Yamaha Aircraft Engines? STOL - Steve Henry

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

Hey! Did you know...it is FREE to [ SUBSCRIBE ]? YES! I am headed out to this LONESTAR STOL COMPETITION in Gainesville TX NEXT WEEK to bring you more Aviation Content. If you would like to help assist in the TRAVEL COSTS please consider a small donation here------> www.gofundme.com/f/aircraft-stol-competition-video-series?+share-flow-1 Thank you for your support and Thank You for watching! I truly appreciate YOU! -Bryan

[@jpwhite8377]

I love seeing alternative engines that are successful. More excellent content! Thanks!

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

@JP White... You keep showing up! Thank you! Thank you for watching and supporting here. I appreciate You!

[@michaelz6870]

Amen, it puts the experimental in experimental aviation!

[@hpijeep]

after watching him compete at arkanstol I can say these things perform. The sound this thing makes is amazing!

[@randallharmsen5802]

Thrust from Steve Henry engine is amazing. Power to weight ratio is nuts! Had a Yamaha 650 4 cylinder that redlined at 10,000 rpms in early 80’s in a motorcycle. R and D has been working overtime for sled engines though Yamaha in the later years. All about speed and weight! Hats off to Steve Henry for test piloting this project that so many want to acquire now for an airplane. Great question and answer session. Well done video.

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

Thank you! Very much appreciate your feedback. Thank you for watching and supporting here. I appreciate You!

[@Errol.C-nz]

@@ExperimentalAircraftChannel you NEED to seriously look at the 300hp supercharged jetski engines...theyre marine quality engines with jetted oil cooled pistons for continuous high rpm...really torquey engines out of the crate

[@lowtech81]

this seems to be the old engine used in VX jetskis. it had about 140-180hp and a redline above 10k. the newer engines are much better and more powerful.

[@valuedhumanoid6574]

I had a Yamaha snow machine for 4 years before I sold it when I moved to a non-winter state and that whole time I never had one mechanical stoppage or any issues for that matter. My riding buddies with SkiDoo's, CanAm's, Polaris....none of them can claim that. I carried a strap and D shackles to pull them when they broke down lol Yamaha is KING of the snow machines!

[@dwarden3]

Kinda related, I've got a 07 Yamaha Rhino 450 on the farm and use it every day still runs like a champ. The Polaris Ranger I bought in 09 is usually broken in the barn waiting on parts. They do the same job, same loads.

[@janetyeoman1544]

dwarden3 , same here in Ontario. Our ATV group always ends up having to repair or tow a Polaris back to camp. Yamaha , Honda and Can Am never seems to break down.

[@thehaze1972]

Well my experiences from snowmobiles would make me very comfortable flying with an Apex engine, not that Rotax is bad in any way but Yamahas engines is a little bit better. Besides the yearly or every 4000km oil change I'm still waiting for the first service on the engine in my Apex, valve clerance check at 40000km or 24860 miles. :-) When the clutches are set and work correctly it should rev about 10700 at WOT, the revlimiter kicks in at 11000.

[@bikesbees9392]

It’s about time we realize that air cooled carbureted engine with magnetos is old music. High performance motorcycles and cars abandoned that long time ago....

[@joshmoore6165]

Carb rebuilding kits, and tuning talents are few and far between also. Motorcycle dealerships won't this old tech anymore.

[@joshmoore6165]

dealerships won't touch

[@amraceway]

Magnetos are still used in top level motorsport.

[@Mrcaffinebean]

Bill Hollingsworth are they? Wear? I though mags didn’t let you change timing so they wouldn’t work with FADEC systems.

[@cageordie]

@@joshmoore6165 You know you can edit comments. Not trying to be difficult, just if you wanted to fix the original comment you can.

[@ronaldharris6569]

Rotax,made a huge change in the light airplane world with snowmobile engine's, I look forward to what Yamaha can do

[@brent1041]

I’m putting a yamaha Apex in my zenith 601xlb project. It should be a blast when it’s all done

[@ctsteve1967]

post videos greg cfi

[@machinesandthings7121]

Need vid!

[@budsbustbi6339]

that sounds fun!!!

[@Forty5Kimber]

Excellent video Bryan! Been waiting to see what Steve Henry was putting together for this year. Exciting stuff

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

Thank you! It was a long ride from Florida and back but....apparently worth it! Thank you for your feedback! Thank you for watching and supporting here. I appreciate You!

