In the world of automobiles, Saab has always been synonymous with innovation, turbocharged engines, and a distinct design philosophy. Yet, in 1989, the world was abuzz with an intriguing rumor: Saab, renowned for its turbocharged cars, was venturing into the world of motorcycles. As the story goes, Saab was supposedly planning to unveil a Saab Turbo Motorcycle at the 1990 Cologne Motor Show. The motorcycle press, primarily in Europe, ran with this sensational story, and it captured the imagination of many motorcycling enthusiasts.
Table of Contents
The Allure of Turbocharged Motorcycles
The idea of turbocharging motorcycles was not entirely new, but it had always been somewhat of a niche concept. During the 1970s, Japanese manufacturers flirted with the idea of incorporating forced induction technology into their two-wheeled creations. The allure was obvious: more power from smaller engines, offering the performance of much larger ones. However, as time passed, it became evident that this power could be achieved more effectively through fuel injection and improved combustion technology.
Saab’s Turbo Legacy
What made the Saab Turbo Motorcycle rumor particularly enticing was Saab’s impeccable track record with turbocharged engines in their cars, dating back to the 1970s. Saab had developed their turbo solutions in-house, without relying on external assistance, and this fact lent credibility to the speculation.
According to the information circulating in the media, the Saab Turbo Motorcycle was rumored to feature a four-stroke V4 engine, water-cooled with four valves per cylinder. Naturally, the turbocharger was expected to draw from Saab’s extensive turbocharging experience. The motorcycle was also supposed to come equipped with a state-of-the-art three-stage catalytic converter, foreseeing upcoming emissions regulations without compromising the bike’s performance.
The Specs and Features That Never Were
From a performance perspective, it seemed like the Saab Turbo Motorcycle had it all. It promised a maximum power output of 130 horsepower and a top speed approaching 186 mph (300 km/h). The bike was designed with a front-rear weight distribution, an aluminum frame, rear mono-shock suspension, and standard ABS-equipped brakes. It’s safe to assume that special lightweight alloys, inspired by Saab’s aviation heritage, would have played a significant role in its construction. The futuristic design included a windshield, electronically adjustable mirrors, and a cutting-edge aerodynamic fairing.
However, these specifications were nothing more than unverified rumors. The motorcycle depicted in the media’s artistic sketches, likely originating from European motorcycle magazines, showcased all the promised features – a futuristic design, Saab branding, and a V4 turbo engine. It was an imaginative concept that had no real-world counterpart.
Bob Sinclair: The Voice of Reason
The motorcycle community’s excitement was halted when “Cycle World” magazine sought answers from Bob Sinclair, the president of Saab-Scania of North America. Sinclair, an avid motorcyclist himself, had a straightforward response: “There’s absolutely no truth to the rumor. Building a Saab bike never even entered anybody’s head. It just isn’t our thing.”
So, how did this fascinating rumor originate in the first place? Sinclair offered a plausible explanation. He believed that the rumor began when someone spotted his custom Kawasaki-powered Harris motorcycle. The bike lacked any model identification, except for a small Saab emblem affixed to the instrument panel. This chance observation seems to have set the rumor mill in motion.
The Saab Motorcycle that Never Existed
Intriguingly, the source of the rumor might be traced back to Bob Sinclair’s passion for motorcycles. For years, he commuted to the Saab-Scania office on a unique creation known as the SaaBSA. It was a custom motorcycle, born from a BSA frame, powered by a Saab two-stroke, three-cylinder water-cooled engine sourced from the Saab 96.
This hybrid bike was a testament to the fact that sometimes, what seems like a good idea indeed is. Two-stroke engines and triple-cylinder configurations are more common in bikes than cars. The 841cc engine, although smaller than many car engines, found a perfect home in this bike, offering a unique riding experience. The SaaBSA was the pride of Bob Sinclair while he led Saab-Scania USA, and it continued to be his ride of choice even after his retirement.
The Saab Turbo Motorcycle
The Saab Turbo Motorcycle rumor of 1989 serves as a captivating chapter in the history of automotive speculation. While it ultimately turned out to be nothing more than a mirage, it highlights the enduring allure of Saab’s turbocharged legacy and the enthusiasm of motorcycle enthusiasts. Bob Sinclair’s own custom creation, the SaaBSA, adds a personal touch to the story, underscoring that sometimes, the most intriguing tales arise from a blend of fact and fiction.
In the end, Saab may not have ventured into the realm of motorcycles, but their commitment to innovation and turbocharging in the world of cars remains an indelible part of their legacy. The Saab Turbo Motorcycle remains a fascinating footnote in the annals of automotive history, an idea that tantalized the imagination but never became a reality.
As these things go, the legends around SaaBSA, often far exceed the truth. Built on Bob Sinclair’s order, it was not a bike that he regularly commuted on, but more of a collector’s show piece. I worked @ Saab USA in the ’80s and early ’90s, and was responsible for keeping a lot of Bob’s “toys” running and safe. As a 2 stroke Saab owner, and classic Triumph rider at the time, I’ve ridden SaaBSA and….shall we say…..it left a bit to be desired! The Harris Kawasaki was another of Bob’s pet projects but, after a build period the exceeded the initial expectations, it was barely functional when it arrived, stateside. All in all, Bob WAS an avid rider but, IIRC, most of his mileage, during that period, was on a BMW K-bike!