There are a few ways to improve your bike’s performance and riding experience, and a supercharger or turbocharger is one of the most effective solutions. Any motorcycle owner with a supercharger or turbocharger will tell you—they’re not a gimmick.
Naturally, aspirated bikes can get ridiculously fast, especially with all the advancements happening in the field, but a supercharger or turbocharger kit can take any bike to the next level.
While superchargers and turbochargers weren’t always as common for motorcycles compared to cars, they’re regaining popularity again. The technology used to be common in the early 1900s until it was banned due to safety concerns. It wouldn’t be until the 1980s that superchargers and turbochargers saw a resurgence, mainly for production motorcycles. The ‘Japanese Big Four’—Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, and Kawasaki—brought the technology back.
Superchargers and turbochargers are popular in the world of performance motorcycles and racing. Even if you aren’t a competitive rider, they’re a great option, along with other upgrades, like high-performance clutches and brakes, if you want to squeeze as much power as possible from your bike.
It’s possible to find factory-produced supercharged or turbocharged bikes; however, they aren’t very common. It’s more common for riders to use aftermarket kits to add superchargers or turbochargers to their bikes. If you’re interested in adding a supercharger or turbocharger to your bike, you’ll need to conduct research on available kits for your motorcycle’s make/model. Some bikes get more aftermarket support than others.
Motorcycle Supercharger
The time for motorcycle superchargers has come. They’re becoming a popular choice when it comes to aftermarket performance upgrades, and some manufacturers like Kawasaki are even offering factory supercharged bikes.
What Does It Do?
Superchargers are devices that increase an engine’s power output by forcing more air into the combustion chamber. This extra air allows for more fuel to be burned, which increases the engine’s power and torque.
Superchargers are typically attached via a belt, gear, or chain attached to the motorcycle’s crankshaft. When riding, the engine will run and cause the supercharger’s compressor to spin. This is what forces more air into the engine’s intake manifold. There are three types of superchargers:
- Centrifugal superchargers
- Roots-type superchargers
- Twin-screw superchargers
When Is It Best
Superchargers are generally the better option if you’re looking to upgrade a daily riding bike. This is because, unlike turbochargers, superchargers respond immediately and don’t feature a ‘lag’ when accelerating.
Superchargers are also a great choice if you’re on a budget. They’re typically easier to install compared to turbocharger alternatives, cheaper and require less maintenance. Superchargers are also better if you want consistency and reliability, as they don’t rely on exhaust gases.
Motorcycle Turbocharger
If you’re looking to maximise your motorcycle’s power output, turbochargers are the go-to choice. They are for riders who want to push their motorcycle to the limit and enjoy high power output.
Turbochargers are technically a type of supercharger, but they operate differently than traditional superchargers. As we’ll outline below, although both devices work on forms of forced induction, they’re powered differently.
What Does It Do?
Motorcycle turbochargers work on a different principle compared to superchargers. Instead of forcing more air into the engine through a fan, turbochargers work by utilising the energy from the engine’s exhaust gases to compress more air into the combustion chamber for more power and torque.
This design is also why turbochargers have a ‘lag’ compared to superchargers. Turbochargers consist of two parts: the turbine and the compressor, which are connected together by a shaft. The turbine is placed in the engine’s exhaust stream. As the motorcycle’s engine expels exhaust gases, they pass through the turbine and cause it to spin. The turbine’s rotation drives the compressor, which then draws in ambient air and compresses it—forcing it into the engine’s intake manifold. Because the turbocharger also compresses the air, allowing it to be denser, it results in more oxygen present, meaning more fuel can be burned.
When Is It Best
Motorcycle turbochargers are the go-to choice if you want pure power and performance. Turbochargers provide a substantial power increase, especially at higher RPMs, that not even superchargers can match. It’s ideal for riders who want to increase power output.
If space and weight are also critical for your motorcycle project goals, turbochargers tend to be lighter and smaller. You won’t have to worry about it impacting the handling or balance of the motorcycle as much as a supercharger.
In certain conditions, turbochargers can also be more efficient than superchargers in running. However, turbochargers tend to be more expensive and complex to install.
Motorcycle Supercharge Vs. Turbocharge: Which One Is Best?
If you want to upgrade your motorcycle, it can be hard to choose between a supercharger or a turbocharger. Deciding between the two will depend on several factors, including your performance goals, your budget, and your motorcycle’s make and model.
Superchargers are generally recommended for daily riding as they offer more power without the ‘lag’ that turbochargers have. It allows for more responsive acceleration, which is important when you need more consistency on the road.
If your goal is high-performance or competitive riding, turbocharging is typically the ideal choice. Turbochargers allow for maximum power output, especially at high RPMs. However, if you’re on a budget, they tend to be more expensive than superchargers and require more maintenance.
Turbochargers can generate a significant amount of heat, which can impact the engine and, if not maintained properly, cause issues with the engine reliability and damage. The complexity of turbocharger devices and their installation also make them harder to care for and require specialised knowledge.
If weight and space are important to you on a motorcycle, then superchargers, especially Roots and twin-screw types, must be avoided. Compared to superchargers, they can be incredibly bulky and impact handling/balance.
Ultimately, which is best between a supercharger or a turbocharger will depend on your personal preference, riding goals, and budget.
Custom Motorcycle Upgrades And Build At Taverner Motorsports
There are very few things in the world better than going out for a ride on your motorcycle, but riding a supercharged or turbocharged bike is one. The Taverner Motorsports team can help with performance upgrades, including for turbocharger or supercharger kits.
Our custom workshop services extend beyond installing turbocharger/supercharger kits. The team at Taverner Motorsports can assist with fabrication, custom cables, exhaust system upgrades, lighting, and more. If you have an idea, just get in touch with our team, and we can discuss whether it’s possible.
Our team has over 50 years of experience in the industry, working on motorcycles of all makes and models. We also have experienced technicians who have the necessary skills and knowledge to install performance upgrades, like superchargers.
Taverner Motorsports offers a wide range of performance-enhancing kits that are mod-plated and road-legal. Our team uses only the best-quality materials and parts.
When you choose us to work on your motorcycle, you can also expect complete transparency. We’ll keep you updated every step of the way, including estimated costs and a timeline for completion. Contact us and request a quote for an upgrade or custom build today.