Maxwell Hazan is an award-winning custom motorcycle builder known for eccentric builds. He fuses old-school charm with futuristic muscle. However, his latest creation, currently in the works, is his wildest build yet. We have seen numerous builds that involve a car engine being stuffed into a motorcycle chassis, such as the Dodge Tomahawk and the range of Boss Hoss “American Muscle” cruiser bikes and trikes. Hazan is doing something slightly different, though, by stuffing a Ferrari V8 engine into a custom chassis. This project has been in the works for a long time, with Maxwell breaking the news on social media last year. Fast-forward to today, and this build has reached a pivotal point.
Powered By A Sonorous V8
From A 1990s Ferrari
The donor engine comes from the coveted ’90s Ferrari F355 sports car. This was the successor to the popular Ferrari 348 Series and powered by a high-revving V8. The 3.5-liter V8 produced 375 horsepower and 268 pound-feet of torque. Power was sent to the rear wheels only via a six-speed manual transmission. The mid-engined layout of this Ferrari also elevated its dynamics.
Additionally, only about 11,000 F355s were ever produced across various models, and stripping one down and using its engine for a motorcycle build is remarkable. Car and Driver’s test ride of the 1995 model shows that it achieved 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds and reached a top speed of 179 mph, limited by the redline. These numbers were impressive for the 1990s.
Porting this aluminum block V8 onto a much slimmer and shorter form factor is a Herculean task. But Hazan has almost overcome that hurdle on this build. With a significantly smaller footprint, the V8 engine can be pushed even further than a motorcycle. If things go as planned, we can expect this custom motorcycle to surpass the 180 mph mark easily.
Ferrari F355 V8 Engine Specs
| Engine Configuration | DOHC 40-Valve Aluminum Block V8; Liquid-Cooled |
| Engine Displacement | 3,496 cc (213 cu-in) |
| Power | 375 HP @ 8,250 RPM |
| Torque | 268 LB-FT @ 6,000 RPM |
| Transmission | 6-Speed Manual |
A Custom Bespoke Chassis With Hardcore Components
Hazan has crafted a bespoke aluminum chassis for this Ferrari V8 motorcycle build. Notably, the engine is being utilized as a stressed member, which should result in improved rigidity and weight savings compared to a conventional cradle frame. Maxwell Hazan’s Instagram profile has been regularly updated with news on this project over the past few months.
As of today, this one-off custom V8 bike flaunts inverted front forks, low-slung clip-ons, sleek fenders, and braking hardware that looks to be serious business. Then there’s its aftermarket SC Project muffler, which beautifully amplifies the V8’s music. Currently, the body panels are taking shape, and the front fairing also features integrated winglets. This build is going to be sensational.
An Ambitious Target To Make This Ferrari Bike Nimble
Hazan’s next target is to fine-tune the engine and map it to cater to an aggressive motorcycle character. However, an even more ambitious target is to bring the curb weight of this V8 motorcycle down to under 500 pounds. This is a very challenging feat because all other car-engine-equipped motorcycles we have encountered weigh significantly more than 1,000 pounds. However, if this feat is achieved, he will create the lightest and most nimble motorcycle ever powered by a gigantic car-grade V8.
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