“I envisioned a bike that I wanted but didn’t exist and then I went to work to build it.” says Kevin DeShazer from Troutville, Virginia. There are stories on custom builds aplenty on the internet where one would transform rusting pieces of wheels into stunning designs. But what Kevin has done is not just a mend and bend creation, but a machine that he built from scratch. And if you still think it would be bits and piece put together unit- it’s something he has constructed all by himself, a 2400cc three cylinder radial engine motorcycle.
Kevin says he that wanted a unique and beautiful machine with massive torque and heart thumping sound and great handling. While anyone else would have probably traded in a used engine from the junkyard, he decided to build one himself- and very unique at that. The end result is a motor that cranks out a 100 bhp and 135 nm of torque- doesn’t sound mindboggling by any measure, but certainly impressive considering it was more of a garage project.
Being elated at the final result, Kevin adds “I am so pleased with how this has turned out. It has been a very rewarding journey. The genius and simplicity of the segmented case that doesn’t leak. The way the exhaust pipes twist and turn and fool the eye into thinking “organic”.
Kevin’s weight target for the motorcycle that he calls B3 (Beastie 3) was 600 pounds (272 kgs) which he managed to slash by a big margin with the motorcycle finally weighing under 500 pounds (227 kgs). The fuel tank has been fabricated epoxyglass, kevlar, wood and foam (take that!). There is no ignition key and the bike can be started by pressing buttons and switches in proper order which turns on the oil pump turns and cranks the engine. It also features an auto-shut off system in case the oil pressure is lost.
Genius, isn’t it! Though we’re not sure of the formalities and the pains involved towards getting a nod from the authorities for granting the Beastie 3 road legal status, but helmets off to Kevin for the valiant effort. The motorcycle might not win any beauty contests but definitely hearts of motorcycle enthusiasts around the world.
You can peek into more details on the Beastie 3 HERE.