Is this the next Honda Ruckus?

Unveiled at the Bangkok Motor Show this morning, this Zoomer X is Honda Thailand’s take on a replacement for the popular 50cc scooter known as the Ruckus in the US. In production for a decade now, the current Zoomer still looks fresh, largely thanks to its elemental design; exposed frame tubes aren’t covered in any bodywork and two round headlights are as close to “styling” as it gets. This concept ditches that simplicity for plastic cladding around a similar exposed underseat area. :continue:

Wes Siler. March 28th, 2012 - Permalink - Comments (7)

The Story behind the 1985 Frog FZ750

Every few weeks I get a request for information about the classic Frog FZ750 concept designed by our founder Hartmut Esslinger in 1985. The Frog FZ was a bit of a superstar, appearing on the cover of various magazines including Cycle World in the US and Motorrad in Germany. In 1990 it appeared on the cover of Businessweek with Esslinger. Hartmut was the only living designer thus honored since Raymond Loewy in 1934. I always felt the Frog FZ, sometimes called “The Rana,” was special for a few reasons. Being designed in 1985, just three years after frog entered into its contract with Apple and opened the California studio, it was the personification of the hopes, dreams, and ambitions of Frog at that time. It also influenced the generation of motorbikes that followed. The Honda Hurricane was so influenced by the Frog FZ that Honda offered one to Hartmut as a gift! :continue:

Michael DiTullo. March 21st, 2012 - Permalink - Comments (32)

A canopy for the Suzuki Nuda

Concept renders are a dime-a-dozen, but this Crossbow is weird enough that we thought it merited coverage. Based on one of the most famous motorcycle concepts of all time, designer Phil Pauley imagines a hinged canopy, shielding the rider from the elements and enhancing aerodynamics. Weird, wonderful or just plain silly? :continue:

Wes Siler. February 29th, 2012 - Permalink - Comments (46)

Custom: Triumph Speed Twin

“How about a modern re-interpretation of a classic theme?” Asked Triumph product manager Simon Warburton when he commissioned this bike. “A bike based around our 865cc air-cooled parallel-twin, styled to appeal to younger riders. Maybe it would be the bike the Bonneville might have evolved into in an alternative universe?”

The two design students who built the bike, Roy Norton and Tom Kasher (pictured here), then drew upon influences from cafe racers, bobbers and classic Triumphs to create this Speed Twin. The final product is so good, it’s partially responsible for new jobs for the pair at England’s Xenophya Motorcycle Design. :continue:

Wes Siler. February 3rd, 2012 - Permalink - Comments (40)

Husqvarna Baja concept, fuck yeah

Husqvarna continues to bring classic styling themes bang up to date with this new Baja concept, presented this morning at the New York Motorcycle Show. Like the tracker-style Husqvarna Moab concept before it, the Baja is equipped with parent company BMW’s 650cc single-cylinder and the same steel-tube perimeter frame. Also like the Moab, the name of the Baja’s game is accessible performance. For a dual-sport, it has a relatively low seat height and friendly looks. :continue:

Wes Siler. January 20th, 2012 - Permalink - Comments (27)

More photos of the Royal Enfield cafe racer

The most perfect modern execution of the cafe racer theme we’ve seen, Royal Enfield is applying bizarrely little emphasis to this near-production concept. These new photos come from user Parrys on the Team-BHP forum. A Mumbai resident, he saw the bike in person at the India Auto Expo. This weekend, we spoke to Royal Enfield’s CEO about his new cafe project. :continue:

Wes Siler. January 9th, 2012 - Permalink - Comments (20)

The first all-new Royal Enfield in 50 years

This well-executed cafe racer is the first all-new design out of Royal Enfield in 50 years. The Indian manufacturer currently sells variations of an outdated post-war English design. And we do mean all-new; while the engine is only an updated version of the current unit construction design, the double-loop steel frame, suspension, wheels, bodywork, headlight and all other major parts are new designs. :continue:

Wes Siler. January 6th, 2012 - Permalink - Comments (39)

15 new photos of the Honda RC-E

Snapped by Flickr user 246-You at the Tokyo Motor Show, these photos bring us up close and personal with the Honda RC-E. Presenting a new twist on retro futurism that’s neither trad nor hackneyed, the concept presents an idea for an electric sportsbike with 250cc-equivalent performance that looks like 2011 and 1968 got together and had a motorcycle baby. :continue:

Wes Siler. December 20th, 2011 - Permalink - Comments (16)

Yamaha XTW250 Ryoku: 21st century adventure

This is the first ADV-style motorcycle to successfully break the GS mold, striking out with design and mechanical configuration all its own. One part Lego and one part Tonka truck, Yamaha describes the Ryoku as “a reliable tool for people who love the outdoors.” And they do mean tool. The engine guard detaches to form a handy shovel.

We’re the only people with these high-res images. :continue:

Wes Siler. December 1st, 2011 - Permalink - Comments (65)

Live from Tokyo, it’s the Honda RC-E

Literally the nicest looking sportsbike we’ve seen since the 1960s, this Honda RC-E concept is debuting in Tokyo today. Don’t get your hearts in too much of a flutter, this is definitely a concept and stands very little chance of reaching production. So why should you care about it? :continue:

Wes Siler. November 30th, 2011 - Permalink - Comments (31)

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