The Cagiva brothers began their quest for 500cc World Championship glory in 1978 with a modified RG500 Suzuki as the base machine. This was followed at the final race of the 1980 season with the C1 – a bike built around a much modified Yamaha TZ500 motor.
Randy Mamola’s Cagiva C589 Racer from 1989
It wasn’t until 1981 that a completely in-house design appeared, the 2C2. It featured a transverse four-cylinder motor (outside cylinders reversed) with four disc-valves mounted above the gearbox and driven by toothed belts.
The C589 produced 150hp with the bike weighing just 122kgCagiva had started with an RG500 powerplant, before using a modified TZ500 and finally their own powerplant in 1981.
1982 saw the troublesome straight four dropped mid season for a new square-four design and resulted the team’s first top ten finish – by Jon Ekerold at Hockenheim.
Originally a straight four Cagiva moved to a V4 in 1982 halfway through the seasonRandy Mamola on the C589
1985 saw the introduction of Cagiva’s first V4 design in the C10. The 90 degree motor used twin crankshafts and was housed in a frame similar to the Yamaha’s Deltabox. The V-angle was reduced to 58 degrees for 1987’s C587 which enabled the whole bike to be more compact. Didier De Radigues scored a fourth place finish in the Brazilian GP.
Mamola would claim the team their first podium in 1988 in Spa on the C588Features included a banana swingarm as seen here on the C589, alongside a stronger frame
The team’s first podium came in 1988 with the C588 at Spa with Randy Mamola. He also had three other top ten places. The bike featured a ‘banana’ swingarm together with a stronger frame, more compact motor and a new ‘one piece’ bodywork design by Massimo Tamburini.
The sealed ‘one-piece’ bodywork continued to the C589 in 1989The horizontal rear shock absorber layout proved a mistake
The C589 seen here continued with Tamburini’s sealed bodywork (foreshadowed by his Ducati Paso design), but the chassis employed a horizontal rear shock absorber layout which proved to be a mistake as it compromised both the steering geometry and weight distribution making it difficult for the riders to get the motor’s higher power output to the ground.
With the rear shock limiting the ability to get power to the ground, results were below expectations, finishing 18thThe shock layout did help Mamola deliver spectacular wheelies throughout the season
As a result Mamola finished the season in 18th and spent most of the season pulling spectacular wheelies to entertain the crowd (his best result was seventh in Yugoslavia).
The Cagiva C589 had a dry weight of 122kg and made 150hp at 12,000rpm.
Randy Mamola’s Cagiva C589 Racer from 1989Randy Mamola’s Cagiva C589 Racer from 1989Randy Mamola’s Cagiva C589 Racer from 1989Randy Mamola’s Cagiva C589 Racer from 1989Randy Mamola’s Cagiva C589 Racer from 1989Randy Mamola’s Cagiva C589 Racer from 1989Randy Mamola’s Cagiva C589 Racer from 1989Randy Mamola’s Cagiva C589 Racer from 1989
The folks at Indian Motorcycle continue to come up with off-the-wall ideas that kick ass and you are looking at their latest venture: Appaloosa. This is a one-of-a-kind custom Scout Bobber built by the famous fabricator Brice Hennebert of Workhorse Speedshop. It was designed to compete in the Sultans of Speed Sprint series in Europe, and Grand Prix legend Randy Mamola has agreed to pilot this wild stallion in the upcoming competitions.
“I’ve always been a big fan of Indian Motorcycle and I’m really looking forward to racing this amazing creation,” Mamola says. “It’s great to be part of this project, especially during the Scout’s 100th anniversary. With the Sultans of Sprint being such a unique series, it’s going to be a lot of fun soaking up the atmosphere, meeting the crowds, and putting on a show for them.”
For those of you who are not aware of the Sultans of Speed then you can check out the video below. But basically it is a gathering of classic-style motorcycles, built in whatever retro cool style you can come up with, that drag race from point A to point B at the behest of a flagger dressed in rockabilly garb. It’s old-school racing that those crazy kids of Europe really enjoy.
For this particular project, Indian had the goal of commemorating the 100th anniversary of its Scout, which was first released in 1919, hence Appaloosa will compete with the number 19 on the plate. This motorcycle has been designed with sprint racing in mind too. The fuel tank has been narrowed and the controls are set up in a drag racing configuration that will have Mamola splayed out with his weight forward, along with an extended swingarm for maximum traction. The jet-fighter-inspired bodywork should help shield Mamomla’s mass while it slices through the air.
With companies like Akrapovič, Öhlins, and Beringer Brakes helping Workhorse get it completed, you can be sure this bike will be as impressive on the track as it is to look at. Especially with the free-spirited Mamola at the controls.
“I wanted a name that could link Workhorse, Indian Motorcycle, and speed,” Hennebert explains. “As soon as I discovered that the American horse breed Appaloosa was one of the world’s fastest horses, I knew I had the name for an American sprint bike built by Workhorse. After putting so much into this build, I’m excited to see the reaction to it and I can’t wait to see Randy blast it down the racetrack.”
In addition to competing in the Sultans of Sprint championship, Indian Motorcycle also plans to have the bike on display in the UK during The Bike Shed (May 24–26) and at Wheels & Waves in France (June 12–16).
Indian Motorcycle has announced that GP legend Randy Mamola will be campaigning the Workhorse Speedshop racer in the full Sultans of Sprint series, on the modified Scout Bobber nicknamed ‘Appaloosa’, which made its first public appearance at The Reunion in Monza.
Workhorse Speedshop custom Indian Scout Bobber ‘Appaloosa’
Randy Mamola
“I’ve always been a big fan of Indian Motorcycle and I’m really looking forward to racing this amazing creation. It’s great to be part of this project, especially during the Scout’s 100th anniversary. With the Sultans of Sprint being such a unique series, it’s going to be a lot of fun soaking up the atmosphere, meeting the crowds and putting on a show for them.”
