Tag Archives: Concept

Zongshen Showcases Cyclone RA9 V-Twin Concept

The CIMA Motor show in China concluded this past week, and it gave us a glimpse of the many motorcycles and concepts that the country’s manufacturers are working on. A few days back, we covered the two new V4 engines from Benda – one of which is possibly the most potent Chinese-made engine we’ve seen. Now, CycleWorld has reported on another unique concept that made its debut at the show – the Zongshen Cyclone RA9.

For the uninitiated, Zongshen is the Piaggio Group’s partner in China and is responsible for producing their small-capacity motorcycles, like the Aprilia GPR 250. It’s this connection that forms the roots of the Cyclone RA9 concept, as well. The engine on the bike is derived from the V-twin that powers the Aprilia Shiver and Dorsoduro, albeit in a slightly different spec. CycleWorld reports that the Shiver and Dorsoduro 900 are powered by an 896cc twin, while the Dorsoduro 1200 employs a larger 1,197cc V-twin. Meanwhile, the engine on the RA9 displaces 987cc, and Zongshen claims a peak power of 112hp at 9,500rpm with maximum torque of 72ft-lb coming in at 7,500 rpm.

Zongshen-Showcases-Cyclone-RA9-V-Twin-Concept-2

The model showcased looks mainly like a concept bike, but you’ll find that the Cyclone RA9 included many production components. With its tubular steel front and cast alloy rear, the frame is identical to the one on the Shiver and Dorsoduro. However, unlike on those motorcycles, this one uses a single-sided swingarm. The RA9 is a much more radical-looking motorcycle than its Italian counterparts, and it’s evident that it’s meant for just a rider – no pillion, no luggage. Zongshen also mentioned the presence of J.Juan radial brakes, Bosch ABS, and fully adjustable suspension. All of this, putting the bike’s weight at 215kg.

Earlier this year, Zongshen launched the Cyclone RX6, which is powered by the Norton 650cc parallel-twin. Their CIMA stand also showcased a new RX850 adventure bike, powered by an enlarged 850cc iteration of the Norton twin. 

Zongshen-Showcases-Cyclone-RA9-V-Twin-Concept-3

Source: CycleWorld

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Check Out This Honda CB10000F Concept!

A Blast From the Past

Concept motorcycles and mock-ups are the life-force that keeps motorcycle enthusiasts tied-over between big releases. If you are suffering from dream withdrawal and are looking for a fix, Honda cooked up this vintage-inspired CB1000F just for you.

This aged roadster concept was based on honda’s current CB1000R naked sportbike with your favorite parts from historic motorcycles tied into a modern-day chassis and form factor. There is no way to tell if this concept bike is ever going to see production, but according to MCN, rumors from japan compounded with the original unveiling of the CB-F Concept last spring could suggest otherwise.

The current CB1000R already a beautiful looking motorcycle, but this F edition takes the best features from the R – such as the single-sided swingarm and light-weight modern rims – and packages it along with Honda’s dangerously smooth 998cc DOHC inline-four to create this pre-modern masterpiece. It’s safe to assume that if this motorcycle came to production, the engine would be slightly detuned much like Kawasaki’s Z900RS.

The same steel spine frame and aluminum swingarm will come right from the CB1000R along with the forks and brakes; so you know this motorcycle will ride its way into a much higher category of performance than what it’s appearance may initially lead you to believe.

The body features a very vintage seat and tank, along with the graphics and headlamp looking they were ripped straight off an 80’s CB. Personally, the CBX1050 is my favorite motorcycle of all time, and I think this bike is a beautiful throwback to honda’s golden age of industry domination.

Let’s see if Honda can turn this dream into a reality.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Defenition CE 04 E-Scooter Nearing Reality

If It Doesn’t Look Weird, It’s Probably Not Futuristic

The House of Monaco is taking more steps towards completion, with the BMW Definition CE 04 in its final design stages after it was unveiled in its standard version. We currently don’t have any technical specifications available to gloss over, but the pictures are interesting, to say the least.

Have you ever seen iRobot? This looks like something you’d spot in the background of the film. The new CE 04 is the perfect blend of futurism and modern technology. This unit is more of a showcase of the technical and visual potential of the House, and I’m not qualified to say if this vehicle could ever see the halogen-lit production lines anywhere in the near future.

