Bart's attempt to jump over Springfield Gorge is a reference to Knievel's 1974 attempt to jump Snake River Canyon at Twin Falls, Idaho, with a Skycycle X-2.
An earlier prototype, the Skycycle X-1 designed by Doug Malewicki and retired United States Navy engineer Robert Truax, superficially resembled a motorcycle.
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The Skycycle X-2 was designed by Truax, and ridden by Knievel in his attempt to jump the Snake River Canyon near Twin Falls, Idaho on September 8, 1974.