A $110,000 Motorcycle as Ugly as It Is Expensive

[Libra Monkee]

I don't think it looks that bad. It looks like something out of Mad Max.



Would you like to know more?

[chicken n waffles]

i like it. you want cars and trucks to see you easily (at least, i would assume you 2 wheelers want to be as visible as human/inhumanly possible on the roads).

[zaxrex]

Me not an motocicle engenear, but it looks to me that the front fork is curved inward and that the contact patch of the tire is behind the axis of turn line (positive scrub radius). Isn't that like dynamically unstable? Or are bikes magically different in steering than cars? (Plea to RJ from CA on this one)

[sirwilliam]

Will gives it two thumbs up on looks.

[complacent]

Me not an motocicle engenear, but it looks to me that the front fork is curved inward and that the contact patch of the tire is behind the axis of turn line (positive scrub radius). Isn't that like dynamically unstable? Or are bikes magically different in steering than cars? (Plea to RJ from CA on this one)

I'm fairly certain that the front forks do in fact have a positive rake, therefore ensuring dynamic stability. It would be awful damn silly of Confederate to make a bike that costs 110 large that, um, doesn't ride.

They've been known for some really wild designs, all of which have been fit for road use.

That being said, I'd hit it like the fist of an angry god. Cool b0nk for sure.

[Mr Kleen]

I like it, just not $110k worth.

I think the idea of solid forks and a pushrod front suspension interesting. it enables custom bike builders to do some wild things with the front fork design.

[Cereb Daithi]

Not a huge fan of how snub-nosed it is but other than that I don't think it's that ugly.

[snaab]

Me not an motocicle engenear, but it looks to me that the front fork is curved inward and that the contact patch of the tire is behind the axis of turn line (positive scrub radius). Isn't that like dynamically unstable? Or are bikes magically different in steering than cars? (Plea to RJ from CA on this one)

You're totally right Zack, about the "rake". Rake is motorcycle speak for castor. Colin's also right, in that it's probably just a mild optical illusion caused by the slope of the fork. The rake is determined by the relation of the bottom of the fork with the top of the fork, and it definitely appears in order, besides the bowed shape.

But please, did no one else notice that horrid seating surface?! It's like they're trying to make it uncomfortable. I also just noticed how meager the thing looks from head one

[avriette]

You're totally right Zack, about the "rake". Rake is motorcycle speak for castor. Colin's also right, in that it's probably just a mild optical illusion caused by the slope of the fork. The rake is determined by the relation of the bottom of the fork with the top of the fork, and it definitely appears in order, besides the bowed shape.

Yeah. See also,

But please, did no one else notice that horrid seating surface?! It's like they're trying to make it uncomfortable. I also just noticed how meager the thing looks from head one

Looks a lot like the seat on some of the new harleys and a lot of the new "chopper" bikes. With bars that far up and that far forward, you don't need a whole lot holding your tush on the seat, and it does cant up and forwards a bit. I would imagine it has as much support as is necessary.

That having been said, it looks like it wouldn't lean real well, but it might be fun to drive down to park it next to that 502 boss hoss that's always in downtown alexandria on weekends. And while that powerplant smacks of Buell, i betcha it's loud and flatulent and is good for big burnouts in traffic. If not quite wheelies.

And, I'm kinda with Colin. I think somebody took the "fighter" concept and just said "let's just take that singular style element and make it a ... that's it, a theme!". Cept they forgot the part about weight and "lean" (as in muscle, not as in angle) looks. Totally not refusing a ride on it.


edit: also, for my $110k, I'm going to have me a desmosedici, a new fireblade, and a new set of satin black sharkskins on the big kawi. and enough money left over to buy colin that cruiser he wants so he can keep his fapmachine

[Sabre]

Yep, the rake is fine:


This is flipping hilarious:

The Fighter clarifies opaqueness and nullifies hype with straight-forward true to concept certitude. At the source is a classic right triangle. Proportion is classically derived. Scale is middle way. Bearing exudes structural permanence. Human integration deploys yang energy, vitality and power in the most simple, pure and direct form.

[avriette]

Yep, the rake is fine

BUT OMG DID YOU SEE THE SEAT IN THAT PICTURE? I previously defended that seat as having enough support for your ass, but holy shit, that bike should be called the ballcrusher. And I thought I had "tank-giblets" clearance problems!!

