutch and bell housing would
make the V8 motorcycle too heavy on one side, so the decision was made not to use
one, instead an in and out gear was used.
The V8 motorcycle was put up on a stand with the tire about 1/2" off the ground and the gear was engaged. A sprocket that was welded on the gear ran a primary chain to a jack shaft and the rear wheel, giving the bike a 3 to 1 gear ratio. It was then started up in gear with the wheel turning. When the starting light turned green you opened the throttle wide open and this made the tire expand until it touched the ground. Then you were on your way in a cloud of smoke and this made for a very exciting ride down the 1/4 mile.
9.34 sec. at 153 mph, this was a very fast run in 1964!
