Author: Vossen
30 September 2015 15:16
Tags: moto motorcycle sportbike exclusive
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Any man looks especially stylish on a motorcycle, especially if the two-wheeled vehicle is the embodiment of design and engineering thought. Here are the 16 most expensive motorcycles in history!
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TRON Light Cycle – $77,000
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In California, a copy of the Tron electric bike was auctioned for $77,000. And this is twice the amount that the organizers initially planned to raise: $25,000 - $40,000. The Lightcycle is a fully functional replica of the motorcycle from Tron, specially designed by Paul Andrews at a custom studio. The motorcycle is driven by an electric motor that can accelerate it to 100 km/h. The maximum power reserve is about 130 kilometers.
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What to look for when buying a cruiser
Now that you're familiar with the different subgenres available and a little history about cruisers, let's dive into the five most important aspects to consider when purchasing a motorcycle in this class (in order of importance).
Intended Use: No matter what kind of motorcycle you're looking for, your search for a new snowmobile should always be based on what you plan to use, and that's no less true for cruiser bikes. If you plan to use it for your daily commute, you'll want something more nimble and maneuverable; for example, if you're going to be doing long hikes in the saddle, you'll probably want to consider an option with a rack.
Style: The enormous popularity of the cruise segment has led to the emergence of a variety of styles within the class. Some cruisers take a more vintage approach, drawing aesthetic influences from retro models from the mid-1900s, while other models take a more modern approach, with a more aggressive character and an overall more modern design language. It's worth checking out all the different stylistic options before making a purchasing decision.
Moto Guzzi MGX-21
Engine Power: One of the most defining elements of a cruiser is its engine and its torque and horsepower. Not only will you want to consider whether the motor size and power are suitable for your intended use, but also whether you are capable of operating the particular motor correctly and safely. Additionally, engine mechanics and technology can vary greatly even without today's market, with some companies using much more advanced powertrains than others.
Weight: Most cruisers weigh over half a ton, making them extremely difficult to maneuver at lower speeds, especially for the inexperienced and/or uninitiated. Since these are the heaviest motorcycles available (not counting three-wheelers), it is extremely important to consider the weight of a cruiser when purchasing.
Brands: Some brands have developed cult statuses and followings where you're not just buying a motorcycle, you're buying a brand, an identity, a lifestyle and an experience. Since many modern cruiser models are inspired by existing vintage bikes, the history of cruising is considered very important. Different manufacturers also have different dealer networks and support, as well as varying degrees of access to spare parts. Finally, it's always worth reading up on a particular company's history and reputation on aspects such as reliability as well as recommended service intervals.
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Yamaha V-Star 250
The affordable Yamaha V-Star 250 is an incredibly unique entry-level motorcycle with an unmistakably traditional look and a true V-Twin 249cc engine producing 21bhp. With a seat height of 27 inches and a curb weight of less than 150 kg, this quarter-liter cruiser is great for first-time drivers, and with a top speed of 85 mph and efficient fuel economy, the V-Star 250 is fully capable of handling two-up or touring trips.
Kawasaki Vulcan S
The Vulcan S is a decidedly sporty midsize cruiser based on the Japanese brand's popular and extremely utilitarian Ninja 650 platform. So the ABS-equipped Vulcan S gets a sportbike frame and the same fan-favorite 650cc twin-cylinder engine. cm and 60.4 hp, the same as the Ninja, although it uses a noticeably different position. Also of note is the Vulcan S's adjustable seat and movable foot controls, which allow for a customized rider triangle no matter who sits in the saddle.
Indian Scout Bobber Sixty
The new king of entry-level cruising, the Indian Scout Bobber Sixty offers great performance and a big bike. Built around a lightweight die-cast aluminum frame, the Indian SBS is powered by a state-of-the-art 1000cc engine. cm and 78 hp fuel-injected and liquid-cooled with blacked-out housings, which is connected to a five-speed gearbox. The bike also takes a lot of visual cues from the custom scene, such as the chopped rear fender, rocker seat, dual shotgun barrels and side license plate holder. The base model without ABS also comes in a black-on-black livery.