The Concept Link was originally teased in 2017, and this actual prototype has managed to keep the visual elements virtually the same despite having drivable features and real technology incorporated into it. This version sees the same flat batteries incorporated in the sub-floor that the concept teased, so it’s great to see some of the technological concepts being explored and realized into actual practices.

Distinguished Gentleman's Ride Brisbane Jeff Gough fundraising

On the visual side, this scooter has been decorated in a livery containing a Mineral White Metallic base colour with orange and flat grey accents. Many of the mechanical components were left in the open for some sort of visual juxtaposition and the front headlight assembly features two LED lower eyelids in addition to the main beams.



Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Tanner Van De Veer Cooks Up Sleek Harley-Davidson Concept

Harley Concept With Changeable Batteries?

In 1987 half of all Harley-Davidson riders were under the age of 35. By the year 2000, that number was closer to 15%. Today though? Oof… The average customer today is 48 years old and the brand no longer even bothers reporting the age demographics of buyers anymore. There has always been a disconnect between Harley-Davidson and the youth of today, and they have recently been scrambling to rebuild that bridge.

The LiveWire was styled to appeal much more to younger customers, but with a $30,000 price tag on a motorcycle that doesn’t even brap it’s no surprise younger people still arent getting onto them. Keep in mind, you can get a Tesla Model 3 for $35,000 (just $5000 more) and it comes with twice the wheels, batteries, features, and safety.

With buzzwords like “revival” and “reimagination” being associated with the brand as of late, it’s no surprise to me that this concept bike I’m about to share with you is called, quite literally, the “Harley-Davidson Revival”.

I appreciate what Harley has been doing as of late but it kind of reminds me of a stepdad sitting down to play games with me even though he has no idea what he’s doing and indirectly makes the experience worse for everyone.

Although this is just an exercise in design, I’m trying to relate it to the current situation of the H-D company as it would fit right in with their recent brand goals.

It’s a difficult predicament, as the more they pander to younger audiences, the less that the die-hard Harley boomers are going to be satisfied.

The bike itself looks beautiful though, very interesting and futuristic; definitely, something that will resonate with the younger crowd in my eyes (hi, yes, I’m younger crowd).

KTM dealer

Tanner Van De Veer, a product designer and recent graduate from the University of Cincinnati College of DAAP cooked up this design and featured a business model that includes a subscription-based battery replacement program aimed at negating the need for charging.

Concepts come and go, but it’s a good start to get an idea of the vision of a brand and where they would like to head. I still give Tanner props as the design is very sleek and exotic. That headlight assembly is just beautiful and screams “New Harley-Davidson”.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

CFMoto unveil electric ATV concept at EICMA | Evoltion A

CFMoto ‘Evoltion A’ ATV concept


CFMoto mades some waves with their concept ATV at EICMA this year, showing off a futuristic design that looked more like a moon-rover than a traditional ATV and looks to pack some interesting technology, while offering an all-electric four-wheeler.

CFMoto Evoltion A concept atv A
CFMoto ‘Evoltion A’ ATV concept

There’s no doubt CFMoto have made an impact on the ATV segment, with the brand reported to be outselling Kawasaki and Can-Am in Australia back in 2014 for ATVs, with a range of highly affordable motorcycles offering new options to riders in the LAMS segment as well.

CFMoto Evoltion A concept atv A
CFMoto ‘Evoltion A’ ATV concept

Quality has seen enormous improvement over recent years, and the Evoltion A, an all-electric ATV concept only continues to show the innovation going on at CFMoto.

CFMoto Evoltion A concept atv AEI
CFMoto ‘Evoltion A’ ATV concept

The Evoltion A is also a pretty stylish piece of kit for a vehicle in the rugged, hard working ATV segment, and seems to have more in common with a Can-Am Spyder as far as styling, than a traditional ATV.

CFMoto Evoltion A concept atv BSO
CFMoto ‘Evoltion A’ ATV concept

Sleek lines, high tech lighting, cool rims and low profile tyres also make this look like a tasteful ‘Pimp my Ride’ creation.

CFMoto Evoltion A concept atv A
CFMoto ‘Evoltion A’ ATV concept

Being all-electric is a big factor, with the way development is heading, everyone’s expected to have something in the works these days, even if riders often seem pretty wary of where electric bikes are going, but for unregistered vehicles on private properly, where sound may be an issue and range expectations can be limited, electric makes a lot of sense.

