Bizarre creation: Bistella 500 10-cylinder

It’s safe to say that for Czech-born and raised engineer Marek Foltis, a dream bike has become a reality. The Bistella 500 is a homebuilt motorcycle, with ten star-shaped cylinders and five mechanical compressors in a frame of a 1953 Jawa 18.

10 Jawa mopeds of 50 cc.

The old riding gear is not a modern engineering feat either. Just look at the drum brakes and classic suspension. The ten-cylinder block is ingeniously engineered. However, Marek arranged ten two-stroke 50cc Jawa moped blocks in a star shape. So basically it’s old, conventional engine technology in a bizarre setting.

Maker wants to share creation Bistella 500 with the world

On his website, Marek describes the entire construction and testing process in words and pictures. He also highlights the many failures, setbacks and his drive to continue with this project anyway. He has no plans to put this two-wheeler into production. He just wants to share his experiences with the whole world and with enthusiasts passionate about special motorcycle technology.

Oops: maximum 120 hp in engine of 155 kg, though

The 10-cylinder Bistella 500 produces up to 120 hp at 10,000 rpm. For the sake of reliability, that top power has been trimmed to 60 hp at 6,500 rpm. Marek also claims a top speed of 220 mph, but from a safety standpoint (just look at the brakes) Marek thinks 100 in the hour is more than enough. The Bistella 500 weighs only 155 kg, which again is bizarrely low for a 10-cylinder motorcycle.

If you want to read and see Marek Foltis’ story, check out his website