[@irvlennert3674]

Wish I could subscribe again! but again I really like these videos with Steve and the Apex!

[@TheTerrypcurtin]

We are using one in out Avid.

[@LeftSeatAdventures]

Just can't get enough of these Yamaha engines... "New sponsor acquired." Congrats! 👍

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

Excellent! YES... Sponsorship is needed as it costs quite a bit to travel and keep bringing you NEW content each week! Thank you for watching and supporting here. I appreciate You!

[@iwalker1985]

I found you looking specifically to see if anyone was using yamaha wave runner engines in stol. Fantastic!

[@raydreamer7566]

About RPM - - - I had a Honda CX 500 motorcycle in 1969 that red lined at 10,000 Rpm and everybody said it was a time bomb because of such high RPM. It was the most reliable Bike ever. I could take it up to 10,000 RPMs every shift and I often drive in a lower gear to maintain the 10,000 RPMs and it was only a 2 cylinder so RPMS mean nothing if the motor was designed to be a high revving and built by a good company Like Yamaha or Honda.

[@SVSky]

Don't bikes today rev 20K now?

[@GrizzAxxemann]

@@SVSky Most of your average sport bikes are topping out between 12-14k. My 19 year old Blackbird redlined at 12.5k. Happy zone was between 6-9k, and best mileage was around 85 mph.

[@brucejones2354]

@@SVSky many do, but my Goldwing redlines at 6,000.

[@yamahale]

the CX500 didnt come out until 1978.

[@raydreamer7566]

@@yamahale Thank you Hal you are a better historian than me. But point being that it was a high reviving from a long time ago.

[@mastermoarman]

What's the fuel burn rate at cruse?

[@wynnfpv]

I’m looking to build an Van’s RV7.. thanks for the video! Keep up the great work!

[@dickjohnson4268]

I just love aircraft engines that cruise at 7200rpm. The CTLS at 5200 about put me into 'the nervous hospital.' Franklin had a two-banger in a later model champ in the 70's that thumped along like a V-dub. A little nervous, but not bad on an hour long flight.

[@TimberTramp]

Outlaw Motorsports in BC builds some monster yamahammer engines and there was a place in enterprise Oregon that did as well…

[@desertfox3860]

Great video! Thanks. Have you thought about a visit with Mike Patey to see what he is doing with carbon fiber?

[@WoutervanTiel]

Great questions and great answers. Fascinating!

[@enkinibiru1231]

Hi there I found this video very interesting and I loved it, but The search for power is - in itself - a never ending quest ingrained in american hot rod culture. And there are those who strive for more and more power but In aviation, I believe, it is reliability every pilots main concern. Thus redundancy is mandatory in every mechanism I would find it extremely interesting if you could do a video on Viking Aircraft Engines Here again is a company using automobile engines in aviation But with a different approach That of reliability Power can be achieved but their approach is one step at a time with reliability as first and foremost priority. Please do the video

[@PDZ1122]

I always thought the point of using alternative engines was to lower the cost. Yes, it's a cool engine but damned pricy. And you're basically getting a secondhand engine.

[@Carolinacaveman]

exactly what I was thinking. If im handy enough to build an airplane from a kit then ill find a 2nd hand engine rip it and and install myself. Of course ill buy what i need like the fearbox but holy crap iv seen these engines going for 2-3K.

[@Carolinacaveman]

but let me add that if you have the money to throw around, if your looking at a highlander Id sure throw it Steve Henrys way.

[@NathanKeith14]

@Ryan You can buy a used APEX sled for $2000 or less all day long. I know because I have one. Lovely engine, its true. Its as smooth and happy as can be to squeeze 11K rpm all day long and lots of guys have huge miles on the sleds with no engine issues. Maybe I can sell my sled for more money now lol

[@realMaverickBuckley]

@Ryan You don't need 20k to turbo.an R1 engine (what an Apex essentially is). Maybe 5k.

[@thomassaylorrealtorlicense9273]

yeah, but what's the TBO. Sure i ride high performance sportbikes, sometimes at high rpm for the thrill. But i don't think it would make any reasonable TBO doing that long term. 20K+ for one of these whizbangs? When it quits on a sled no one thinks about it---it's when your with your kid drivin' over the mountain that you think about it. Nice vid though.

