Fallout Motorbike, a tribute to classic chopper in a futuristic package

Designed as a tribute to the classic chopper, the “Fallout” by William Woods is a concept motorbike executed with the street-fighter ethos of function over form. Combining the single sided swingarm with the Bimota sourced frame, the futuristic motorcycle creates an exclusive hub-centered steering for a steaming yet smooth ride. Featuring short bo

Metalback Motorcycle Concept

Computer renderings of concept bikes are two-a-penny these days, but this one deserves more attention than most. Metalback comes from a leading automotive designer called Jordan Meadows, and it’s an attempt to marry the ethos of the traditional café racer with contemporary green credentials. “The concept is powered by a v4 engine running on bio diesel,” says Meadows. “Its frame and skin are crafted from recycled aluminum. This has the advantage of saving weight to enhance performance, while reclaiming pre-used material. In the manufacturing process, the alloy is treated to patina and age naturally without expensive and harmful paint applications. The net effect is a raw natural surface which suits the classic cafe racer, and recalls the romance and power of vintage WW2 fighter planes.” It’s an interesting approach and Meadows has the history to back it up: until last year he was Design Manager at Mazda’s North American Design Center, and his CV includes stints Volkwagen, Chrysler/Jeep and Ford. The big question is whether a mainstream motorcycle manufacturer would be prepared to go down this road—and is the public prepared to buy into it? [Image © Jordan Meadows Design.]

Seppster 2 Ice Racer

My folks live in England, and—like most people in Western Europe—they’ve spent the past few weeks buried under snow and ice in the most vicious winter for decades. Which led me to thinking about all the motorcycles locked up in garages and sheds, waiting for the roads to clear and tires to find grip. So when I happened across this extraordinary machine from TGS in Germany, I had to feature it. The bike was built by TGS’ owner Tobias Guckel for Sepp Schmidt, hence the name ‘Seppster’. And those huge Avon Cobra tires each have 120 spikes for maximum purchase on ice … Of course, it’s not an entirely practical bike, unlike the hugely popular ice speedway racers of Europe, but it’s a very interesting alternative to the usual ‘Hot Wheels’ style choppers. Power comes from a turbocharged S&S 93-ci motor, but virtually every other part of this machine was built in-house by TGS, from the radical single-sided front fork to the rigid frame and wheels. This bike came third at the 2008 World Championship of Bike Building; like Hot Dock’s StG Nautilus, it was overshadowed by Roger Goldammer’s paradigm-shifting ‘Goldmember’. In any other year, Ice Racer would have grabbed the spotlight, and rightly so.

The Indian Motorcycle Company

Indian was the largest manufacturer of motorcycles in the world during the early part of the 20th century, and the "Indian" brand was America's oldest motorcycle company, until its demise in 2003.

Zoom: 1906 Indian 'Camel Back' IOE Single

The company built its first production motorcycle in 1904, the diamond framed "Indian Single." The engine for the Indian Single was built by Aurora in Illinois. The Indian Single's deep red color became a signature of the brand. The single-cylinder motor was modeled after the de Dion-Bouton vélocipède engine, which produced 1.75-horsepower. The Indian Single could reach a top speed of 25 miles per hour.

1911 Indian 580cc TT Racer


1915 Indian Twin 1000cc with side car

Indian built its first V-twin engine in 1907. In 1916, Indian added the so-called "Powerplus" 1000 cc engine, which was a side-valve, 42 degree v-twin that was capable of a 60 mph top speed.

1914 Indian Twin 1000cc Motor


1914 Indian Model F Boardtrack Racer - 30.50ci IOE Engine

Both of the principles left the company early in its history. Oscar Hedström resigned in 1913 after disagreements with the Board of Directors, and George Hendee resigned three years later.

1914 Indian Twin Speedometer


1915 Indian Twin Speedometer


1915 Indian Twin Throttle Linkage - Zoom

Honda Zoomer Scooter Modifications

These two customized versions extend the Zoomer’s unique personality to two different kinds of scooting: a “Work Zoomer” equipped with cargo carriers that make it ideal for the urban delivery business, and a “Beach Zoomer” outfitted for hauling body boards and other fun-in-the-sun.

Specification
length(mm) 735(835)
wide(mm) 1,025(1,495)
hright(mm) 1,200
displacement(cm3) 49
engine water cooled 4 stroke single cylinder

Honda Zoomer Wallpaper Honda Zoomer Picture

RICH COLOR RICH EFFECT HONDA VARIO

The concept does not actually offer grandiose, but the original idea. Initiated by aging brusher Wito Brush from Solo, dijejalilah diverse body of this motor circuitry typically graphical effects. The most obvious, bottom color that is made all-nano. Impression of color and not monotonous. Let more complete, given the color gradations are not too obvious, from pink, red to orange to yellow.
One Million wah effects can be displayed for any motor, let alone in the motor which had a body width matic and dynamic as this one Honda Vario Techno. Moreover, profiles and hollow body is pretty sporty performance supporting the airbrush graphics are displayed. Not surprisingly, CM57 squad apply this flow in the motor geberan Haryonogo Encang alias.
The most fresh, the combination of these colors are interspersed with other effects, including watersplash, thin smoke in every color to the word ‘motor chang’ which is made asymmetrical in some parts.

