# Steam Engine Motorbikes This Steam-Powered Motorcycle Was Built By Revatu Customs By Rahul Kalvapalle | Published 2015-04-24 | Autos Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/revatu-customs References: [gizmag](http://www.gizmag.com/revatu-steam-powered-custom-motorcycle-black-pearl/37135/) & [revatu.nl](http://www.revatu.nl/) The Black Pearl is an incredibly badass vehicle, constructed by Revatu Customs, that is best described as half-motorbike, half-locomotive. Named the Black Pearl, this motorbike is powered by a steam engine. It's a fully functioning motorbike, even if it's not exactly the quickest. The motorbike is unabashedly inspired by locomotives, and this is obvious all over. The transmission, a [crankshaft that rotates the rear wheel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/diy-diwheel) using an eccentric pivot, pays tribute to steam train engines both visually and from a mechanical engineering standpoint. This motorbike is even fitted with a bell and steam horn. With a top speed of 8 km/h, the [Revatu Customs creation](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ducati-821) isn't the best bet for a race. However it's still an engineering marvel that pays tribute to one of the most important transportation innovations in human history. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.6/10 - Popularity: 89% | Activity: 40% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Steam-powered Vehicles:** The use of steam engines in vehicles like the Black Pearl motorbike showcases the potential for alternative power sources in the transportation industry. - **Aesthetic Design Inspiration:** The incorporation of locomotive-inspired design elements in the Black Pearl motorbike demonstrates a trend towards unique and visually striking aesthetic choices in vehicle design. - **Nostalgic Engineering:** The revival of steam engine technology in the Black Pearl motorbike highlights a trend of incorporating nostalgic engineering techniques into modern creations. ### Where This Applies - **Transportation:** The development of steam-powered vehicles presents disruptive innovation opportunities for the transportation industry, with potential for more sustainable and unconventional modes of transport. - **Automotive Design:** The use of locomotive-inspired design elements in vehicles like the Black Pearl motorbike opens up disruptive innovation opportunities in automotive design, allowing for more unique and visually appealing vehicle aesthetics. - **Alternative Energy:** The integration of steam engines in vehicles like the Black Pearl motorbike highlights disruptive innovation opportunities in the alternative energy industry, promoting the exploration and development of unconventional power sources. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Steampunk-Inspired Motorcycle Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dirk-oehlerking.md) - [Retro-Style Electric Motorbikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rm1s.md) - [Shapeshifting Railway Inspection Motorbikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/railway-motorcycle.md) - [168 HP Cruiser Bikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ducati.md) - [Retro-Inspired Electric Motorcycles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beachman.md) - [Custom-Built Sci-Fi Series Motorcycles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bumblebee-bike.md) - [Semi-Naked Street Motorbikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cafe-racer-prototype.md) - [Hybrid Design Electric Motorcycles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spirit-electric-motorcycle.md) - [High-Performance Electric Motorcycles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/davinci-dc100-electric-motorcycle.md)