Concept Bike reviews

Kawasaki hit 2019 EICMA with a number of interesting items, but I think the most notable entry may be the sleeper-hit of the year; the EV Project. That’s right sports fans, Kawasaki Heavy Industries is showing us that they are looking at displaced-carbon/electric motorcycles, and the “Electric Concept” gives us our first glimpse of what the concept is like moving forward.

As a general rule, Aprilia’s sportbike line falls in the superbike displacement range, but the factory ventures into new territory with its Concept RS 660 supersport. That’s right; Piaggio’s racebike subsidiary has designed an all-new ride around an equally-new, mid-size, twin-cylinder engine. The new engine borrows from the 1,100 cc V4 that powers the Tuono V4 and RSV4 1100 Factory for both its design and its electronics to make this a very well-rounded road machine. Add some comfort-related features and you’ve got yourself a fun-bike with some real potential. Details are still a bit sparse, but here’s what we know as of now.

No doubt about it, electric bikes are becoming more viable all the time, and even the Harley-Davidson Motor Company is getting in on the action. Milwaukee has teased us, literally for years, with tantalizing tidbits from its Project: LiveWire initiative. It finally announced a 2020 release for its streetwise spark-o-matic not long ago, and immediately went about the business of teasing us with two more EV bikes. Well, now we have the skinny on them. The MoCo was at the 2019 X-Games in Aspen, Colorado, and it brought the two new rides for the crowd’s consumption. They’re still in the concept phase, and as such are not necessarily what the production models will look like, but ya’ gotta’ start somewhere.

Triumph inducted two models into the Triumph Factory Custom (TFC) line and takes what were already iconic bikes into legend. The TFC offerings for 2019 are the Thruxton and the Rocket III with 750 numbered editions of each model in new custom designs.

If you were a kid born in the ‘80s and early ‘90s, this is your opportunity to restore that youth. Lego has just approved to make a full-scale model of the Tron light cycle after the model gained 10,000 supporters.

Based on the Disney film, Tron Legacy, we saw Sam Flynn move around the battle scene in a futuristic motorcycle we’ve all loved. Lego Ideas, impressed by the number of people voted for this design made by Devon-based, Brick Bros UK, will produce the Lego model this year.

Arch Motorcycle’s flagship bike brings innovative design, crushing performance and artistic flair together for buyers looking for something, shall we say, a little more exclusive. Proprietary engine management components and an S&S twin-cam V-twin drive the bike with over 120 pound-feet of torque to work with, so it’s far from being just a showy curb ornament. A monster 2,032 cc engine drives this lovely beast for a bike that is as much art as it is transportation.

Continue reading for my review of the Arch Motorcycles KRGT-1.

Straight out of the Brooklyn Navy Yard comes the newest threat to the U.S-based, concept-bike market; the “Roadster” by Vanguard Moto, Inc. This is the first of three planned models, with a “Racer” and “Cruiser” just over the horizon, and what I’m seeing so far is quite impressive. Not only is this a pure-D cool looking ride, it comes with a digital pedigree that is almost unique in the full-size smoker-bike category having been largely designed in the electronic medium through CAD and 3-D printing technology.

This is a big step for would-be bike manufacturers, because it allows for relatively rapid design and production with a small team of engineers and workers, perfect for startups and builders looking to keep a small footprint. Edward Jacobs, formerly of Confederate Cycle, is the chief engineer and designer for the company with Francois-Xavier Terny serving as CEO and supply/logistics support, and this dynamic duo has created something truly unique under the sun.

Continue reading for my look at the Vanguard Roadster.

The Honda SFA Concept may be getting the lion’s share of the attention among Honda’s Osaka Motorcycle Show-bound concepts, but don’t sleep on one of the other prototypes that will be showcased at the annual event. This bike is called the CRF250 Rally Concept and from sheer looks alone, it’s already got a grip on my fluttering heart.

