Overkill?
The Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor Company, based in upstate New York, set a land speed record with a 4.4-liter V-8 machine in 1906. But it wasn’t until the 1950s that E.J. Potter, a talented engineer from Michigan, sowed the seed that became the Boss Hoss behemoth we know today.
Barely a year had passed since the introduction of the ubiquitous small-block Chevrolet V-8 when Potter—an unsung American hero—bolted the compact motor into a motorcycle frame. That left crowds at drag races speechless.
Potter would hold the rear wheel off the ground with a wheel stand, spin the screaming Chevy up to 6,000 rpm, and then kick the stand away. No clutch.
With the engine permanently engaged to the rear wheel by a chain, Potter hung on as the bike rocketed down the quarter mile, often with the rear tire spinning the entire distance.
Along Comes Boss Hoss
Potter cemented his place in motorcycle history with his series of V-8 racing bikes. But it wasn’t until the 1990s that a road-going V-8 bike became a reality.
Monte Warne, an engineer from Tennessee, was commercial aircraft pilot and degreed aviation technician. Warne founded Boss Hoss Cycles in 1990 when he created his first Chevy V-8-powered motorcycle in a 5,000-square-foot shop. He never looked back—and Boss Hoss has since produced thousands of V-8 bikes.
Warne carried on where Potter left off with a small-block Chevy motor. The capacity and configuration can be altered to produce as much power as any human could want. Boss Hoss can fit bikes with twin turbochargers. If you prefer monster horsepower without running forced induction, an eight-liter atmospheric big block is available.
Power without control has limited uses. The development of the Nesco transmission made the Boss Hoss a rideable proposition.
It is essentially a one-speed transmission with an overdrive that is quite happy to spend extended periods in first gear. It’s all about the motor’s massive torque and the tall gearing. Riders often speak of riding for hours without needing the higher gear. Just twist it and experience a tsunami of torque.
Is It Usable?
Let’s not get carried away. Boss Hoss has had tremendous success building V-8 bikes over three decades. But these machines are for experienced pilots.
The 1996 Boss Hoss for sale on eBay has an outrageous 345 horsepower on tap. But remember that these bikes weigh around 1,000 pounds. That’s nearly double the weight of most Harley-Davidsons. In comparison, Milwaukee’s finest will probably feel as agile as a sports bike.
This ’96 Boss reportedly has 11,500 miles registered, showing that if you approach Boss Hoss ownership sensibly, a V-8 can provide many miles of riding joy—shattering torque, tall gearing, and just two go-forward speeds.
The seller is confident they’re selling one of “the best out there.” If you’ve been wondering what the Boss Hoss experience is like, this is a decent place to start. Just keep your enthusiasm in check when you get to the twisty bits.
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