Randy Mamola with Appaloosa
Built by Brice Hennebert of Workhorse Speedshop to honour the Indian Scout’s 100th anniversary, ‘Appaloosa’ is named after the famous breed of horse.
Brice Hennebert – Workhorse Speedshop
“I wanted a name that could link Workhorse, Indian Motorcycle and speed. As soon as I discovered that the American horse breed Appaloosa was one of the world’s fastest horses, I knew I had the name for an American sprint bike built by Workhorse. After putting so much into this build, I’m excited to see the reaction to it and I can’t wait to see Randy blast it down the racetrack.”
Workhorse Speedshop custom Indian Scout Bobber ‘Appaloosa’
Outfitted with a bespoke racing suit created by Alpinestars, inspired by the racing suits they provide for the Indian Wrecking Crew, Randy will be competing in the Factory Class under race number #19 to celebrate 1919, the year the original Indian Scout was first revealed.
In the Factory Class, motorcycles must be four-stroke (air or water cooled) with no limit regarding the engine capacity providing that the tuned bike does not exceed a power-to-weight ratio limit of 0.65bhp/kg.
Randy Mamola in his custom Alpinestars kit and the custom Indian Scout Bobber ‘Appaloosa’
‘Appaloosa’ is the culmination of over 700 hours of design and fabrication by Workhorse and has been supported with technical expertise and premium components from project partners Akrapovič, Beringer Brakes, MOTOREX, Öhlins, and Vibrant Performance.
Custom Indian Scout Bobber ‘Appaloosa’
After completely stripping the Scout Bobber, Brice cut and narrowed the original fuel tank, retaining the side profile, to create a cover for a new aluminium fuel cell which holds just 2.5 litres for sprint racing. With the fuel cell in place, work focussed on the riding position, a critical element for quick starts.
An all-new aluminium 2.5L race fuel cell is used over the original
A new sub-frame was fabricated to better support the rider under hard acceleration and combines with lower clip-on handlebars and drag-style foot controls to tilt the rider forward and keep weight over the front wheel.
A new sub-frame was also fabricated to suit, with an extended aluminium swingarm
To further enhance traction when the flag drops, Brice designed and welded an extended aluminium swingarm. With parts CNC machined from his drawings by Beringer Brakes, the swingarm is mated to advanced, fully adjustable suspension technology from Öhlins.
STX 36 piggyback rear shock absorbers
Matching the STX 36 piggyback rear shock absorbers, Öhlins also supplied Retro 43 front forks and a steering damper to ensure the best possible grip and stability enabling the full performance of the bike to be utilised.
Öhlins supplied Retro 43 front forks
With a rolling chassis and elements of the streamlined fairing starting to take shape, Brice took Appaloosa to Akrapovič where a bespoke titanium exhaust system was created for maximum power and the best possible sound.
Akrapovič bespoke titanium exhaust system
Without making any internal modifications, engine power has been increased to 130hp with a combination of the Akrapovič exhaust, a racing ECU, Power Commander, direct intake, Nitrous Oxide Injection system and MOTOREX oil. To get the power to the tarmac, the original belt drive has been converted to chain drive and a quickshifter ensures swift and precise gear changes.
Power is raised to 130hp, while staying within championship limits
Bringing the rapid racer to a controlled stop is the complete 4D Aerotec braking system from Beringer Brakes. The 4D system features two Ø230mm discs per caliper for increased power over standard single discs as well as reduced inertia to aid acceleration. Beringer Brakes also supplied the handlebar controls and buttons as well as CNC machining many of the parts designed by Brice.
Brakes include a 4D Aerotec braking system from Beringer Brakes
Using hosing supplied by Vibrant Performance the cooling system has been simplified for weight reduction and for a cleaner look around the engine. Additional components from Vibrant such as welded dash connectors, fuel and water tank caps and heat protection hoses add finishing touches to Appaloosa.
Workhorse Speedshop custom Indian Scout Bobber ‘Appaloosa’
As well as competing in the Sultans of Sprint championship, Indian Motorcycle also plans to have the bike on static display in the UK at The Bike Shed (24 – 26 May) and during Wheels & Waves in France (12 – 16 June).
Workhorse Speedshop custom Indian Scout Bobber ‘Appaloosa’
Sultans of Sprint Championship 2019
18 – 19 May – The Reunion Monza, Italy
22 – 23 June – Café Racer Festival Monthléry, France
31 Aug – 1 Sept – Glemseck 101 Leonberg, Germany
Indian Scout Bobber custom Workhorse Speedshop Sultans Sprint
Indian Scout Bobber custom Workhorse Speedshop Sultans Sprint
Indian Scout Bobber custom Workhorse Speedshop Sultans Sprint
Indian Scout Bobber custom Workhorse Speedshop Sultans Sprint
Indian Scout Bobber custom Workhorse Speedshop Sultans Sprint
Indian Scout Bobber custom Workhorse Speedshop Sultans Sprint
Indian Scout Bobber custom Workhorse Speedshop Sultans Sprint
Indian Scout Bobber custom Workhorse Speedshop Sultans Sprint
Indian Scout Bobber custom Workhorse Speedshop Sultans Sprint
Indian Scout Bobber custom Workhorse Speedshop Sultans Sprint
Indian Scout Bobber custom Workhorse Speedshop Sultans Sprint
Indian Scout Bobber custom Workhorse Speedshop Sultans Sprint
Indian Scout Bobber custom Workhorse Speedshop Sultans Sprint
Indian Scout Bobber custom Workhorse Speedshop Sultans Sprint