Granted, the bike may have a passing resemblance to the Honda CRF250L bike that’s used in the Dakar Rally, but there are also a lot of new components added into the mix to justify its concept designation. From a visual standpoint, the CRF250 Rally Concept exudes the spirit of a mini rally racer. That’s an attractive characteristic that can’t be swept under the rug. Give Honda credit for doing its part to make it look as such, including additions not he bike’s body and chassis. There’s a lot to like about the Honda CRF250 Rally Concept and I am excited to hear from Honda when the bike makes its debut in Osaka this weekend.

It’s still unclear whether the CRF250 Rally Concept will drop that “concept” designation in the future, but if I’m Honda, I’m going to have my ears on the ground in Osaka just so I can gauge the public’s interest on the model. If it proves to be a hit, then I’ll begin to seriously consider the possibility of bringing it to production. Maybe not in the near future, but sometime down the road.

Click “continue reading” to read more about the Honda CRF250 Rally Concept.

Motorcycle concepts don’t get nearly the same amount of shine as their automotive counterparts. But any bike lover will tell you that our love for bike concepts runs deep. This weekend, the 2015 Osaka Motorcycle Show opens its doors and Honda is one of the manufacturers that’s expected to roll up with an army of concept bikes that may or may not be hints at potential models down the road.

One such prototype is the SFA Concept, which isn’t really entirely new, having already made an appearance at the Indonesia Motorcycle Show in October 2014. But apparently, that’s not stopping Honda from bringing the SFA Concept to another auto show, only this time, it’s going to be right in Honda’s proverbial backyard.

The Honda SFA Concept isn’t the only prototype that’s making an appearance at the Osaka Motorcycle Show. Honda’s also readying the CRF250 Rally Concept, an adventure bike based on the CRF250L and the RC213V-S, a road-going machine that’s said to share its main mechanism with the vaunted RC213V MotoGP works bike. Yep. The same one that Marc Marquez will be riding on his way to a potential third straight MotoGP title.

Needless to say, Honda’s coming to Osaka ready to impress and from the looks of what it’s got planned for the show, it’s got a few sick ones ready to for their turn in the spotlight.

Click “continue reading” to read more about the Honda SFA Concept.

Oberdan Bezzi is a heavyweight in the motorcycle design scene, having penned some sweet designs for the likes of Ducati, Cagiva, Aprilia, Benelli and Moto Guzzi. It’s no secret that the man has a gift for design and even when he’s not actually doing work for these manufacturers, Bezzi’s still churning out some incredible pieces of art.

His latest creation is derived from a current bike Moto Guzzi is selling: the Stelvio NTX1200. We all know what the Stelvio is and what it isn’t. It’s a very useful bike that offers decent range and has plenty of comfy amenities for long distance rides. It’s also pretty big relative to its segment and that girth adds some serious weight that makes it a little difficult to ride in less than ideal road conditions. Bezzi, though, has the solution. He calls it the Moto Guzzi X-Rally 1200 and while it still carries the same v-twin engine as that of the Stelvio, the X-Rally 1200 redefines itself by looking sleeker, lighter, and more fun to drive than the bike that is based from.

There’s beauty in the simplicity that Bezzi utilized to bring life to this design. The bike itself looks like it’s ready to be produced, although I don’t think this is what Bezzi intended when he penned it. He simply wanted to show another side to the Stelvio that nobody thought it had if you give it a few nips here and few tucks there. Once again, Oberdan Bezzi has outdone himself, although at this point, none of what he does comes as a surprise anymore.

Click “continue reading” to read more about Oberdan Bezzi’s Moto Guzzy X-Rally 1200.

Vehicles that cost more than a quarter-million are pretty common in the auto industry these days. But motorcycles? That’s a different story altogether. Rare is the time when a bike fetches anything close to six figures, but more than $250,000? It’s even rarer to see something like that hit the market today.

All that is true, but the Yacouba Feline is here to be the exception. Built by Feline Motorcycles in collaboration with French designer Yacouba Galle, the Yacouba Feline is probably the most expensive bike in the market today. That’s a distinction you earn when you’re priced at $280,000.

