What has zero emissions and goes 60 miles-an-hour? The Enertia Plus electric motorcycle. See … you had no idea. Powered by a lithium-ion battery delivering an 80-mile range between charges, this bike is a glimpse into the future of the species. It’s silent, clean, reliable and topped-off with Italian styling. Pretty hard to hate on that.
England’s legendary manufacturer, Triumph, has a knack for making bikes that become classics. The Thunderbird Storm could be the next one. The massive 1700cc parallel twin pumps out serious power & torque and the styling is mean. Wheels and trim are de-chromed, it sits low and only comes in two colors. Black and black.
Raw like an uncooked steak. Let’s say rare, too. Custom-built in Estonia by Renard Motorcycles, this stunning bike boasts an ultra lightweight carbon fiber monocoque unibody that weighs, well … nothing. It packs a custom-built air-cooled 90º v-twin engine with a top speed over 140-mph. Components are aluminum, Kevlar or carbon fiber. Look at it, this thing is a beast & they’re only making ten of them this year.
You don’t want a Honda-Davidson or a Yamaharley – you want the real thing. But, you don’t want to re-mortgage your life to get on the road. The Harley Super Low could be your ticket to ride. American muscle in the proven Evo 883 motor, low seat height for stability & comfort and would you believe this is the lowest-priced bike in the Harley line? It’s got classic H-D styling, plus a new fork angle for easier steering & better handling. Has the time finally come?
Even the makers of Buell never knew what to do with their little 500-cc Blast. In 2010, they decided to junk it altogether. Well, London-based custom bike builders, Mac Cycles, took this perky (if under-appreciated) little powerplant and used it to make bikes that are not only cool looking, but won’t make you the butt of jokes by moped riders. They stripped away the plastic, let ‘em breathe a little deeper, and now the lightweight little 5-speed’s got some pull. Perfect for cruising, no jokes.
When it comes to customs, this is as close as you can get to the real 60s-era British scramblers that made moto culture what is today. This rugged machine, fully-endorsed (even signed) by cycle-legend and connoisseur, Steve McQueen, has all the makings of a modern day classic. Fitted with a reconditioned, period-correct 650cc Triumph powerplant and custom touches – like Cerliani forks & high-set chrome exhaust pipes – this bike strips away the BS representing the essence of man and machine.
Like a creation right out of a Mad Max movie, the M1030-M2 motorcycle may just be the burliest bike in the world. There’s nothing Hollywood about a bike that can run on diesel, jet fuel or about 5 other types of military fuel. This thing is a combat beast. With 670cc of thump and a clutchless 5-speed tranny, it’s not just built for getting into the shit, but getting the hell out of it, too. Comes in black, army green or desert tan. Nobody who’d ride this thing would want a red one.
Triumph was ahead of the retro-curve when they reintroduced their modern version of the Scrambler back in 2005. 865cc’s of no-BS in an on/off-road set-up that’s a nod to Steve McQueen & the enduro dirt dogs of the 60s. Basically, it was cool right out of the wrapper. But then, Philly-based custom shop, Hammarhead Industries, got busy on it. Stripping it down to its essence, they created the Jack Pine, a bare-knuckle brawler looking so good you may feel bad about getting it all muddy. Actually…no you won’t…you’ll feel like Steve McQueen, himself.
It’s pretty much a given – if it’s Italian and has a motor, it’s gonna be stylish, powerful & superbly designed. It’s tradition. Think Ferrari, Maserati, Moto Guzzi and of course, Ducati. The tradition lives on in their latest superbike, the Ducati 848 EVO. It’s fresh & mean with it’s upgraded 140 HP Testastretta and sings with that signature growling exhaust tone. Viva Italia!
Ever since Victory Motorcycles started turning out American-made motorcycles back in the late 90s, they’ve improved & evolved every year. The 2011 Victory Hammer is their latest creation. A low, aggressively styled cruiser featuring a 106 cubic-inch V-Twin motor and all the creature comforts experienced bikers want from a brand new scoot. In head-to-head tests against its rival – the Harley Dyna – the 8-Ball came up aces. How’s that for an all-American alternative?