[@geoh7349]

Ive made 350hp turboing the apex.

[@fregs8122]

where's the best place to buy all the apex gear, hardware, turbo's etc...

[@joshwolff2386]

From what I'm hearing about price points and the technology in each motor, why not use the 3 cylinder Genesis factory turbo motor from a sidewinder and just do some mods for reliability with high boost

[@MrWATCHthisWAY]

Bryan was Mr. Henry’s engine issues the MAPing due to a horse power cure difference in different power needs along the cure? Another great informative video. Love these different approaches to experimental aircraft. You may want to suggest this idea to AGAN aircraft designs because I bet they would love this amount of torque for their designs.

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

Great idea! These engines could serve many applications and many platforms. I not sure exactly on the mapping for each mode (STOCK and BEASTMODE!) :-) Thank you for watching and also supporting here!

[@MrWATCHthisWAY]

Experimental Aircraft Channel I would be interested in his fuel consumption on max range? If you get a chance to ask him? I was thinking KitFox but after hearing your interview I’m now rethinking my thoughts. I wouldn’t be in and STOL competitions but with that much horsepower at your fingertip! WOW. Nice to have it and not need it and if the gearboxes can take the TBO times then why not!!

[@creativityworld6781]

will it be useful to use a reduction belt instead of a gearbox?

[@flutetubamorg]

Man this gives me an idea to take a look at Yamaha's SHO watercraft engines. Not sure how well they can adapt because they use water from their surroundings to cool

[@clarencehopkins7832]

Excellent stuff bro

[@alisioardiona727]

Great to see this engine in a plane, but these prices are just absurd : a mid-condition apex engine goes for 2k, the gearbox is 3k, a turbokit is 3-5k. nowhere near those 43k he's talking about.

[@JohnDoe-et3tm]

That list prices that Cristhopher is showing belows shows why. Everything incredibly overpriced. 750 for removing an engine? 500 for cleaning it? Completely irrational and overpriced. You can get a good used engine for 1K and if you know what you are doing, save thousands.

[@keithfreeman5204]

With that kind of RPMs what comes to mind is a system based on a Multi Fan Blade Ducted Fan. A Cold Ducted Fan with Direct Drive. In a Duct, the wing tip vortex's from the prop tip, are eliminated thus gaining efficiency , about 20 %. In my Mind's Eye, I see the engine and impeller enclosed in a Venturi Shaped Duct. An air cooled 2 cyc engine behind the impeller in the slipstream would handle the engine cooling. Side note..... I've been building and flying Model airplanes since 1959. Got my 1st Radio in 1976, been designing, building and flying R/C ever since. Build in the winter and fly in the Summer. I get an idea, draw a sketch, cut, glue, assemble, fly, break, rebuild, fly. This Yamaha Engine in a Ducted Fan with the High RPMs should be Mega Thrust. From Ionia KEITH

[@tinolino58]

If your ducted fan gains 20% efficiency than you are above 100%🤩

[@bearbergmann2782]

I think plenty are missing the point. Like saying I want an SUV so trophy trucks are garbage. This engine is one of the best engines this size ever made. You want performance? Usually costs. Also, love this engine in my motorcycle.

[@aeracolombia2061]

amazing!

[@petruzzovichi]

Remarkable video. Great interview, super products. Well done. (from a Brand New Subscriber!)

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

Welcome! And...Thank You!

[@Super_64]

09:38 , i was waiting for the money shift.

[@Jack-ne8vm]

Can you replace RX1 carburetors with APEX fuel injection system?

[@treylem3]

Nice !

[@johnborton4522]

You got my sub simply because you waited until I could watch enough of the video to know if I liked the content before hitting me up for it (smart). Nothing sillier than "Before you watch the video and see if you like it, be sure and hit 'Like'". Of course the content was great too. :)

[@captarmour]

great video! what about the yamaha 1800 from the waverunner gp1800?

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

Great question! I was looking at those as well. I see Yamaha has a manufacturing center in GA. Maybe I will go visit them one day.

[@captarmour]

@@ExperimentalAircraftChannel please do these are some awesome motors! for the big experimentals we should see more chevy LT motors, these pushrod engines are light and compact

[@ThinkingOffTheGrid]

That price is ridiculous. I can't comprehend how he can justify 20k-40k.....

