BMW boxer engine (R1150GS, R1200)?

[Marty_d]

Hi,

 

First up I'm a complete noob to this group so apologies in advance if I ask any stupid questions or breach protocol.

 

Just wondering if anyone has used a BMW bike engine in an aircraft in Aus? There's a German company called Take Off (see http://www.takeoff-ul.de/) who sell a unit comprising BMW motorbike engine with clutch and gearing (2.96/1 or 3.46/1 are standard, according to their website). They state the unit using an R1200 engine has low vibration, produces up to 115 hp at a weight of 80kg, fuel injected, dual ignition, and the oil cooling system provides 60% of total cooling.

 

I've seen a lot of comment about Rotax and Jabiru failures, not to mention the initial cost of the motor. Have to ask whether a motorbike engine manufactured by the hundreds of thousands by a company like BMW, would be more reliable, cheaper, easier to maintain and lower fuel consumption than most aircraft engines of similar horsepower?

 

Thanks, grateful for any insights.

 

 

[fly_tornado]