CFMoto Evoltion A concept atv A
CFMoto ‘Evoltion A’ ATV concept

The Evoltion A also boasts technology like riding modes and suspension modes, although the former, being all electric is probably easier to implement, than on motorcycles where RbW normally needs to be implemented.

CFMoto Evoltion A concept atv A
CFMoto ‘Evoltion A’ ATV concept

A dash that looks like it belongs on a premium adventure-touring machine looks like it will include phone connectivity, and much more too.

CFMoto Evoltion A concept atv A
CFMoto ‘Evoltion A’ ATV concept

While it’s a bit hard to see the practical applications of the Evoltion A here in Australia, it’s an interesting offering from CFMoto none-the-less, as the brand stretches its wings a bit and shows off what it is capable of.

CFMoto Evoltion A concept atv A
CFMoto ‘Evoltion A’ ATV concept

It’ll be interesting to see what ends up reaching the showroom floors in the future either way.

CFMoto Evoltion A concept atv A
CFMoto ‘Evoltion A’ ATV concept
CFMoto Evoltion A concept atv A
CFMoto ‘Evoltion A’ ATV concept
CFMoto Evoltion A concept atv BSO
CFMoto ‘Evoltion A’ ATV concept

Source: MCNews.com.au

BMW unveil new R 18 /2 concept cruiser at EICMA

BMW Cruiser Concept R 18 /2


Many had expected BMW to unveil new production ready cruisers at EICMA this week but it seems Motorrad are keeping their powder dry and competitors guessing for now. Leaving us longer to wait before they publicly unveil the first production ready models that will roll out from Munich next year.

BMW Motorrad Big Boxer Cruiser Concept R
BMW Cruiser Concept R 18 /2

What they have shown in Milan this week though are two ‘concept’ machines. The R 18 had already been seen at the Villa d’Este on Lake Como earlier in the year but this week it was joined by the even more strangely named R 18 / 2 which had its public debut at EICMA.

BMW Motorrad Big Boxer Cruiser Concept R
BMW Cruiser Concept R 18 /2

Generally if BMW brings ‘Concept’ bikes to a major show you can almost guarantee that 6-18 months later they will announce a production model almost identical to the publicly shown concepts. And I think we can expect new models along these lines to be added to the BMW inventory in due course. 

BMW Motorrad Big Boxer Cruiser Concept R
BMW Cruiser Concept R 18 /2

The Concept R 18 /2  “Slash Two” is a stark contrast to the previous R 18 heritage concept, with a more modern custom cruiser design and built around the instantly recognisable egg-like 1800 cc two-cylinder ‘Big Boxer’ engine.

BMW Motorrad Big Boxer Cruiser Concept R
BMW Cruiser Concept R 18 /2

In contrast the R 18 offered a traditionalist design, with iconic historic BMW styling for a very retro overall theme.

BMW Motorrad Concept R Big Boxer
BMW Concept R18 ‘Big Boxer’

The R 18 /2 offers another look at how the Big Boxer can be realised, with minimalist handlebar trim, flowing lines and a tear-drop fuel tank. Candy Apple Red is a custom favourite and used to great effect in the R 18 / 2/

BMW Motorrad Big Boxer Cruiser Concept R
BMW Cruiser Concept R 18 /2

The 1800 cc boxer-twin is a modern air/oil-cooled powerplant built to a 1960’s aesthetic, with the R 18 /2 following in the footsteps of ‘Departed’ by Custom Works Zon and ‘The Revival Birdcage’ by Revival Cycles in Texas, now offering the fourth interpretation.

BMW Motorrad Big Boxer Cruiser Concept R
BMW Cruiser Concept R 18 /2

The R 18 /2 features a loop-frame dominated by the Big Boxer, while contrast cut cast-iron wheels are sized to a 19-inch front and 16-inch rear to add a touch of dragster to the look. 

BMW Motorrad Big Boxer Cruiser Concept R
BMW Cruiser Concept R 18 /2

Also notable is the well displayed shaft final drive. Large disc brakes adorn both ends,  a dual rotor set-up on the front complete with Brembo four-piston calipers.

BMW Motorrad Big Boxer Cruiser Concept R
BMW Cruiser Concept R 18 /2

A Hattech stainless steel tail-pipe system is also featured, with the two into two system running a conical exhaust on either side of the bike. 

BMW Motorrad Big Boxer Cruiser Concept R
BMW Cruiser Concept R 18 /2

BMW Cruiser Concept R 18 /2 Images

Source: MCNews.com.au