According to Galle, the design of the Feline was inspired by a panther, although if you look at it, you might notice that there are some scorpion-like details in there, too. But the bike’s aesthetics is only one part of what the Feline is offering to anybody willing to pay that much money to buy one. The bike also has a pretty stout 800 cc four-cylinder engine that packs 170 horsepower. Combine that with its dramatic styling and the expensive materials used on the machine and you get what is arguably one of the most dynamic bikes in the market today.

Click “continue reading” to read more about the Yacouba Feline.

KTM is working hard to find new technologies that have the potential to improve the fuel efficiency of its motorcycles. Therefore it didn’t surprise us to see its fresh E-speed electric concept presented at the Tokyo Motor Show.

What is even better is the fact that the new concept will be available in showrooms as a 2015 model. The new model will join the Freeride E which is also a “green” model promised for 2014.

Needless to say that both models will share the same drive train and will be powered by a synchronous motor with permanent magnets. In terms of power the KTM E-Speed will reward its rider with a maximum output of 11 kW and 36 Nm of torque. This power will propel the scooter to a maximum speed of 85 kmph with an estimated range of 60 km.

Hit the jump for more information on the KTM E-Speed.

BMW has revealed its new Concept Ninety – a unique concept born from BMW’s collaboration with the Californian custom builder Roland Sands.

The new BMW Concept Ninety was created to celebrate 90 years since BMW started to build motorcycles and 40 years since the original R90S was created.

The new model combines the old school design of the R90S with modern technologies offering an interesting merge between past and present.

As far as style is concerned, the BMW Concept Ninety features a pared back style combined with a classic fairing borrowed from the old 1973 R90S. The Concept Ninenty’s fuel tank is pretty similar with the one form its ancestor while the seat and fenders have also some similarities with the ones form the old model.

However, underneath this old school skin you’ll find a lot of modern technologies such as LED lights and a strong air-cooled flat-twin boxer engine that puts out 110 hp.

For the moment the motorcycle was presented only in concept form and BMW didn’t say anything about the possibility to launch it into production.

Hit the jump for more information on the BMW Concept Ninety.

Bimota showcased its 2013 lineup at the EICMA Motor Show which consists of 19 models. However, most of the bikes remained unchanged and are basically the same models presented in 2011.

Fortunately, the company has also come with a fresh model. To be honest it’s not 100% fresh as is technically a modified version of the 2011 Bimota DB10 B-Motorad.

The DBx is a rugged dual sport bike fitted with Öhlins TTX forks and four-way adjustable shock, Brembo monoblocs (2 x 300mm discs up front, 200mm in the back) and a lot of carbon fiber. Weighting only 385 lbs and powered by a 95 hp engine the new DBx is the lightest and most powerful bike in its class. With 19 inch front and 17 inch (18 inch optional ) rear wheels wrapped in Pirelli tires the Bimota DBx seems ready to conquer any terrain with poise.

Unfortunately, the new bike is only a concept developed to see test the public’s response. Judging by the way it looks and its sporty specs, the new bike could have a pretty bright future and we sincerely hope that Bimota will decide to launch it into production.

Husqvarna showed its new 2013 Baja concept at the 2012 EICMA Motor Show. The new concept combines the old school design of the 70’s bikes with modern technologies and offers ground breaking off road performance.

In its off road adventures, the 2013 Husqvarna Concept BAJA is helped by a strong steel frame with an upside down fork and a rear central spring strut on a lever system, hinged to the dual swingarm. The bike is perfectly suited for off road riding and comes with a high ground clearance and a pair of 19 inch front and 17 inch rear wheels.

The 2013 Husqvarna Concept BAJA is kept in check by a set of front and rear Brembo hydraulic brakes and is propelled by a liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine which sends power to the rear wheel by means of a 5-speed gearbox.

Hit the jump for more information on the 2013 Husqvarna Concept BAJA.

After it was previously teased, the KTM 1290 Super Duke R Prototype was finally revealed at the EICMA show.