Honda Rebel 1100
The Honda Rebel has been the go-to model for aspiring cruiser enthusiasts since the debut of the first generation 250cc model in 1985, and more recently, with the launch of the current generation Rebel 300 and 500, Honda has finally released a full-size version of the bike. Engine 1084 cc. and 86 hp. with liquid cooling. The Rebel 1100 has a modern cruising look with knee notches, a fully open frame, a round LED headlight, and a float-style seat and rear fender.
Triumph Bonneville Bobber
While the Bonnie Bobber isn't usually what comes to mind when discussing cruisers, it does have a tractor-style saddle with an ultra-low seat height, a low and reclined riding position, and torque from a twin-cylinder engine. Triumph's best-selling model, this 227kg bike is based on the 1200cc Bonneville platform. cm and power 77 hp. from Hinckley and offers the feel and look of a home build without losing the factory fit and finish or manufacturer's warranty.
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BMW R18
The R18, powered by the largest 1802 cc flat-twin engine. cm and 91 hp, the most ever produced by BMW Motorrad. Featuring a newly launched interpretation of the 345kg cruiser, the latest addition to the Bavarian brand's heritage range is visually inspired by WWII-era BMW models, particularly the 1936 R5. The retro forks, wide exhaust pipes and '30s-style bodywork adorned with black livery with white pinstripes are all a clear nod to the R5. BMW also offers a huge selection of parts and accessories to personalize your Bavarian behemoth.
Yamaha VMAX
First released in 1985, the Yamaha VMAX was one of the first hyper-cruiser motorcycles. Featuring an angular and modern conventional cruiser body design that boasts hints of an unabashed street fighter. The VMAX stands apart from almost every other motorcycle on the market with its pronounced air intakes, instruments partially mounted on top of the tank. The V4 1.6L engine produces 100 hp, which is kept in check by beefy 52mm dual Brembo front discs with six-cylinder calipers.
Harley-Davidson Low Rider S
The Low Rider S is a modern classic tourer that's draped in West Coast style with headlight fairings, flat crossbars and mid-mounted foot controls. The bike's reduced rake angle, inverted front and monoshock rear suspension, dual front disc system with ABS included, give the Low Rider S above-average performance in its class. The bike is powered by the latest version of the Harley-Davidson Milwaukee-Eight 114 V-Twin 1753 cc engine producing 93 hp. The best choice is in an all-black or crimson color.
Ducati Diavel 1260
While the XDiavel falls more into the cruiser category of all the bikes in Ducati's line-up, the Italian manufacturer's regular Diavel model is undoubtedly the better of the two and also arguably the more aesthetically pleasing of the pair. Angled air intakes, higher sports seats and aged radiator caps with vertical LED lighting. Powered by a Testastretta DVT 1262cc engine producing 157 hp, the Diavel 1260 is also offered in the more premium S-spec trim, equipped with Ohlins suspension, as well as the top-of-the-line Diavel 1260 Lamborghini version, produced in limited edition as a result of a collaboration with the supercar manufacturer.
Harley-Davidson Road Glide
Consistently one of Harley-Davidson's best-selling models—and one of the best-selling cruisers to date—the Black and Orange's Road Glide has been an icon since its debut in 1998, when it replaced the Tour Glide. Easily recognized by the distinctive shark-nose fairing on the frame, the Road Glide is loaded with amenities and technology that make it ideal for long-distance adventures. The GTS's Box infotainment and stereo system with dual 5.25-inch speakers plus a standard hard-mounted trunk round out the Road Glide.
Moto Guzzi MGX-21
Moto Guzzi's MGX-21, also known as the "Flying Fortress", is a high-end Italian-made bagger with a sleek and modern design aesthetic. Large amounts of exposed carbon fiber adorn the tank, fenders, trunk, and even the front wheel is made from an ultra-light material. This big touring bike also boasts plenty of modern technology and offers a wildly smooth and controlled ride, making it the bike of choice for those looking to cover long distances on the open road. The engine is a transverse V-shaped two-cylinder with air and oil cooling. Volume 1380 cc. cm and power 97 hp.