[@offlanders]

I agree, im not sure why a person would considered this motor when you can get a new Rotax 915iS fresh out of the box, turbo and fuel injected, (which btw you will get service bulletins should issues be found at the factory) all for $37k. In contrast I'm sure the APEX works well, but seems very expensive for what your getting, a used, secondhand engine. If it was a $6k or even $10k maybe. But $23k? Hard pass.

[@mjobmi]

If you go to his website and check out the price page he is offering the Rotax and Yamaha. The 150HP EFI Apex is (w/firewall forward prop and hub) $23k the 100HP Rotax 912 is $28k (FF inc) the 914 is $40k (FF inc) The Yamaha 300 HP is $43K. There is a rather large difference between the HP and whats included for $43K. In neither case are you buying just the engine. For 300HP ready to mount isn't that ridiculous. Yamaha makes a great engine if they provide the correct modifications seems like a fair price.

[@133dave133]

I have a 2009 Apex MTX with 1,800 miles on it. Like new condition. I plan on keeping it, but after hearing the going price for the engine, makes me wonder.

[@alisioardiona727]

Apex engines in mid-conditions go for about 2k, that guy just wants to make a huge margin

[@133dave133]

I guess that if he can sell them for that, more power to him. The price of aviation anything is why I'll never get involved in it. What makes the sled heavy, is what makes the plane light. Funny how the different applications work.

[@allywilkeforsenate]

I can buy a while working sled for $3000.The engine harness for aircraft is 125 bucks or so.Test the compression and throw it on.

[@ultralightnews]

Have an interview on the Skytrax reduction gear system for the Yamaha snowmobile engine, hoping to get your permission to use your video footage of the unit being used, showing it taking off and landing - I will, of course, acknowledge the source. Thanks The Ultralight Flyer

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

[e-mail]

[@MariaOrLex]

Dam this changes everything for me I want this engine

[@Poop-nu1so]

10:56 so you made a helicopter with wings lol

[@conantdog]

Interesting video on power plants for ultra-lights thanks 👍

[@charlesfritz7327]

Could someone please explain to me why he couldn’t just put EFI onto that carbureted engine?

[@matthewdrehobl2835]

You can depending on the manufacturer. Yamaha is known to have different valve spring ratings between the two. So you would have to re-work the head. Then rebalance the crank. To do all that DOES NOT cost that much.

[@specforged5651]

Shouldn’t even be a second thought between carbs or fuel injection. I mean absolutely ZERO thought really. Also, you shouldn’t even really have to develop and R&D a turbo system for the Apex, the snowmobile guys have been doing it for years and years. I completely understand a few tweaks and bugs here and there, like exhaust manifold/collector, charge pipe/induction manifold routing and intercooler maybe if your using one. However, the fuel mapping, computer, proper turbo, etc.....there are many many guys who have that down perfectly. Certainly shouldn’t be necessary to start from scratch just because it is going in an aircraft right?

[@vumba1331]

The mapping for an aircraft is completely different from a car. I've done it and the maps that were provided with the ECU were completely inappropriate and I had to start from scratch. Been flying with my setup since 2009.

[@WishingForSerenity]

Something used on a snowmobile doesn't necessarily fit or work on an airplane. As he explains in the video, he had to come up with his own exhaust system because it can't be fitted the same. And with different gearboxes and ways the power is used at a higher band of altitude changes comes the need for different mapping and adjustments.

[@adrianelliott3126]

Bryan, great video.

[@waynetokarz174]

What does it weigh?

[@kevinsavas7173]

Bad ass little screamers. Love it

[@gordonrogers4616]

what is cruising speed?

[@The_Frozen_Canadian.est.1793]

I just bought a 2011 1000cc Apex, operation Yukon is a GO haha

[@meals24u]

First Vid I watched on this channel! Subbed! I’m a huge fan of the Yamaha engines, in general. Gonna be interesting to see how these fair in the aviation world! I’d love a highlander with a yammi, how much would a complete kit run? Any promo vids on them anywhere? Thanks

[@warrenjbrown4898]

What’s the engine life on these 10,000 RPM engines?

[@watsisbuttndo829]

I know nothing about snowmobiles but that rx1 looks suspiciously like a R1/FZ1 motorcycle engine that i know well, will do 100,000km street miles or a full season road racing no problem . Seemingly built from kryptonite.