Special groove and the line itself does not irregular, but most are given the concept of minimalism with an additional flash as prinstrip indentation in the middle.
The best paint finishing election as any supporting Spieshecker final performance. Bright, cheerful and not monotonous. .: Punk / rob / neo

Brush spek
SOK DPN: Variations, discs DPN; Ninja Double disc, KALIPER / MASTER: RRSS / Standard, SOK BLK; Daytona, BLK discs: Ninja, MASTER / KALIPER: Nissin, a rim DPN / BLK; Bunbon 17, DPN BAN / BLK; Slick 50/90-17, filter: Koso, exhaust: CLD Racing. CAT / CLEAR: Spieshecker, BRUSHER: Wito Airbrush, modifier: CM57.

Terminator Salvation Motorcycle Concept

The images are the concept of the Moto-Terminator, which shows a Terminator bot riding a motorcycle, the Ducati Hypermotard.

eCycle And Machineart Develop A Hybrid Motorcycle Concept

eCycle, Inc. and Machineart have collaborated on the design of a new hybrid motorcycle

platform concept for the aftermarket.

The Concept eCycle is a series hybrid featuring the eCycle SolidSlot? brushless motor/generator that can be used with variety of small displacement gas and diesel engines. The motorcycle operates much like a hybrid automobile in which both the engine and electric motor operate efficiently together. The electric motor is used for torque demands such as acceleration and passing and the gas or diesel motor for cruising and charging the batteries. It can be programmed for all electric operation for limited distances.

The purpose of the eCycle’s Concept program is to demonstrate eCycle’s

technology and produce a Hybrid motorcycle platform for sale to early adopter enthusiasts and the aftermarket for individual development. eCycle hasno plans to sell a complete motorcycle. Its primary interest lies in being a key supplier to those wanting to produce hybrid motorcycles, ATV’s and similar platforms.

Concept Design Goals:

1. Showcase the eCycle PLATFORM. The platform is the product, designed to be rational, rideable, and beautiful in its naked state.

2. Excite potential customers by designing complete vehicle variations showing PLATFORM design possibilities.

3. Visually express “Hybrid Technology”.
Industrial Design:

Machineart’s three appearance concepts show the multiple applications and styling possibilities of the eCycle platform. The rolling chassis components are common to all with variations only in body parts. All three evoke lightness and the image of an advanced vehicle.

Performance

eCycle estimates the hybrid will have the performance of a 250cc gas motorcycle, except top speed. Zero to sixty in 6 seconds and a top speed of 80mph. Fuel economy estimated at 150mpg with significantly lower emissions. A variety of engines may be used.

Specifications

* The front suspension is a single-sided swing arm design matched perfectly to the aluminum monocoque frame.
* The chassis is asymmetrical
* eCycle’s hybrid powertrain ideally lends itself to a forkless, single-sided front suspension.
* A SolidSlot? brushless motor/generator provides electric power - 42VDC up to 400A
* A wide range of engines is possible
* The battery bank consists of three 12 volt cells
* The Wheels are 16 x 3, CNC precision machined from pressure cast aluminum blanks manufactured by All American Wheel.
* The front brake is an inside-out rotor with an opposed piston caliper with Performance Friction pads and is integrated with the front suspension upright.
* The rear brake consists of a single-piston caliper with a floating rotor and Performance Friction brake pads
* The tires are Pirelli MT75; the front is 100/80-16 and the rear 120/80-16
* The 2 speed transmission designed by eCycle
* The final drive is Gates Polychain 30/71
* The fuel tank capacity is .90 gallons
* Front suspension is torsion complemented by a coil-over adjustable Penske Racing Shock
* The rear suspension is a coil-over adjustable Penske Racing Shock
* The wheelbase is 50 inches
* Fully programmable vehicle management system
* Weight is 220lbs (100kg)

Mantis Motorcycle Concept with Chopper Style

Mantis motorcycle concept takes advantage of existing technology to create a more aesthetically simple design to the modern chopper style bike. The hubless wheels create a simple feeling to the bike that is continued throughout the whole design. Each piece of the bike is designed to flow together to create a bike that looks fast and sharp, even when the bike isn’t moving. Well, what do you think? We are still curious with the hubless wheels design, is it really possible ? Let’s see if this motorcycle ever goes into production.