Triumph Rocket 3
The Triumph Rocket 3 currently has the distinction of being the largest production motorcycle model in the world, with an absolutely enormous 2.5-litre three-cylinder engine producing 165bhp. The Rocket 3's top speed is 225km/h - which is still nothing to complain about - it reaches its top speed ridiculously quickly, with a 0-100km/h sprint of just 2.73 seconds, making it the fastest production cruiser currently available . And as you'd expect from a $22,500 Triumph model, the Rocket 3 comes loaded with tech, including a built-in navigation system with turn-by-turn directions from Google, multiple riding modes, and the ability to control your GoPro via handlebar controls.
Indian Challenger
Indian's formidable answer to Harley's ultra-popular Road Glide, the Challenger is a more refined and sophisticated motorcycle with more technology, better performance and, in our opinion, a nicer aesthetic design than its direct Milwaukee-built competitor. The Challenger is not only lighter than the Road Glide, but also has a slightly larger 1,768cc V-Twin engine. cm, and also produces noticeably more torque and power of 122 hp. The Challenger is made even more attractive with a full complement of LED lighting, radial-mount Brembo racing brakes, an electronically adjustable windshield, a powerful 100-watt audio system with active equalizer, and weather-sealed storage space.
Evoke 6061
Taking its name from the aerospace-grade 6061 aluminum from which its frame is made, this electric cruiser model undoubtedly pushes the boundaries of the two-wheeled electric bike sector with a top speed of over 225 km per hour and a maximum power output of 168 hp. and more than 270 Nm of torque. For reference, that's almost half the torque of BMW's latest M3, even though the 6061 tips the scales at less than a tenth of the BMW's curb weight. Equally impressive is the eBike's Beijing-made battery, which offers 466 km of battery life and can be fully charged in an industry-leading 15 minutes. Cost in China: $24,999.
Arch KRGT-1
The KRGT-1 is the first offering from the Southern California-based boutique motorcycle brand, created by Keanu Reeves and Gard Hollinger. This is an ultra-exclusive, low-cost interpretation of the hyper-cruiser. The motorcycle is based on 2032 cc. cm S&S V-Twin, rated at 122 hp, fed through a unique downdraft breathing system built into the hypercruiser's unibody chassis. The custom-built KRGT-1 is equipped with the best running gear money can buy, including BST carbon wheels, dual ISR six-piece radial monobloc calipers, and an in-house built carbon superbike muffler. Premium suspension developed by Arch in collaboration with Ohlins, plus Rizoma parts and accessories.
Confederate B120 Wraith – $92,500
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The bike is made of aluminum and carbon fiber, combining futuristic design with the aesthetics of the retro motorcycles of the past. The motorcycle weighs only 177 kg, and it can accelerate to almost 300 km/h. In its class, the Confederate is the most expensive and fastest motorcycle in the world. It is equipped with a V-engine with a capacity of 125 horsepower. This motorcycle is designed for collectors of rare motorcycle models.
Ecosse Titanium Series FE Ti XX − $300,000
The motorcycle first appeared at the Ecosse Moto Works exhibition in 2011. It impressed the public with its simple yet sophisticated design, 225 horsepower engine and robust construction. No gold or precious stones were used in the production process of the Titanium Series FE Ti XX. The high cost of the model is due to the high build quality and good technical characteristics. In total, the company produced 13 Ecosse FE Ti-XX-Titanium Series, more than half of which were purchased by Chinese businessmen and motorcycle racers.
Neiman Marcus Limited Edition Fighter – $110,000
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This motorcycle was created by Confederate Motor Co. The body is made of steel, making it look exclusive. In addition to its beautiful exterior, the motorcycle has high speed characteristics. There are only 45 of these motorcycles in the world. This model is distinguished by an extravagant design, a powerful two-cylinder engine with a volume of 1966 cubic centimeters and a five-speed gearbox. Its weight is 195 kilograms, and it can reach speeds of up to 300 kilometers per hour.
Lamborghini Design 90 − 7.2 million rubles
The motorcycle was created in 1986 by Lamborghini with the support of the Boxer Bikes concern. To begin with, 50 Design 90 units were produced, each of which was valued by the manufacturer at $15,000. In the future, it was planned to mass-produce motorcycles, but the project failed miserably. All Design 90 models created were dismantled for parts, except for one. The motorcycle was put up for auction, planning to earn at least $110,000 from its sale, but the buyer who offered that price ultimately refused to make a deposit and the lot remained the property of Lamborghini.