The new model is the first functional concept ever developed by KTM and comes with a sharp design language and a strong 180 hp engine.

The bike is based on the KTM Super Duke and is powered by the same LC8 unit found at the KTM 1190 RC8 R. The two-cylinder engine is combined with a set of light steel pipes and a single-sided swing arm. As far as suspensions go, the prototype is fitted with upside-down forks with gas pressure reservoir, and a directly linked rear shock.

Perhaps it goes without saying that the KTM 1290 Super Duke R Prototype also comes with racing wheels, racing brakes and racing tires. The bike’s backbone is a trellis frame made of chrome molybdenum steel combined with a single sided aluminium swing arm.

Hit the jump for more information on the KTM 1290 Super Duke R Prototype.

Vintage bikes are unrefined, simple, and rough around the edges, making them the perfect bases for custom bike building. Thunderbike has been busy working on a custom vintage bike itself, as it rebuilt, restored, and customized a 1951 Harley-Davidson EL Pan Head.

Thunderbike began by completely stripping the frame and body, and draping it in a matte black undercoat. Over this base coat are highlights of orange and white, also in a matte finish. The paint and striping was completed by Kruse Design. This gives the bike a modern look while retaining its vintage feel. The vintage, single-rider, custom seat was built by Maas Sitz Leder.

On the front and rear, this custom Harley EL features TB Vegas wheels wrapped in Firestone rubber. Next to each rim, you get a K-tech brake disc to help bring this vintage bike to a halt much faster than its factory drum brakes could.

Mounted to the frame is a 74-cubic-inch, twin cylinder Pan Head motor. This motor has been fully gutted and rebuilt to the original factory specifications and all of the brightwork has been recoated in nickel. This twin-cylinder powerplant features an S&S Super E fuel system, S&S manifold, TB Classic air filter, and a TB flying pan Spezial exhaust system that is coated in matte black.

Driving the power to the rear wheel is a belt-to-chain-drive system, mixing a little bit of the old and new. Thunderbike has yet to release a price on this custom bike, but we’re pretty confident that it’ll range somewhere between expensive and completely outrageous. What we do know is that this bike looks completely awesome and is currently available in Germany.

The BMW R7 is truly a one-of-a-kind motorcycle that was introduced as a concept in 1934, but never produced. It did, however, inspire the R17 and R5 models. It was built during the height of the Art Deco movement, which is apparent by its very precise design that adheres to the standard mathematical basis of the Art Deco style, and is truly a pleasing piece.

After its conception, the R7 slipped away and was thought to be lost until it was rediscovered in 2005 and fully restored. It bears all black body panels with white outlines. Its wire wheels are painted a deep black to match the rest of the body. The body was like no other bike at the time, boasting smooth lines and fenders that partially wrapped around the wheels. Covering the engine are pieces of formed sheet metal to aid its aerodynamic qualities. Even the exposed cylinder heads are formed into a more aerodynamic dome shape.

The R7 boasts an 800 cc boxer engine that Leonhard Ischinger designed for BMW. It boasts a forged, 1-piece crankshaft for extra strength, and 1-piece cylinders and cylinder heads. Since the camshaft was under the crankshaft, the cylinders were positioned higher, leading to more effective valve positioning and even more ground clearance than the typical bike of the era. Coming off of the engine are two chrome fish-fin exhaust pipes.

This bike boasts a 4-speed manual transmission. Instead of the traditional foot shifter, the 1934 R7 boasts a car-style gear shifter to the right of the fuel filler cap.

There is no price placed on this bike, as it is a one-of-a-kind example that has never been sold on the open market. We are sure it would fetch upwards of $1 million at auction. We’ll never know, as its original discoverers are still in ownership and show no desire to sell it.

Image Credit: BMW museum Munich and ElfeJoyeux via Wikipedia

Honda’s vast knowledge in producing custom concept bikes is rivaled only by its propensity to actually build them. One of their latest projects - the Honda Fury Furious Hardtail Chopper Concept - certainly brings to light their immense talent in building concepts from inspiration.

