This list isn’t about your stock or standard production models, it’s focusing on the weird and wonderful; those machines that have been too over engineered for public consumption, too unusual to go in to regular production, and far too expensive for the likes of us mere mortals. Sure, if you’ve got deep pockets, you too could own one of these incredibly beautiful motorcycles, but for most of us, they’re nothing more than desktop wallpapers… Here’s a list of our favorite unusual motorcycles, and incredible design feats from the last few years:
The Confederate G2 P51 Combat Fighter
Possibly one of the most easily recognizable motorcycles of recent years, the Confederate G2 P51 Combat Fighter never fails to amaze us. Designed by Jon Kaase, this next generation of Combat Fighter is so much more than its predecessor: it comes with 25% more power than the last iteration, and weighs 12.5% less too. These new figures are down to the Combat Fighter’s monocoque design, which has been lovingly crafted from aerospace grade 6061 billet aluminum. With such a lightweight body, it’s no surprise that the Combat Fighter’s huge 200 hp V-twin engine is capable of some staggering performance figures.
If you want one, you’ll have to work hard to get it. Confederate build each motorcycle one at a time, and they only plan to build 61 of them. Only 17 are still up for grabs, but they come with a hefty price tag of $125,000 for one in raw aluminum, or $130,000 for the anodized black finish…
The Ducati DraXter
While this one is nearly as outlandish as the rest on the list, it’s still one of our favorites. Earlier on this year, Ducati released the DraXter concept: an incredible drag racer inspired motorcycle built on top of Ducati’s already successful XDiavel model. Unlike the XDiavel though, Ducati have borrowed a few key ingredients from its iconic Panigale line, turning the otherwise cruiser-esque Diavel into a real sports machine.
The suspension might be straight from the Panigale superbike, but the engine is the very same Testastretta DVT 1262 lump found in the stock and standard XDiavel. All in all, it was an awesome sight to behold. Even though you could easily build your own, it won’t come with the official Ducati seal of approval. The Ducati DraXter was a one-off, and if you want in on the action, you’ll have to build your own homemade version instead…
The “Gatsby” – Dreamcraft Motorcycles
Any fans of F. Scott Fitzgerald‘s The Great Gatsby will definitely see the inspiration behind this stunning build from Paul Yang and Larry Nagel, of Dreamcraft Motorcycles. Let’s see how Fitzgerald describes Gatsby’s car in the book: “It was a rich cream color, bright with nickel, swollen here and there in its monstrous length.” This creation certainly mimics a few of those awesome qualities often associated with ostentatious displays of wealth in the ‘20s, and that was exactly the inspiration behind this build.
Powered by a Rotec 7 cylinder radial engine, this veritable beast has the power of 110 horses at its disposal. It certainly is one of the stranger motorcycles in the list, but we’ve included it because of its over the top design process. Here’s what Paul Yang had to say about this unique machine: “Gatsby represents the roaring twenties. I’m very fond of this era in U.S. history. This is the time when everyone was eccentric, and the machines they built and drove represented their optimism and creativity.” The Gatsby was commissioned by a private owner in California, but if you want one of your own, you might have to give Dreamcraft Motorcycles a call…
The Quantum Leap by Eddie Meeks
Front wheel drive and steered by the rear wheel – “Why does this bike make the list?” you might ask, and the answer is: “With controls like that, that’s why!” Yes, this is the unbelievably bizarre “Quantum Leap” motorcycle built by Eddie Meeks is one of our weird favorites. And we’re not alone in that line of thinking: it came seventh at a bike build off at Sturgis, and won Best In Show at the Easyriders Bike Show in Atlanta.
Almost every single aspect of this bike is handmade, including the bodywork, fuel and oil tank, the pipes, the bars, the grips, pegs, etc. The list is endless, and according to Meeks, the build took over 2100 man hours to complete. However, one thing not made by hand is the Patrick Racing V-twin engine that powers it.