[@mr-uc4me]

@@watsisbuttndo829 yep, based on R1

[@craigsanders6925]

I had an R1 track bike with over 20K track miles and the valves didn't need adjustment at 20K. I had at least another 4-5k put on it to the guy I sold it too until someone crashed it on the track.

[@whitetrashgarage8110]

I know people with 20,000km on a yamaha 4 stroke sled motor. Sleds get run hard, harder than in an aircraft. Running lakes, rail beds they are WOT for long periods of time. In the trails they get beat on, 0% throttle to 100% throttle from corner to corner. You will never beat on an aircraft like that.

[@GrizzAxxemann]

So what would the TBO be for one of these? Rotax has a 2000 hour TBO.

[@PreeettyKeen]

In Australia so we don't see too many snow mobiles. Are the 1800cc 4cyl engines used in the WaveRunners a similarly usable/ reliable engine package?

[@machinesandthings7121]

Is Steve running Earls waterless coolant?

[@paswsr2563]

great video

[@PaulAnthonyDuttonUk]

Nice vid. Very interesting power plant but wondering if it is noisy in the cabin with such high rpm..

[@travisk5589]

Is that motor going to jonas?

[@shawnk7807]

Why such a price increase for the turbo version? +$20,000? ....I have done a bunch of different turbo installations on everything from motorcycle to V8s and just can't see that much of a price increase on a snowmobile engine.

[@chekyerego]

It seems like you should be able to get an engine out of the crate from Yamaha, and not an extracted snowmobile engine.

[@Mike-01234]

Yamaha doesn't want to get involved in Aircraft engines I can understand why then they can be held responsible all comes down to lawsuits. Even if they sold them to be used in snowmobiles still probably end being sued. Attorney's go after who ever has the deepest pockets eventually someone will crash and end up dead. Families are filled with greed by attorneys who want to make a fast buck on a settlement.

[@bearasojrnr]

@@Mike-01234 that's why you can't start or run their cycles in gear with the kickstand down. Some brainiac did, and collected a payout for his own stooopidity. ) :

[@SmittySmithsonite]

chekyerego - In all the years I’ve been around bikes, I’ve never seen a factory complete engine available. It’s a damn shame, too.

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

That would be nice. In the early years I was investigating options for engines to build "Reverse Trike" kits. I think the only manufacturer that might sell a crate engine (or maybe just in individual parts) is Kawasaki. Most Reverse Trike kits now use doner bikes be it NEW, Salvage or low miles used. Thank you for watching and supporting here. I appreciate You!

[@SmittySmithsonite]

Experimental Aircraft Channel - Ahh great info, Bryan. Thanks!👍

[@Cropmaster260]

So is it not possible to get a new crate engine from Yamaha. Or is it just more cost effective to get them ex sled. Maybe you need to be talking to Yamaha, could be a deal to be made there. I wish GA aircraft had this option

[@ailtonbr6418]

Congratulation Steve!!! Nice job...

[@thomassaylorrealtorlicense9273]

yes, great job, thanks.

[@ashsmitty2244]

Fuel burn?

[@lbbradley55]

OK... LETS SEE IT FLY....!

[@lpainter100]

Great content here.

[@qwiklok]

Mega rpms scares me. It only makes sense that overhaul times are going to be less hours. Besides, the noise would drive me nuts. High power, lower rpms is he ticke to long life, dependability

[@Mike-01234]

Whats the weight of ready to bolt on apex engine with gear box.

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

I was there when he took deliver of the Turbo version of it. We through everything on it required to run while it was hanging from the hoist. Came in at 199lbs! So the normally aspirated (STOCK) Yamaha should be much less. 185lbs or less I believe. Thank you for watching and supporting here. I appreciate You!

[@jamesburleson1916]

@@ExperimentalAircraftChannel 200 pounds for 300 horsepower is a hell of a thing.

[@John-rr4zz]

I love the plane and the performance. And did they think that you were going to say a couple of hundred $ for the engine.?? I think that it was Rolls Royce who used to say "if you have to ask the cost Sir, You can't afford it",!