[Cereb Daithi]

I'll stay with my other crazy bike thanks

[Sabre]

Yep, the rake is fine

BUT OMG DID YOU SEE THE SEAT IN THAT PICTURE? I previously defended that seat as having enough support for your ass, but holy shit, that bike should be called the ballcrusher. And I thought I had "tank-giblets" clearance problems!!

[complacent]

You're totally right Zack, about the "rake". Rake is motorcycle speak for castor. Colin's also right, in that it's probably just a mild optical illusion caused by the slope of the fork. The rake is determined by the relation of the bottom of the fork with the top of the fork, and it definitely appears in order, besides the bowed shape.

Yeah. See also,



I'm glad someone else brought up that picture. I'd been looking for a good one to host for a little. That particular b0nk is way different. up front is essentially a reversed swingarm. Crazy different suspension design. There was a french guy who basically designed that bike in Photoshop without any blueprints. Some of the better bike builders got together and actually made the damn thing based on a bunch of pictures. ALL the mechanical parts, suspension design, etc were ALL done by the builder and they were ALL one-offs. Absolutely crazy stuff. It's like doodling a picture of a condo building and telling your GC "Get to building man, I want this!"

But please, did no one else notice that horrid seating surface?! It's like they're trying to make it uncomfortable. I also just noticed how meager the thing looks from head one

Owwie. Do not want.

Looks a lot like the seat on some of the new harleys and a lot of the new "chopper" bikes. With bars that far up and that far forward, you don't need a whole lot holding your tush on the seat, and it does cant up and forwards a bit. I would imagine it has as much support as is necessary.

That having been said, it looks like it wouldn't lean real well, but it might be fun to drive down to park it next to that 502 boss hoss that's always in downtown alexandria on weekends. And while that powerplant smacks of Buell, i betcha it's loud and flatulent and is good for big burnouts in traffic. If not quite wheelies.

I have to wonder about the weight distribution front to rear... I bet it's pretty easy to make that rear step right out.

And, I'm kinda with Colin. I think somebody took the "fighter" concept and just said "let's just take that singular style element and make it a ... that's it, a theme!". Cept they forgot the part about weight and "lean" (as in muscle, not as in angle) looks. Totally not refusing a ride on it.

To me, it's like any other concept vehicle. Wouldn't want to own it, but it looks radical and I'd love to take it for a spin. Or a burnout. Or two.

edit: also, for my $110k, I'm going to have me a desmosedici, a new fireblade, and a new set of satin black sharkskins on the big kawi. and enough money left over to buy colin that cruiser he wants so he can keep his fapmachine

A huge here. I think I'd have something from every genre of motorbike. A nice 650cc v-twin motard for hooliganism on and off the road, a speed triple for cruiser envy and more in town hooliganism, a new CBR1000RR for stupid power and knee-dragging occasions, an FJR1300 or Beemer K1200GT for stretching her legs coast to coast, and a pair of 250cc two strokes for the dirt.

That and, uh... trailer/truck support vehicles

Everyone would be invited to throw some of my toys between their legs. there will be plenty to go 'round. It would be an awesome time.

What?? Too much?

[snaab]

Colin could practically write this thread himself. That is to say, we can leave him alone to discuss bikes by himself

[avriette]

Colin could practically write this thread himself. That is to say, we can leave him alone to discuss bikes by himself

Dude, it's contagious. You notice the DC1WD forum sprang up because the colin-two-wheels-syndrome is so contagious?

[complacent]

Dude, it's contagious.

That is the absolute truth. Riding is a very powerful experience.

To me, the best part of talking about riding is listening to everyone else's stories. Every time I hear Alex getting all worked up to be out in the cold it gets me amped up. It makes me want to go out and ride more. The last time I talked to RJ on the phone I was bouncing around the room listening to his stories of riding in sunny California. I want his damn weather and commute!!! And Chuck, well come on man! Nowadays he's wearing out STi wheel bearings just so he can put his car in the shop and ride more! I fear we've created a monster with that one.

And I couldn't be happier about it. All of it. Keep it shiny and smooth fellas, the best times are yet to come.

And don't forget the wave.