Here’s a quote from Meeks talking about the build: “Bike is Front Wheel Drive and rear steer, both front and rear are suspended by air shocks from Custom Cycle Controls and the rear steers and moves with suspension together. Bike is shaft driven and steering is by custom made hydraulic pumps and works by movement of hydraulic fluids. Wheelbase 75″.”With a price tag of around $250k, it’s a little too rich for our tastes…
Turbocharged Roadster – Carl Brouhard Designs
Back in 2008, Carl Brouhard’s awesome roadster was all over the motorcycling press: featuring a blisteringly powerful four cylinder, dual turbocharged Harley Davidson engine with an output of 230 hp, it’s no surprise that it won awards left, right and center. Most notably, it won America’s Most Beautiful Motorcycle at the LA Roadsters Show.
The huge rear tire and extra long rake and trail at the front aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, but when you look at the performance figures, you can’t deny that this hulk hasn’t got spunk. According to Brouhard, his goal was to build an insane motorcycle to win the coveted “America’s Most Beautiful” honors, and he did so with flying colors.
It took a staggering 18 months to build, and sold for an incredible $175,000…
The Lotus C-01
It wouldn’t be a list about ultimate motorcycles without a mention of the legendary Lotus C-01. Designed by Daniel Simon, the same designer who penned the Tron: Legacy light cycles, and realized by Kodewa Performance Motorcycles, the Lotus C-01 went into a limited edition run of only 100 units. The bike is powered a KTM RC8 1195cc V-twin engine and boasts a power figure around the 200 hp margin. On top of that, the bodywork has been crafted from titanium, carbon fiber, and aerospace grade steel.
If you want one, you’re going to have to work hard to pay for one, and that’s if you can find one. Only one has ever reached US soil, and when that went to auction at Mecum, the estimate was set at between $370k – $540k. However, we have seen them sell for a more modest $140,000 but that’s still a little steep for us normal riders…
The “47 Ronin” by Ronin Motor Works
Of the limited production fun of 47 units, every single one of the 47 Ronin are worthy of this list. However, because this model is so strikingly beautiful, in performance and aesthetics, we’re going to use pictures of the “Teraoka Nobuyuki.”
All of the Ronin branded motorcycles are built on top of the legendary Buell 1125 engine, an obsolete Rotax engine which is capable of up to 130 hp. With the powerplant sorted, the rest of the Ronin relies on a combination of exquisitely machined parts, TIG welded subframes, high performance parts, and a unique suspension system.
Every single Ronin bike is a work of art, both mechanically and aesthetically. Take a look at the Teraoka Nobuyuki, for example. The bike has been meticulously hand painted by Denver artist Samuel Lee Turner and the scene depicts an important part of the 47 lore. It’s attention to details like this that make the Ronin bikes so incredible. And that’s why they feature on this list!
The Trickstar Kawasaki H2R
While any Kawasaki H2R could fill this slot, we reckon the stunning white and silver version from Japanese garage Trickstar should sit in pride of place. Ever since it first came on the scene a couple of years ago, the H2R has been lauded as the most incredible sportsbike of recent times. Superchargers on motorcycles aren’t a particularly new thing, Busa riders have been doing this shit for years, but Kawasaki have made it official. And they’ve unleashed a monster by doing so.
What was once an obscure subculture of the motorcycle industry is now quickly becoming the mainstream. Suzuki want a bite of the supercharged pie, BMW have taken a closer look at the idea, and Kawasaki are hinting at even more models. As soon as the H2 and H2R came onto the scene, all bets were off, the gentlemen’s agreement of a self-imposed 200 hp limit was discarded, and an entirely new generation of superbikes are coming our way because of it.
But why the Trickstar H2R? In fairness, any version of the H2R could get our seal of approval, but there is something about the Japanese outfit’s color scheme that really separated it from the crowd. And on top of that, they pushed the H2R to its limit way before Kenan Sofuoğlu managed to break the 400km/h record. They didn’t succeed like he did, but they didn’t have the factory backing, or even a long enough to track… They had the enthusiasm though, and the balls to remove the aerodynamic winglets…
Honorable Mentions:
This list isn’t exhaustive, and it is certainly doesn’t include half of the machines we’d want to show off. However, there are a few awesome rides that we can’t help but mention, such as: Bandit9’s awesome Honda Supersport, Lazareth’s incredible Maserati-powered motorcycle, Revatu’s bizarre Steam Engine bike, and the weird and wonderful MV Agusta and Zagato collaboration.