MV Agusta F4CC – $120,000
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With quite impressive dimensions, its weight is only 180 kg. And if you consider that this horse uses a 1.2-liter engine with a capacity of 200 horsepower as its driving force, its ability to prance at speeds of up to 315 km/h will not cause too much surprise. This model was released in a limited edition and only 100 people around the world were able to acquire such a bike.
Bike for tall rider
Not every motorcycle is suitable for a person with a height of 2 meters or more. And this makes choosing a vehicle much more difficult, especially for novice drivers. However, motorcycles for tall bikers still exist. First of all, you should know that not all brands may be suitable. An excellent option is the BMW R 1200 GS. This is a very powerful bike, so it is best for beginners not to buy it right away. The best options are Yamaha TDM 850 or TDM 900. They have average power and are sold at a more budget price than the previous one - from 100 thousand rubles. If the driver is a fairly wealthy person, then you should pay attention to the Honda XL700 Transalp. Despite the high cost, any biker will be satisfied with the quality and design of this vehicle.
NCR MH TT (Mike Hailwood) – $130,000
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The bike was released in quantity of 12 pieces. In honor of Mike Hailwood's legendary victory in the Tourist Trophy on the Isle of Man in 1978. The motorcycle is made using the most advanced sports technologies, including a frame made mainly of titanium and weighing only 5 kg, a new NCR 1120 engine with 130 hp. The exhaust system is entirely made of titanium, all the valves and connecting rods are made of the same, as are all the screws, bolts and nuts.
Movies and music
Bikers' motorcycles and their activities have been shown in the field of cinema. The films talked about lifestyle, preferences in choosing transport and much more. The most popular are American films, which had a great influence on the popularity of the biker movement.
Motorcycle enthusiasts appreciate music as much as anyone. The most common musical genres among them are rock, hard rock, blues and metal. Bikers appreciated the music of Kipelov and Aria, popular Russian and Soviet groups.
Icon Sheene – $172,000
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The Icon Sheene Superbike was designed by Andrew Morris, who dedicated it to legendary racer Barry Sheene. 52 copies were produced, which corresponds to the number of years Shin lived. The engine is an inline four that produces as much as 250 horsepower. Engine volume is 1.4 liters. The engine is also turbocharged. Maximum speed is 320 kilometers per hour.
NCR Macchia Nera – $225,000
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The motorcycle has a fresh and aggressive design, which it owes to the famous Italian designer Aldo Drudi. The bike's engine from Ducati is 185 hp, and it weighs only 135 kg. The electronic step-by-step transmission can be programmed as desired. The low weight of the motorcycle is made possible thanks to the use of titanium alloys; the weight of the motorcycle frame is only 4 kg.
Dodge Tomahawk V10 Superbike – $550,000
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It was presented to the general public back in 2003 and was remembered for its unusual design. Designers from DaimlerChrysler decided that each of their new creations should plunge the respectable public into a state of admiration. The front and rear wheels are double, there is a small distance of a few centimeters between both, and each has its own independent suspension. This design was required to absorb the torque from the 8.3-liter ten-cylinder engine. As a result, the bike’s power is 500 hp, and acceleration to 96 km/h occurs in 2.5 seconds. The lucky owner can theoretically accelerate to 480 km/h, which no one has yet dared to test in practice.
What is the name of the biker's motorcycle?
Since bikers are a subculture, they have their own slang, which allows them to talk to each other and stand out among ordinary people. Thus, there are special names for bikers' motorcycles. For example, the Suzuki GSF Bandit model in their language sounds like “Bandos”, “Yamaha Virago” - “Viagra”, Kawasaki ZXR - “Zakhar”, Kawasaki KLE - “Stick” and so on. The language of motorcyclists is not limited to this. There is even a biker's dictionary that provides definitions of some of the words they commonly use. After listening to the conversations of motorcyclists, not everyone can understand what they are talking about.
