The chassis is actually a Thunderjet turned on it's side. Different gearing was used to better control the speed. The center large gear is the same one used on the O Gauge cars and Aurora was probably using up excess stock as the O gauge cars were a big flop. (another story). With motor, brushes, and magnets identical to the tjet, Aurora was able to keep development costs down. The pick up shoes are unique and are held in place by swaged rivets and springs for tention. The pickups actually help balance the bike. The guide pin snaps in the chassis and is right behind the front wheel. The tire is a standard truck tire, (I have seen them solid or knobby) and the hub has an axle pressed in. The rear wheel is actually a concealed gear with (2) thin tires attached. The power goes right to the rear wheel. The (2) chassis halves show a silver "Harley" engine and are held together with a brass clamp. A small clamp in front keeps the front wheel tight. The front fender and light snap in. The driver is usually two toned with black pants. He and the rear fender and saddle bags are all one piece with the exception of his head. He is held on the bike by a metal handle bar and when the bike goes down. he usually flips over.

Take the Thunderbike off the shelf and try racing it. They are a blast and once you master the turns they can be quite challenging. In 1967 Aurora had big plans for the Thunderbike with a Set #1319 featured in their catalog. The seperate sale cars never took off and were plagued with functionality problems so Aurora cancelled the set before releasing it. Anyone ever see one? In 1970 the last of the Thunderbikes rumbled out of the factory and it was the end of a unique vehicle from Aurora's history.