Don’t Buy it, Build it: 2 Stroke, Kawasaki Airplane - VIDEO

Like many of us, I’m sure, Harry Doskicz looked at a malaise-era Kawasaki 2 stroke snowmobile and thought, “I bet that engine would make a freakin’ kickass airplane.” Once he had that Earth-shattering realization, though, Harry did something you and I did not: he built it.

Harry helped build the experimental Kawasaki-powered airplane you’re looking at here is built around a junkyard Kawasaki engine. Even if did come from a snowmobile, however, this thing is every bit a skyfaring motorcycle. It’s got a wood-frame, cloth-covered wings, and no windows, doors, climate controls, room for passengers, or even padding on the back of the seat. This bike is as bare-bones as it gets, made from backwards tech, and it is freakin’ AMAZING!

Andy Greaser has a full interview with Doskicz (and more pictures!) over at motorcycle news site, Revzilla. It’s 100% worth the read, so go check that out, then let us know what you think of this Kawi-powered ultralight in the comments section at the bottom of the page.

Harry Doskicz’ 2 Stroke Kawasaki Airplane

Source | More Images: Revzilla.

Buy it Now: eSpyder Electric Airplane Lands at Oshkosh 2013 Under $40K

Ultralight aircraft manufacturer Greenwing International has just released pricing for its latest all-electric airplane, the eSpyder – and, for just $39,990, you can park one in your garage today. In kit form, anyway.

According to GreenWing’s stated figures, the 32 hp electric motor can propel the eSpyder to maximum air speed of 68 mph. Peak efficiency, though, is found in an “economy cruise” mode that holds the tiny plane at 38 mph, which translates to about 90 minutes of flying time in between 2-3 hour battery charges.Granted, it ain’t Chip Yates’ baller ride – but it’s not bad, I think, for $40K. Keep in mind, though, that while this plane has already been certified by German aviation authorities (a first for an electric airplane, by the way) it has not been certified in the US. As such, the eSpyder will be offered as a kit-built plane, initially. The company hopes to offer it as a completed light sport aircraft soon.

Sharp-eyed readers will notice that this “production version” of the eSpyder is a highly evolved variant of the eSpyder than Wired flew back in 2010.