Platune Sand-X Bike – A new Strange vehicle
July 29, 2009 by: Dennis Hager
The Platune Sand-X Bike was developed through a collaboration between Platune, an American company, and Sand-X a Swiss company specializing in off-road vehicles.
Basically the Platune Sand-X Bike is a snowmobile which has been modified for use on desert sand dunes instead of snow. The most obvious modification is up front where the skis have been replaced by a set of wheels. Also noticeable is the repositioned radiator which sits out in front of the vehicle protected by a custom designed set of bull bars.
The Platune Sand-X uses a Rotax 800 cc, 2-cylinder, 2-stroke engine which develops 160 horsepower. With this powerplant the Platune Sand-X Bike can accelerate to 60 mph in just 2.8 seconds. Top speed is 115 mph (185 km/h).
Currently the Platune Sand-X Bike is proving popular in the Middle East with wealthy enthusiasts looking for something to play in the sand dunes with. But the vehicle is also finding a place with law enforcement agencies and border patrol units who require a fast and efficient mode of transport through areas other vehicles cannot go.
