The bike we are talking about is called “Force of Nature,” a steam-powered motorcycle built and piloted by Yorkshire-based engineer Graham Sykes. Sykes has been involved in straight-line motorsport since 1979 and has a deep passion for speed.
Force of Nature
Force of Nature officially set a new world record for a steam-powered motorcycle at the Elvington Speed Week in late May 2023. It achieved a 1/8th mile run in just 3.878 seconds with an exit speed of 163.8 miles per hour. The bike runs on heated water using hydrogenated vegetable oil, demonstrating Sykes’ commitment to environmentally friendly speed.
Sykes and his wife Diane, who is also involved in the family engineering and speed efforts, have been taking Force of Nature to various events for several years. The bike results from ten years of work and represents a chemistry and precision engineering marriage.
Motorcycle
Besides the steam-powered motorcycle, Sykes also holds a previous British national speed record for the fastest three-wheeled vehicle. In 2015, he built a V8-powered three-wheeler named Syko, which reached a top speed of 180.3 mph and averaged 171.4 mph on a flying quarter mile.
Looking ahead, the Sykes family and Force of Nature have ambitious goals. They aim to surpass 200 mph in the top speed category on a standing 1/8-mile run. Force of Nature is also scheduled to appear at the Nitro Olympics night show at the Hockenheim Circuit in Germany from August 25 to 27, 2023.
Here are some other interesting facts about the Force of Nature:
- Weighs 1,300 pounds.
- Has a top speed of 180 mph.
- Can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 2.5 seconds.
- It is powered by a steam engine that uses hydrogenated vegetable oil.
- It was designed and built by Graham Sykes in his shed.
Conclusion
Graham Sykes, a Yorkshire-based engineer, granddad, and precision enthusiast has a lifelong obsession with speed. He has been involved in straight-line motorsport since 1979 and has made a significant mark in speed records with his steam-powered motorcycle, Force of Nature.
Sykes and his wife Diane have dedicated years to creating a sustainable and environmentally friendly speed machine. Force of Nature set a new world record for a steam-powered motorcycle with a remarkable standing 1/8th mile run of 3.878 seconds and an exit speed of 163.8 miles per hour. The bike runs on heated water using hydrogenated vegetable oil.
Achievement
This achievement follows Sykes’ previous record-setting endeavour with his homemade V8-powered three-wheeler, Syko, which reached 180.3 mph and averaged 171.4 mph on a flying quarter mile.
Looking forward, the Sykes family aims to continue pushing the boundaries of speed with the Force of Nature. Their next goal is surpassing 200 mph in the top speed category on a 1/8-mile run. Fans and enthusiasts can catch the bike at the Nitro Olympics night show at the Hockenheim Circuit in Germany from August 25 to 27, 2023.
Graham Sykes’ passion for speed, engineering prowess, and commitment to sustainability make him a remarkable figure in motorsport, showcasing that speed and environmental consciousness can go hand in hand.
Force of Nature, Yorkshire Post