The Fury Furious Hardtail Chopper Concept was inspired by the 2010 Fury and blends both old and new school flavor into one intoxicatingly beautiful concoction. The brainchild of Honda Americas’ Nick Renner, the concept chopper carries a VT1300cc engine with a 45-degree rake and a converted hard tail to create a clean, pure, and unbridled performance bike. Everything about the bike is custom-fitted to tailor to its needs, including a custom oversize drag bars, a custom straight pipe exhaust, a custom paint finish, and a custom diamond-stitched leather seat and rear hugger.

The front wheel measures 23" while the rear tapes in at 20," providing the performance and aesthetic look that’s tried-and-true for a Honda concept chopper.

The Honda Sabre cruiser looks like a dastardly devious bike with plenty of bad intentions, just the type of bike that fits to the taste of street riders the whole world over.

So when you take the design of the Sabre and turn it into a concept with help from styling cues derived from Formula 1 and MotoGP, you get the motherload of all concept street bikes. That’s what you get with the Sabre Switchblade Pro Drag Concept. It comes with a full carbon fiber custom bodywork and spec seating, a VT1300cc engine, and a 3-way fully-adjustable sport suspension system with a single sided swing arm and a 535-chain conversion that optimizes the bike’s overall focus on design, speed, and sheer awesomeness.

In addition to the laundry list of fantastic features, the Sabre Switchblade Pro Drag Concept also gets racing spec calipers and rotors, carbon fiber wheels - 21" on the front and 18" on the rear - and an on-board GPS lap-timer with a data acquisition unit.

At some point, these concepts should make it past the production phase, right? We don’t know what the end-game is with the Switchblade Pro Drag Concept, but we sure wouldn’t mind seeing one of these bad boys on the Honda showroom floor.

Just like their four-wheeled counterparts, electric bikes are slowly entering the market, giving riders a far more ’efficient’ alternative than the gas-guzzling road mongers they’ve come to know over the years.

With the direction steering clearly towards an electric future, BRD is looking to get its foot in the door first with the new RedShift electric motocross prototype. Built using a two-piece monocoque chassis partly painted in a blue finish and contrasted by an orange battery pack, the pre-production RedShift is looking at becoming a trailblazer in its own right.

Looking at the bike, it’s obvious that there wasn’t a whole lot of bells and whistles that went in building the bike. It’s not bare and bones, but it’s not decked with trinkets either. The relative simplicity of the bike results in a weight of just 250 lbs, which already includes a 5.2-kWh battery that, according to BRD, should be enough to go for at least 50 miles on the road. The battery can produce 40 horsepower and when combined with its svelte frame, it’s more than capable of giving its traditional gas-powered counterparts a serious run for their money.

For their part, BRD is still in the process of undertaking further testing for the RedShift and all things considered, the company is hoping to release a more complete version of the electric bike at the 68th EICMA in Milan, Italy this November.

But the groundwork has been done so that’s the good thing. Let’s just hope that these guys can fine-tune everything before their day in the spotlight later this year.

At the recent EICMA Show in Milan, Italy Husqvarna brought the Mille 3, a "concept study that demonstrates Husqvarna’s ability to design with highly diverse technical solutions, creating a dynamic and seductive contrast."

"It is an alloy of emotion, curiosity and anti-conformism, molded in an original form. A bike that is complete, but stripped down, elegant but slightly threatening. An explosive mix that appeals to all the senses and sets a new benchmark for future Husqvarna bikes."

The Mille 3 Concept is powered by a fuel-injected 933cc V-3 engine with the cylinders and heads taken from the Husky’s off-road bikes.

"The lines are flowing, the breaks decisive, the shape is streamlined. The vaguely retro rear blends effortlessly into the sculpted side panels. The overall look reinterprets and evolves the stylistic features and architecture typical of Husqvarna design. All in all, it is a winning combination of style and technology that amply expresses the project philosophy—whatever is not functional is superfluous and discarded."