Custom motorcycle 'Old School'

Steampunk Motorcycles

What if technology had taken a different path? What if the steam powered technology of the Victorian era had continued on to the present day, offering up the same devices we use but with the metal, gears and wheels prevalent in those early machines? That's the idea behind steampunk, current day tech with a steam era look.

Because of the current high interest in steampunk, quite a few artists and craftsmen have built or modified everything from computers to wristwatches with a vintage sci-fi appearance. They're pretty neat, too, but I haven't seen many motorcycles that would fit the steampunk category, some come close, maybe, but more by chance than purpose.

The Bobster trike shown above has strong hints of it, something I didn't think about until I saw a few others comment and I would have to agree. Brass and copper are a strong design cue. Some point to the Confederate Wraith and when you step back for a second, yep, it has it too.

The Hubbard Steamcycle goes without saying, if you actually use steam power, you have ten points to begin with, add a little copper and brass and you're in.

The interesting machine on the right started as a drawing in a biker comic and the artist's brother thought it was so neat he decided to bring it to life. It doesn't actually run on steam but it looks like it should.

The single engine cylinder is from a tractor and it displaces 1440cc, think about what that sounds like! Tires and wheels are from a Ford Model A. The wooden fork is made of ash with forged iron strapping plus there's a shovel for a seat. Practical? Are you kidding? Cool? Of course.

There are other examples floating around out there, I only tossed out a few, but I think any design that focuses on the mechanical with a few added gears and wheels plus some brass and copper is pretty neat. Steampunk is all about the design and very little concerned with added (or lost) function but some of it would be neat if it worked half as well as you wish it would.

What are some of your favorites?

Buell Conversion Kit From Fusion Motorcycles

Remember "The Machine" from Fusion Motorcycles? Well, Will Thibeault has been hard at work on something a lot of you may find interesting, he's designed a conversion kit that will transform your donor Buell into a custom with killer looks.

Will's kit uses a billet T6 aluminum bolt together frame with a built in oil tank, a 60 inch wheelbase and 33 degrees of rake. The Buell Thunderstorm motor, Buell forks, Buell six piston caliper and Buell rear caliper, all come from the donor bike.

The bike shown in these photos is for a customer with a lot of custom touches, a hard carbon fiber seat (customer request, Will prefers padded), Piaa head lights..same as he used on The Machine, Will's own stainless pipes and Fusion Motorcycles billet 18" wheels, 240 on the rear and 130 up front. Rear turn signals are LED.

According to Will:

The future bikes will have front and rear carbon fenders, and will be totally road legal. The Frame kits will include: frame, seat, rear shock, swing arm, oil tank, and gas tank for $4,500. For less than $10,000 a person can build their own w/ the purchase of a donor Buell. We will build the complete bike "road legal" for $19,500 and there are always the options of whatever you could think of i.e. carbon wheel, S&S motors, front ends and Ti frames

There are quite a few guys building choppers and all sorts of bikes from Buell parts and pieces but, in my opinion, this kit has just the right look. There seems to be a Confederate Hellcat influence, which is a good thing since I like the Hellcat, but overall, for the money, I don't see how you could go wrong here. Anyone with a Buell who is thinking about getting another bike, might want to consider this kit first, you get a completely different look and you already own half of the necessary parts. I like this, a lot. I have to think a lot of guys are going to start looking for a good used Buell and making a bit of work room in their garage. Nice work, Will!

UPDATE: Will Thibeault has added a few comments below about his kit

UPDATE 2: Will just let me know that the kit will not be ready until sometime in 2009. He is redesigning some parts and he is going to thoroughly test everything before offering the kits for sale.

More photos and link below:

Twindian – Twin Engine Indian Motorcycle

One of the comments on yesterday's post about the V4 custom mentioned the Twindian, a twin engine 1916 Indian. One look at this and I agree, it's far better looking and shows the kind of cool work they were doing a long time ago.

According to the story on the site, the Twindian was built sometime in the 1920s by Bill Arnold who joined two 61 cubic inch 1916 PowerPlus engines together to make the V4. He also widened the gas and oil tank to provide for the extra engine. Evidently, the bike ran fine and he used it for quite a while before finally parking it. Bill passed away in 1985 and his widow had to find a place for his many mechanical treasures and it was entrusted to Doug King who had it restored to its present condition. The "before" photos on the site show how much work they had to do and it looks like they did a great job.

Even with all of the interest in old motorcycles you have to wonder how many treasures like this are sitting in old barns somewhere, waiting to be discovered.

Thanks for the pointer, Willie!

