Schaefer's Motorbike Coaster
But there are also innovative developments in smaller dimensions: Peter Schäfer of German P. Schäfer amusement technology presented the prototype of his motorbike concept, a design he holds a two years old intellectual property right for. Peter Schäfer joined the booth of his American partners Martin & Vleminckx, responsible for the erection of Top Thrill Dragster or the new Kingda Ka.
Unlike at the known train concept of the Dutch coaster specialists of Vekoma two riders take their seats behind each other on a high speed machine - the motorbike is the vehicle at the same time. Testing the mock-up already promises a genuine and very intense race feeling: The riders nearly lie on the huge motorcycle. This special riding position guarantees high speeds of 100 kph and more.
The fundamental idea dealed with single cars, potential customers suggested a complete train model due to capacity problems. The preliminary track layout supports Peter Schaefers desires for a high speed motorbike feeling without compromises. The 5-coach train will accelerate in 2.7 seconds to 110 kph powered by a 70 meters long linear induction motors track. The following 900 meters track length consists of fast and intense shifts in direction, steep turns and camelbacks. Actually, there are several track-combinations near the ground level to emphasize the motorbike feeling. Maybe we will see this layout in the near future...