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The development diary
18.08.2004
Test runs at the barracks in Schleswig. We put the bike through its paces at a disused army barracks in Schleswig, concentrating on standing starts and timed runs. Two TV crews from N3 (Kiel and Hamburg) are there to film us. We get some spectacular footage shot from the moving Dolmette: Andi has one camera strapped to his knee, another is mounted on the steering head and films Andi at the controls during a run.3.8.2004
Continuation of trials on the Contidrom track7.30 a.m.
A Dolmar team rushes off to Hamburg in order to work on new parts needed for the rear axle.
1.00 p.m.
The rest of the team and the field crew prepare the bikes - as far as is possible - for the next test run. Meanwhile, work is being done on the Bugatti (16 cylinders, 1001 PS) in the nearby workshop.
The two teams exchange experiences.
The Bugatti people are amazed by our machine, which has eight cylinders more than their motor-bike.
We try to get a more suitable test track. Conti proves highly cooperative and offers us the high-speed oval track, which is just under 3 km long and has two steep curves. After taking a look at it, we gladly accept their offer.
4.00 p.m.
The Dolmette is rolled out onto the oval.
Another TV crew (Hamburg1) happens to be at the Contidrom and does not want to miss the opportunity to take some effective shots of the Dolmette as it is put through its paces. However, it manages only one half of the course and lands up on the other side of the track with the Harley Davidson clutch burnt out.
Back in the workshop, we discover that the damage is not as bad as it looks. The problem is quickly overcome.
5.00 p.m.
The Red Porsche Killer is also tested on the long straight stretch of track. Unfortunately, the chain drive breaks and there are several other problems such as the carburettor, the spark plugs and the drive belt.
7.30 p.m.
Following a second lot of repairs, the Dolmette is rolled out once more and is prepared for the start.
8.00 p.m.
The machine takes to the straight with impressive acceleration (now the clutch has stopped slipping). The machine then turns and flies post the cheering team of technicians who are standing there with a look of astonishment. Our Vectra is not doing a bad job keeping up. The Dolmette completes several rounds of the track without difficulty and reaches speeds of up to 200 km in third gear. She only slows down on the steep curves. The Vectra, which is slower on the straight, catches up on the curves.
9.30 p.m.
We leave the Contidrom feeling satisfied with ourselves, the Dolmette is running well, and the technical lads from Red Porsche Killer have (yet) to get their act together.
2.8.2004
Test run on the Contidrom and the press have been invited to watch. Our revolutionary “Dolmette” is going to be tried on the track. The offer from ContiTech to do some test runs on the Continental test track attracts media attention and is a chance too good to be missed.2.30 p.m.
The Dolmar convoy (two motor-bikes – Dolmette and Red Porsche Killer – plus the Dolmar team and the field crew) arrives at the Contidrom with a slight delay.
3.30 p.m.
The Dolmette and the Red Porsche Killer are both unloaded and got ready for the test drive.
4.00 p.m.
The Dolmette starts up and begins the test run, which ends abruptly after 700 m. The powerful engine comprising 24 PS 7900 chainsaws has bent the rear axle, “welded” the spacers onto the hub and destroyed the chain tensioner on the rear wheel.
5.00 p.m.
At the meeting with the press 23 different titles and media companies are represented by more than 30 journalists (including four TV crews, Bild am Sonntag and dpa). At the same time frantic work is going on behind the scenes to fix the Dolmette so she can be presented.
5.30 p.m.
The Dolmette motor is started up again. Rötger and Andi Feldmann pose on the Dolmette, the PS 7900 is shown off and the assembled journalists are delighted. Blinding flash lights. Once the interest seems to wear off, the Red Porsche Killer is started up. The first run ends with a dramatic mistake when changing gear. However no-one is injured and the bike is undamaged.
At around 8 p.m. the press presentation ends and the Dolmette and the Red Porsche Killer are put in a workshop at the Contidrom.