Yamaha Mio Soul Low Rider Modification

Modification of low-rider motorcycle again ngetrend now. Mio Soul's like one of these Madison modifmania example.
Data modification:
Front tire: 140/60-14 Tire Deli
Tires Rear: 140/70-14 Tire Deli
Monosok: G @ zi CBR150
Sok tube: X-Speed
Exhaust: Custom
Carburetor: NSR PE 28

Honda Supra X 125 Red White Modified

Specification:

Body :
- Color metalic red + white phospor + Pernis by Sikkens

Legs :
- Front and Rear Whell (zigen 17")
- Front Tyre (Commet Tyre) 50/70/17
- Rear Tyre (commet Tyre) 60/70/17
- Front ShockBreaker (LHK)
- Rear Shockbreaker (ohlins upside down)
- Brake Master (nissin)
- Brake Kaliper (brembo 2 piston)
- Sing Arm (Yoshimura)

Accessories :
- Rear Lamp (honda vario)
- Fuel indicator
- Rpm indicator
- Muffler (Termignoni)

Confederate Motorcycles Rebirth

One year after Katrina devastated New Orleans and the Confederate Motorcycle Company, Confederate has re-emerged with a new website to display their newly reborn company and their lineup of unique machines, the Hellcat F131, the Wraith B120 and the brand new Renovatio Project.

If there was any doubt Confederate was alive and moving forward with innovative design, the Renovatio should put those doubts to rest. Based around a 90 degree 101 cubic inch water cooled V-Twin, either 150hp normally aspirated or 190hp with optional supercharger, the Renovatio Project is constructed of carbon fiber and aluminum and points the way to a future design as striking as the Wraith was just a few short years ago.

My personal favorite, the Hellcat, though still in production will not remain so indefinitely, in fact, only 48 more will be produced for sale before the run ends forever in October 2007, after which Confederate will be fully transitioned to their new platforms. But the Wraith, too, will not be produced forever, Confederate is not a mass maker of motorcycles but a company producing machines of the highest quality and innovative engineering. Beautiful bikes, V-Twin power, welcome back!

Extreme Corpse Motorcycle

Check out the attention to detail on this custom bike by Blue Flame Alley. Via Street Anatomy.

Innovative Hubless Motorcycle Design Unveiled

NEW JERSEY –– Howard's Killer Customs (HOWARDS • KILLER CUSTOMS) unveiled their version of the rear wheeled hubless motorcycle and many other unique engineering features in their latest motorcycle build. Competing with other builders like Orange County Choppers, West Coast Choppers, and Choppers Inc, HKC has refined the functionality and implementation of the hubless illusion on their chopper which began life as a classic 1969 FL Harley-Davidson.

"Using my experience in drafting and automotive industries I was able to conceptualize a different way to make the hubless wheel function in a more practical way. Combining that with my father's extensive machining and fabrication skills, we are able to create our bike entirely in-house and do things that most every other builder would have to outsource," Howard Sofield, the owner and designer at Howard's Killer Customs, explained. "Over 4,000 hours of design and build time went into this project and we could not be happier with how it turned out. It looks and functions perfectly."

The new hubless motorcycle is estimated to be worth over $150,000 which is nothing out of the ordinary for a booming custom motorcycle industry. Differentiating yourself from other designers continues to be the key to success in this industry. This new motorcycle, with its wild green and orange paint, certainly achieves individuality.

Hawg Haven Custom Bikes Stolen

Two priceless, multi-award winning, custom motorcycles also known as “art bikes” were stolen from a service area on the A1 this week.

The two machines, known as Psy-Bawg and Barnstormer, are well known to the international motorcycling community and there is a £10,000 reward on offer for information leading to their safe return.

The unique nature of the one-off hand-made components makes both motorcycles easily identifiable and worthless to anyone wishing to sell the bikes on, but to the team at Hawg Haven in Norwich, a Harley-Davidson aftermarket store, the bikes are priceless, representing the culmination of years of dedication and hard work.

Jaguar Leaping Cat Motorcycle Now a Runner

Happen to be a Jaguar lover with a hankering for unique motorcycles? If not, we can’t imagine that you’d want to ride around on a massive Leaping Cat sculpture capable of hitting speeds of 50 miles per hour, but that hasn’t stopped Massow Concept Motorcycles from creating just such a beast. Called the NightShadow, the foundation of the motorcycle is an air-cooled Buell S3′s 1200cc V-twin powerplant.

We first saw the Jaguar-shaped motorcycle back in August of 2008, and it seems as if the bike is now completely operational. We like to think of Autoblog as a family-friendly site, so we won’t say what it looks like to ride. Regardless, if Jaguar isn’t your cup of tea, Massow has designed a slew of other concepts that take well-known logos and turns them into something resembling a motorcycle.

Motorcycles Made of Watch Spare Parts