Wet Bike

 

Datastream
Vehicle: Wet Bike
Movie: The Spy Who Loved Me
Owner: MI6
Used By: James Bond
Status: Destroyed in Atlantis

Historical Overview
Designed by Nelson Tyler, the wetbike represents an early attempt at the more common and successful jet ski. Unlike the jet ski, the wetbike has front steering hydrofoils.

First manufactured in 1978 by Spirit Marine, a subsidiary of Arctic Enterprises, and before even being available for consumption, the gadget was in the hands of James Bond for 1977's "The Spy Who Loved Me". It was Spirit Marine's prototype that was ridden by 007.

The bike contained various safety features like automatic engine cut out and an anti-capsizing mechanism. A Suzuki two-stroke engine powered the first bikes but this was replaced in the 1980s by 60hp Suzuki 800cc engines. The last wet bike was manufactured in the mid-1990s.


Mission Dossier
James Bond is aboard the US submarine tasked with the destruction of Atlantis - the underwater lair of the Karl Stromberg - where Agent XXX is captured. An emergency package arrived for Commander Bond and with an hour to save the damsel and make good his escape Bond assembles this light water craft for his trip, undetected, to Atlantis.

Technical Specifications

  • Engine: Suzuki 2 stroke
  • Horsepower: 50/60 hp
  • Length: 7.75 ft (2.36 m)
  • Top Speed: 40mph
  • Weight: 300lbs
  • Fuel Tank: 6 gallons

Right: "The Spy Who Loved Me" stunt man Martin Grace with the wet bike at a BondStars.com celebration of the 10th 007 adventure. Photo copyright (©) Mark Mawston.

 


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