I know I’m not the only one who, as a kid, looked forward to seeing the fall catalogs with all the Christmas toys on display. I would spend countless hours pouring over any and all catalogues that had anything to do with the toys I desired. Year after year, it was the same thing without fail. The innocence of childhood doesn’t come with the knowledge or foresight of actually having to be able to afford to buy those things. It was all about the emotional, “I’ve gotta have that!!” that pulsates through mind at the moment. That emotional lift disappears once that innocence is lost and we come to terms with having to be financially responsible adults.
When looking through those catalogues, there was a strict protocol to adhere to in order to keep track of things. First, there was the sorting process. Each catalog that had things that I was interested in went in one stack. All others went into a different pile. Every year, the disinterested pile was almost non-existent. Next, there was the folding of the pages for things I liked. That made it easier to find the things that gave me that emotional high. Finally, there was the circling or highlighting of the very specific things that, when looked at, led to an automatic response of “I’ve gotta have THAT!!!“
As an adult, there are fleeting moments where we see something that elicits that powerful response. Today was one of those days for me where I had my moment.
As described by Autoweek.com:
“The project started with a Honda riding mower, into which a 1,000cc motorcycle engine was installed. The suspension and tires were added from a racing ATV, allowing it to go from 0-60 mph in just four seconds. It clocked 100 mph on a test spin at Top Gear’s annual Speed Week event.”
In full disclosure I have to admit that I am a speed junkie. I’m not one of those people who drive like a complete idiot on the road, but I love racing, all kinds of racing. A good weekend for me is watching cars, trucks, motorcycles, big rigs, and even bar stools tearing up a track somewhere. It doesn’t matter if they’re only turning left, turning right and left, or simply going straight. This past weekend was a great weekend because I got to watch the MotoGP guys tear up Laguna Seca on their bikes.
Anyway, my yard is small enough that I have no need for a riding mower, but this isn’t any ordinary riding mower. What man wouldn’t want a lawn mower capable of doing 0-60 in under 5 seconds? With a lawn mower capable of hitting 130mph, I could go to the local drag strip on open racing night and make many people green with envy as they eat my dust and grass clippings from the starting line to the finish line. This presents itself as the ultimate man tool as it combines lawn care (I like to keep my yard looking good) and unabated speed. That’s what kicked the “I gotta have it” from the depths of my soul that I didn’t know existed. I honestly can’t remember the last time something brought that response from me.
I’m certain that it would be something I’d never be able to afford unless I hit the lottery. It does, however, give me an idea of how to achieve something that I’ve always wanted: A big badass lawnmower. Years ago, I thought of the idea of dropping a small block V8 on a John Deere mower, but I figured the horsepower would likely torque the frame to oblivion. I never considered the idea of using a motorcycle engine. I guess it’s off to the drawing board and garage for me now. I’ve already seen the power and ability of using motorcycle engines in cars, but now I see they can be used somewhere else too. So, if you hear a story about someone in Georgia getting a speeding ticket on a riding lawmower, I won’t openly acknowledge that it’s likely going to be me. That would be premeditated, and as I said earlier, I don’t drive like an idiot on the road. 😉
Here’s a great example of using motorcycle engines to power something other than a motorcycle.
Mix one part
Smart Car
With
Suzuki Hayabusa
And you get…
I’ve gotta have one!!!!
The Mind of Brosephus 