Return of the Steeplechase?

I'm quite excited by the artwork shown for the two motorcycle-style coasters, shown here;

http://www.schaefer-amusement.com/

and here

http://www.vekoma.com/
(under Family Coasters - Motorbike)

With these new concepts, might we see the return of a Steeplechase type ride to the U.S.? One can only hope.

I'd love to see a motorcycle Grand Prix themed ride, with four tracks racing, full of speed and lots of high banked turns.

Later,
EV

Those are cool...but they look like they'll run a 'train' of motorcycles instead of individual bikes. :( The restraints on the single-seat silver bike look deadly...

I had to laugh when I heard the Vekoma flash intro. Anyways, those restraints, on all of them, look deadly.

Looks like it could be fun, but I would much rather see the old Steeplechase return, at least to the states. :-)

That is one attraction I have always wanted to do.

-Tina

Tina-

If you're good you could always come play with ours sometime ;)

It's been a while since I rode Steeplechase at BPB but it was fun. Being secured over your lap and having your upper body exposed added a scary element to the ride!

I recall my dad decided one ride was enough for him though :)

-Jim

I found Steeplechase was a little rough for much repeat riding.
-R

I still miss Soapbox Racers at Knott's Berry Farm!

My parents had trouble tearing me away from Soapbox Racers when I was a kid. I really miss that style. Course then I discovered Corkscrew and my parents couldn't tear me away from that. But I still loved them racers. :)

I got ya both beat: I miss the Motocycle Chase at Knott's!

For those who don't remember, Soapbox Derby Racers originally opened as the Motorcycle Chase, with motorcycle-shaped cars.

mOOSH

Hey, I remember....;)

(and I "believe") ;)

From Vekoma's page about launched coasters:

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To reduce power demand, our newest launch coasters can also be equipped with a new hydraulic launch system.

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Please tell me I read that wrong? Intamin can't even get it right and you expect me to believe Vekoma will?

Forget that, check out the "Thrill Lift" - 3-2-1-snap, instant death guarenteed.

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Michael Darling said:
Please tell me I read that wrong? Intamin can't even get it right and you expect me to believe Vekoma will?

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To Vekoma's credit, they've had little to no problems with their LIM coasters while the Intamin LIM coasters *have* had problems. So what does that tell you?

-Nate

Did anyone notice that the Vekoma cycles have you seated just like you would be on a B&M flyer except on top of the rails? Please not another doggie style coaster!

I think the Vekoma cars/restraints actually look good. To me, the whole point of a motorcycle-themed ride would be to sit in that crotch-rocket style position.

For those that don't follow the auto biz, the silver Schaefer bike looks like it's based on the Dodge Tomahawk, a Viper V10-powered concept motorcycle that was shown at this year's Detroit Auto Show.

http://www.dodge.com/tomahawk/flash.html

Later,
EV

A cycle with a Viper engine...scary!

After trying the Zamperla Disk'O at IAAPA (which use a restraint system who's kinda similar), I don't feel like there whould be a restraint problem.

The designs looks nice. Is it possible for these to do inversions or launches?

Vekoma has a LSM launch with a topspeed of 70kph for their Bike Coaster but I don't know about inversions. Although the Bike coaster is mainly aimed for a fun family ride so I doubt we'll see any inversions on their first coasters. But on later designs,,, who knows.