A Wild Custom Diwheel Takes Shape in a Home Workshop

In the world of custom vehicles, innovation often comes from pushing boundaries—and sometimes, from completely redefining them. Enter Sam Barker, a YouTuber with a passion for unconventional engineering, who has unveiled a diwheel motorcycle that looks like it belongs in a sci-fi movie rather than a garage. This isn’t your typical two-wheeled ride; it’s a bold reimagining of what a motorcycle can be, and it’s already turning heads in the tech and automotive communities.

The Diwheel: A Revolutionary Take on Two-Wheeled Transport

At its core, a motorcycle is defined by two wheels, a motor, suspension, and a seat. But Barker’s creation flips this formula on its head—literally. Instead of the traditional front-to-back wheel arrangement, his diwheel features wheels mounted on either side of the chassis. This design gives the vehicle a unique, almost alien appearance, and it’s still a work in progress as of this writing.

Barker’s vision for the finished product is nothing short of groundbreaking. He plans for the diwheel to turn in place like a tank, rather than leaning into corners like a traditional motorcycle. This capability alone sets it apart from anything currently on the road. In the first video documenting the build, Barker walks viewers through the meticulous process of constructing the diwheel, sharing his plans for the final stages of the project.

The Build: Engineering Meets Ingenuity

Barker’s journey began with the wheels themselves. He joined two pairs of semi-circular tubing with 5mm thick walls to form the wheels, ensuring they were both sturdy and lightweight. The frame was then fabricated, and a suspension system was mounted on brackets using 3D-printed spools to keep the wheels in place and allow them to roll smoothly.

One of the more challenging aspects of the build was fitting the roller bearings onto the brackets. To tackle this, Barker rigged a makeshift lathe using a cordless drill and a 3D-printed attachment—a testament to his resourcefulness and problem-solving skills.

For the seat, Barker opted for a plastic racing seat sourced from Facebook Marketplace, adding a touch of practicality to the otherwise futuristic design. He plans to install a battery and motors in future videos, which will bring the diwheel closer to completion. With around 44,000 subscribers, Barker is part of a growing community of automotive YouTubers who are pushing the boundaries of DIY engineering.

A History of Unconventional Builds

This isn’t Barker’s first foray into strange and innovative vehicles. He previously built a monowheel, which makes a brief appearance at the start of his diwheel video. The monowheel, however, had its share of issues. The wheel flexed significantly, and Barker struggled to stay upright and in the saddle. These challenges inspired him to use thicker steel for the diwheel, though he admits the 60kg (132-pound) weight of each wheel might be overkill.

Barker’s diwheel isn’t the first of its kind, though. In 2011, students at the University of Adelaide in Australia built a working diwheel called EDWARD (Electric Diwheel With Active Rotation Damping). Wired described it as “if Ripley’s Power Loader from Aliens was mated with a bicycle.” EDWARD was controlled with a joystick and could rotate its seat freely or lock it in place. When the seat was locked, the ride felt more like a theme park attraction than a traditional vehicle, though it could reach speeds of up to 40 km/h (just under 25 mph).

While some of the world’s fastest roller coasters can exceed 100 mph, it’s unlikely Barker will attempt such speeds with his homemade contraption. Safety and practicality will likely take precedence as he continues to refine his design.

The Future of the Diwheel

As Barker continues to document the build process, the automotive and tech communities are eagerly watching to see if he can bring his vision to life. The diwheel represents more than just a custom vehicle; it’s a testament to the power of creativity, engineering, and the DIY spirit. Whether it becomes a functional mode of transport or remains a fascinating experiment, one thing is certain: Sam Barker’s diwheel is a bold step into the future of personal mobility.

Tags: Diwheel, Custom Motorcycle, DIY Engineering, Sam Barker, Electric Vehicle, Automotive Innovation, Home Workshop, Monowheel, Sci-Fi Design, EDWARD, University of Adelaide, Power Loader, Theme Park Ride, YouTube Creator, Tech Viral, Future of Transport

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