Tag

design

Browsing

Almost 30 years ago, the Ducati Supermono entered into life, and became an integral part of the motorcycling lexicon. The name has become synonymous with an iconic design, outside-of-the-box engineering, and premier exclusivity.

With that in mind, there has to be something daunting about re-imaging a motorcycle that has become such a focal point amongst motorcycling enthusiasts.

Working out of the Barber Advanced Design Center, Pierre Terblanche has set to doing this very task though, with the public getting their first glimpse of this endeavor today.

True to his reputation, Terblanche’s work on the “Mono” concept is sure to polarize and to intrigue. Let’s dive into it, and try to step into the mind of the maestro.

When it comes to iconic motorcycles, the Ducati Supermono ranks high on the list. Only a handful of these unique single-cylinder machine exist, and they fetch a pretty penny when they come on the market.

The man behind the machine is equally renowned, as Pierre Terblanche has been responsible for designing and creating no shortage of highly coveted and unique motorcycles, the most famous of which came during his time at Ducati (the Hypermotard, Multistrada, MH900E, 999 Superbike, and of course the Supermono).

Sitting down with Brian Case, a well-known motorcycle designer in his own right, and one of the founding partners of Motus Motorcycles, we get today’s video interview.

Electric motorcycle concepts always seem to have a vein of the fanciful in them. Maybe it is because the thought of an electric powertrain feels like the future, and so designers swing for the fences on what the future could hold for society.

That seems to be the case here with the Aether electric motorcycle concept by Taiwanese designer Lin Yu Cheng, who has designed a motorcycle that cleans the air around it, while it rides down the road.

That Harley-Davidson has been working on a small-displacement motorcycle for street rider is not a well-kept secret.

The project involves a collaboration with Chinese motorcycle manufacturer Qianjiang Motors, but the fruits of that labor have been slow to reveal themselves.

Like many of Harley-Davidson’s planned future models, the alleged “XR338” is at best MIA, and at worst DOA.

No one seems to know the next move from Harley-Davidson, including the Bar & Shield brand itself, which has been extremely terse about the details of its “Hardwire” business plan.

To help nudge them along the way, A&R contributor Michael Uhlarik has been working with Italian design show Engines Engineering (E&E) on an XR338 flat track concept for the street.

It has been a decade since the KTM RC8 debuted at the Austrian brand’s answer to the superbike question. Perhaps ahead of its time, the RC8 and its progeny were never strong sellers for KTM, though the bike had its highlights (and struggles).

Now, the “Ready to Race” brand is obviously missing a full-faired superbike in its lineup, despite offering the naked “Beast” that is the KTM 1290 Super Duke R, which is a direct descendent of that RC8 project.

Our point? It’s high time that KTM got back into the superbike game, and while the Austrians have made it clear that they are not interested in revisiting the RC8 thesis, KTM is on the forefront of the electric motorcycle movement.

That brings us to these concept creation by Indian designer Mohit Solanki, who envisions an electric superbike from KTM.

Interesting news from MV Agusta, as the Italian brand has launched a new design studio in the Principality of Monaco, which will operate in addition to the Castiglioni Research Center that is San Marino.

The Monaco Design Studio is an off-shoot of the MV Agusta dealership in Monte-Carlo, which is run by notable Italian motorcycle racer Virginio Ferrari.

The purpose of the Monaco Design Studio is to cater to the über-wealthy that call the principality home, providing them with a boutique and bespoke customizing experience in direct relationship with the Italian factory.

A bit of a shakeup coming from Italy this week, as we get news that Adrian Morton will no longer be MV Agusta’s Design Director – working out of the Castiglioni Research Center (CRC) in Rimini, Italy.

Ending 20 years of work at the Italian brand, the news is surely to come as a disappointment for fans of MV Agusta, as Morton was the man behind the styling of the MV Agusta three-cylinder lineup, including the highly regarded F3 supersport and Brutale naked motorcycles.

Morton was also responsible for the Turismo Veloce, Rivale, RVS #1, and most recently the Superveloce 800, Brutale 1000, and Rush 1000. He is also known as the man behind the lust-worthy designs of the Benelli Tornado and Benelli TnT motorcycles.