[@hphillips7425]

Reading some of the comments below what is the difference in engine fuel injection mapping between a snowmobile and an aircraft application? If the snowmobile fuel injection is wide enough to go from sea level to 10 thousand plus feet why is the aircraft different?

[@lmtada]

How about bombardier 900 ace turbo triple.?

[@joedoakes8307]

IS the $23k price for a non turbo engine include a rebuilt snow mobile engine with fuel injection ?

[@craigsanders6925]

That includes the gearbox and prop as well. You're talking about a motor that weighs just over 100 lbs, and rebuilt can easily make more power. My 2008 R1, it's a similar motor, made almost 180 with a full exhaust system and dyno tuning on a stock motor. Match the ECU map for the use, dial in the cams for where you want them and tune it for best power application. Non turbo super bike builds are making well over 200Hp.

[@GurpreetSingh-he9cq]

How do I start with learning about experimental aircrafts and regulations wrt to them I am based in Ontario canada

[@alaskanalain]

23,000 wow, you can buy a Piper pacer for that.

[@leonidfilinkov8933]

Hey! do you have a 3d model of this yamaha motor engine?

[@J1I9M7M4Y]

Why not the 3 cylinder engine from Yamaha Nytro? Lighter and very reliable. 130hp stock but MC Xpress from Sweden pulls 340hp from it very easily.

[@CommieCat]

270 degree phase in power pulses gives propellers some funky behavior.

[@J1I9M7M4Y]

@@CommieCat Aah. Thank you for the info. I have absolutely no experience in aircraft engines. 😁

[@yadukrishnan3264]

Is that Steve Henry website ...we can brought the Cessna or any aircraft be New one or second hand .....?

[@jeffpennington2043]

AWESOME..... That TURBO needs a 2 speed gear. Super Cruise.... 🇺🇸 🇺🇸👍✌👀🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@utahrusty7555]

Question for Steve, Which Wing ( Highlander or Super Stol) Is better for low and slow? Ideally, the Super Stol with the highlander landing gear seems better overall for Stol, but.........................

[@DS-bl3cr]

I am wondering what makes the Yamaha engine competitive compared to a Viking 195 or an aeromomentum engine. Is it the weight? Doesn't seem to be the price.

[@dragon2knight]

Not a bad engine...but I also don't see too much R&D on these either. I'm not too sure I'd spend that kind of cash on something so unproven. Aeromomentum is doing a far better job on the R&D front (easily the best of all the auto converters out there IMHO) with significantly lower prices. I'd approach this one with caution till a few hundred hours at least are on a few of these. If it works out okay after that, fine. If not....

[@machinesandthings7121]

I haven't seen the weight for the turbo setup, but it has to be alot lighter than the honda auto conversion. These engines also have a lot of history and testing of turbo setups in the sleed world. They have proven to be super reliable in that application. That doesn't mean I disagree with you about hours of testing on this specific turbo/fuel injection setup. The fact that you are not getting a factory built engine also adds variability that I don't like. And the price... 40k ouch

[@craigsanders6925]

About 115-120 lbs, that was his price that included gearbox and prop which I'd guess costs about 6K.

[@gmchristie123]

I'd like to find out what these engines weigh? Not turbo.

[@Mike588]

130 lbs non turbo. Found it out on another guy putting one in his kitfox, he actually weigh it on his channel for everyone to see.

[@MrHanowski]

Nice interview, thanks! Who makes accessories for APEX and PHAZER engines: mounts, gearboxes, airboxes, exhausts, etc. Anyone running these on Powered Parachutes? Thanks!

[@user-ut7cj8do6k]

Интересно блок двигателя дюраль, как он противостоит нештатным нагрузкам?

[@dano4572]

cool videos, sir!!! and Mr. Henry and the Yamaha engine is exciting!! new stuff,,,, good!!! come on Honda!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! just sayin

[@Aninga32]

How much to turn my RS Venture engine to a plane chassis? And get my small plane licence?

[@marcusrussell8660]

How hard it to get a sonex cowling for these?

[@WishingForSerenity]

Decades ago I was reading about research and certification of a diesel engine for small aircraft. The one thing that stood out was that since it has to be injected it meant that it didn't need manual mixture control (gasp!) And since it is new technology requiring full certification anyways they've decided to go with electronic fuel injection. I mean... imagine having just one handle that gives you more power when you slide it forward and less when you slide it back without having to consider pesky annoyances like engine temperatures! I think it is awesome that it is so easy to experiment with new technology in the light sport aircraft field. Of course, it can get dangerous too if Bob from down the street decides he can build a flying machine from his riding lawn mower.

