Tim Arfons

From the time he was born in 1955, Tim Arfons was exposed to a work ethic that combined speed, excitement, showmanship and "thinking outside of the box." Growing up under the watchful eye of his father, the legendary three-time outright land speed record holder, Art Arfons, it was probably only natural Tim would follow his father's path. As he grew to adulthood, Tim watched and later began to participate in his Dad's quests in the famed "Green Monster" to be the "Fastest Man on Earth" on the Bonneville Salt Flats of Utah.

CONTACT INFO
  • Address: 2396 Pickle Rd.
    Akron, OH 44312
  • Phone: 330-807-0140
The Jet Motorcycle
 
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The Jet Motorcycle was a complex vehicle, built in 1999. It was, according to Tim, the most expensive he had ever built to that point.

It utilized a Top Fuel motorcycle-type frame, where the driver was in a "laid down" driving position over the bike, and used a GE-T-58 turbine for power. While the Jet Bike used a Top Fuel motorcycle frame design, it had the swoopy appearance of a Pro Stock Motorcycle, making it a hit with the fans.

"It was the most expensive, and probably the most technologically advanced vehicle I ever built," said Tim. "In addition to the Top Fuel Bike-like chassis, and the T-58 turbine, it featured the first twin afterburners for turbines ever built (one engine and two afterburners).

"The afterburners were unique in the fact they were separated by the rear wheel, and also had to be low to help the bike's overall center of gravity for stability. It also took a great deal of engineering to design a system to light the two individual afterburner tubes.

"We took it to Darlington Dragway in Darlington, S.C. for its' first runs. It tripped the clocks with a record of 194 mph that day. Not bad for the first time out of the trailer! My driver, Mike West, did indoor shows with it, but he wasn't comfortable on it, so I sold it. Reportedly, it is still running to this day in Europe somewhere."

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