Harley Davidson Cosmic Starship – $1.5 million
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The official name of the Harley-Davidson Cosmic Starship motorcycle is derived from the name of the style in which the artist works - Cosmic Extensionalism (cosmic existentialism). Well, the astronomical price is explained by the fact that this is the only motorcycle awarded the honor of being painted by Jack Armstrong. In addition to its “golden color,” the motorcycle acquired bows on the false tank and headlight fairing, but at the same time lost the muffler cans.
The Yamaha BMS – $3 million
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Amazing gold plated chopper style motorcycle built by the guys at Choppers BMS. This luxurious mechanical product has already won several awards for its stunning design. It was plated with 24-karat gold. The seat was covered in red velvet. This gives it both style and comfort. The motorcycle was designed back in 2006, and since then it has toured many cities in the United States.
Hildebrand & Wolfmuller – $3.5 million
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This unique motorcycle, last used in the 1930s, belongs to an American family. It was assembled in 1895 in Munich and is one of only 800 produced. The rare model is equipped with a two-cylinder, four-stroke, water-cooled engine with a capacity of 1,488 cubic centimeters. Its power is 2.5 horsepower, which is achieved at 240 rpm. The maximum speed of the motorcycle was 48 kilometers per hour. The motorcycle was developed and patented in 1894 by German designers Henry and Wilhelm Hildebrand in collaboration with the famous engineer and aircraft pioneer Alois Wolfmüller, as well as the mechanic Hans Giesenhof who worked for him. Production of such motorcycles ceased in 1897. The surviving examples of the Hildebrand & Wolfmuller motorcycle are currently found mainly in museums - the Henry Ford Museum in Detroit, the Science Museum in London and the German Two-Wheeler Museum in Neckarsulm.
Ultra Rare Porcupine − $750,000
A powerful and stylish motorcycle, released in 1954. Development of the model began at the end of the Second World War. It was planned that the Porcupine would be ridden by the British military. Over time, the motorcycle gained enormous popularity and first showed itself in all its glory in 1947 during the “deadly” Isle of Man TT race.
A couple of years later, Porcupine won the GP World Championship and received the title of the fastest and most impeccable motorcycle in terms of design. As of 2010, there are not many well-preserved models left in the world. Most of them are in museums dedicated to motorcycle construction, while others are in private collections. The last time Porcupine was sold at an English auction was for 750 thousand dollars.
Ecosse Spirit – $3.6 million
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F1 engineers from the United Kingdom decided to create a superbike with maximum speed. With its sophisticated mechanisms and electronic control system, this bike is fast, light and comfortable. American designers have worked to make the Ecosse ES1 ergonomically streamlined. During testing, the IL4-powered monster reached a top speed of 250 mph, which is pretty good for 200 hp. You can buy such a miracle only on order, spending $3.6 million.
Cruiser classes
While every model on this list is classified as a cruiser, there are actually several different styles of motorcycles in this segment. To shed some light on these differences, we've broken down the cruiser class into five main categories, each of which we'll briefly touch on immediately below.
Entry Level: As the name of this subgenre suggests, entry-level models are more affordable and more beginner-friendly. At least by American cruiser standards, these models have smaller engines that are more convenient for novice racers.
Tourer: Touring bikes aren't always ideal for city riding or commuting, but they're perfect for chewing up the miles on the open road. Touring models with powerful engines, long wheelbases, good riding position and high stability due to their enormous weight are ideal for long trips.
Bagger: Also called "chesters," baggers are an easily recognizable subgenre of cruisers with large fairings, hard luggage, and spacious passenger seating. Similar to touring models, baggers are also incredibly suitable for long-distance travel. With plenty of amenities such as heated grips, cruise control and on-board infotainment systems, stereo and GPS navigation systems.
Hyper-Cruiser: Hyper-Cruiser models are a style of cruising motorcycle that have been designed from the ground up to provide noticeably better performance than a regular cruiser. These high-performance offerings offer greater lean angle, better acceleration and cornering, and often feature components typically found on sport and superbike models.
Electric: Even though there are only a few production models at the moment, electric cruisers are almost certainly the next big trend in the cruiser world. While they lack the powerful rumble and exhaust note of a traditional petrol V-Twin, the electric powertrains still maintain the same ample low-end torque. The new EV cruiser class also tends to include the most advanced technology of any subgenre on this list.
Triumph Rocket 3