[@OleDiaBole]

Does anyone know aproximate concumption per hour for this Yamaha Apex conversion, at 50% of power?

[@gotstars]

i want one bad very cool

[@maulanamaulana9373]

Engine price??

[@ohwell2790]

Seeing a running engine would be nice.

[@TheOutdoorMentors]

AIRBOAT GUY HERE----- im very intrigued. what years of APEX sleds are the best? what does the gear box cost?

[@TheAmerican1963]

cool video ...... :-)

[@n4120p]

When you fly thousand of miles over ocean mountain and jungle you will think differently ,, 8 - 9000 Rpm are ok to impress yourself around the pattern ,, but the real thing is the big bore slow turning direct drive Lycoming humming at 2200

[@MrAluminox]

A 500 cc Honda, twin, 47.5 HP at 9000 RPM, lasts easily 100000 miles. That's many hours before TBO. Change of oil every 5000 miles, check the valves every 15000 miles, never touched the ignition nor the injection. Mine began to sip a spoon of oil at 110000 miles and I opened it because a ball bearing in the gearbox was becoming slightly noisy, so I remade the engine before selling the bike to a friend. I'm a maniac in mechanics. In Germany on the autobahns (no speed limit) I make easily 150 miles full throttle full speed, before refuelling. The engine of an ordinary road bike Honda VFR 800cc 4 cylinders 100 HP has been tried on bank 100 hours at 8500 RPM without problem. Yes 4 days 4 hours at 8500 RPM non stop. Inside it was pristine. They were testing a synthetic oil. In endurance competition, a 1000 cc Suzuki giving 220 HP at 12000 RPM makes easily the 24 hours at Le Mans , and the circuit has a very long straight line of 4 km (2.5 miles) taken by the bikes at 200 mph and more at full RPM. It's simply good engineering.

[@Mrcaffinebean]

The assumption in that statement is that lower RPM is better reliability in spite of performance and efficiency loses right? Except the auto industry has long since proven those assumptions wrong. Delivering increased reliability and performance and efficiency.

[@heofthebee]

Ya for long life slow low RPM is the smart move. Lubricated metal on metal lasts longer with lower RPM. Lower temps equal safety.

[@thomassaylorrealtorlicense9273]

@@MrAluminox look i have a hayabusa, and a 1968 cessna T210. I can get maybe close to 1400 hrs before changing out a cylinder in that continental engine if i don't let it run too hot. In aircraft we are cruising at maybe 65% power at CONSTANT rpm. We just don't drive motorbikes at CONTINUOUS high rpm. Hayabusas run at the dragstrip and get rebuilt very often, relatively the same technology as this yamaha engine in question. Of course i could be wrong here, but some TBO numbers would be interesting.

[@thomassaylorrealtorlicense9273]

@@Mrcaffinebean the technology is getting better but you do not cruise any car at high continuous rpm for very long.

[@101sabre]

I have a 2007 Apex for sale , it has 800 miles on it .

[@oby-1607]

Can't go wrong with anything Yamaha.

[@nalamobil]

Whats the song in the beginning?

[@matthewdrehobl2835]

These price points are ludacris. I'll go back to machining if this is what people are charging. A turbo kit plus remapping is 5000.00 for a Apex. How the hell can you add more then 5K to the price for bolting a kit on? This is a great Idea, but not practical.

[@1lllllllll1]

Matthew Drehobl yea I totally agree, the whole idea was to save money otherwise why not just buy a ULpower, Rotax, etc. used Apex can be had for 2k, but that skytrax gearbox is just robbery.

[@GrizzAxxemann]

I can pick up a Rotax 915is for $40k CAD. Sure, it's no 300hp monster, but it probably has a longer TBO.

[@ronmartin3755]

Great engine and performance but the cost is way too high!

[@zachshaha2603]

What is the longevity of these engines (hourwise) as far as using them in airplanes goes? Has there been any long term testing yet where the engines have been run for 1000+ or 2000+ hours?

[@thomassaylorrealtorlicense9273]

ditto that. No hard #s and big $ is jive-talkin'. how long do the suckers last.