- Ecosse ES1 Superbike – $3.6 million
We have taken a fresh look at superbike design and have produced the closest one can get to a 2 wheeled F1 car. This motorcycle is all about low weight, low drag and superb handling.
Design/Architecture
The ESI has a frameless chassis with unique suspension design at both ends of the bike. The front and rear suspension use torsion springs fitted on the swingarm pivots and F1 spec dampers mounted directly between swingarm and engine.Front suspension is a common double wishbone arrangement. However, for ES1, the lower wishbone is a composite single-sided swingarm. The unique aspect of our design is the way we mount the handlebars from the fork rather than from the frame – providing a very direct connection between handlebars and front wheel for front tire feel.At the rear the carbon fiber swingarm has a slender section between the gearbox and the rear wheel to create the narrow position we need for ES1’s aerodynamic and ergonomic concepts.
2. Harley Davidson Cosmic Starship – $1 million
he Harley Davidson "dealer to the stars" in Marina Del Rey, California, recently announced it will host the unveiling of a million dollar Harley on October 21, 2010. Priced at $1,000,000, artist Jack Armstrong's "Cosmic Starship" Harley Davidson reportedly is the only motorcycle the artist will ever paint.
“John Travolta rode a Bartels Harley in the film Hogs, but Armstrong's million dollar Harley is a movie in itself,“ a statement from Bartels Harley Davidson reads.
Creator of the unique painting style called "Cosmic Extensionalism", Armstrong's trademark art combines extreme colors and textures. Words magically appear throughout his paintings when viewed at different angles with his bold signature JACK, often in the center. Armstrong's "Cosmic Extensionalism," along with his three first edition art books titled: "Cosmic Dream Museum", "The Last Wizard" and "Star Trip" can be seen at JackArmstrongArtist.com.
"Andy Warhol would have loved it," states Armstrong. "He started with soup cans and worked up to Elizabeth Taylor! For me as an artist," he explains, "Harley is James Dean, Brando, Elvis and Steve McQueen, and is more American than ice cream. To paint a million dollar Harley is legendary, like the bike!"
According to Armstrong there will be a small sign placed next to the million dollar motorcycle saying, "If you are not Lady GaGa, Scarlett Johansson or Sylvester Stallone DO NOT TOUCH THIS HARLEY!"
3. Dodge Tomahawk V10 – $555,000
The Dodge Tomahawk was a non-street legal concept vehicle introduced by Dodge at the 2003 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan. Dodge's extraordinary claims of a top speed of 420 mph (680 km/h) were derided by experts in land speed records, and the Tomahawk never demonstrated a speed above 100 mph (160 km/h).The Art Deco design was the work of Chrysler staff designer Mark Walters and featured the 500 hp (370 kW) 8.3-litre (510 cu in) V10 SRT10 engine from the Dodge Viper.The vehicle has two front wheels and two rear wheels, making it a kind of motorized quadricycle rather than a typical motorcycle. The pairs of wheels move independently, allowing it to countersteer and lean in turns like a motorcycle.Hand-built examples of the Tomahawk were offered for sale through the Neiman Marcus catalog at a price of US$ 555,000, and up to nine of them might have sold.Dodge emphasized that the bikes were "rolling sculptures" not intended to be ridden.
Top speed
Dodge initially announced the top speed of the Tomahawk was estimated at 420 mph (680 km/h), but later revised this downward to 300 mph (480 km/h), and spokesmen did not answer questions on how this estimate was calculated.Wolfgang Bernhard, Chrysler Group chief operating officer at the time, said in 2003 that no one had ridden the Tomahawk faster than 100 mph (160 km/h).Joe Teresi, of Easyriders magazine and owner of the world record setting motorcycle ridden by Dave Campos, said the top speed estimate must have been based only on horsepower and final drive ratio, and ignored the "critical factors" of frontal area, drag coefficient, and rolling resistance.Dodge declined offers to put the top speed claim to a test, and no one is known to have attempted to ride the Tomahawk to its maximum speed.Dodge spokesman David Elshoff said that "someday" the Tomahawk would be run at the Bonneville Speedway speed trials, but no such attempt was ever made.Campos was as skeptical as Teresi, saying he doubted the Tomahawk could exceed 200 mph (320 km/h) because at high speeds, the rider would be "lifted right off the bike" without a streamliner fairing, and the four wheel steering would be a problem as well.Nonetheless, Campos wished Dodge luck, adding, "Let nothing but fear stand in your way."Phil Patton of the New York Times wrote, "In theory, the Tomahawk can blast from a standing start to 60 miles an hour in two and a half seconds and reach 300 miles an hour. In practice, since Evel Knievel retired, it's hard to imagine anyone willing to prove it."
4. Yamaha Roadstar BMS Chopper–$500,000
All that remains of the original bike is the 1700cc engine, the part of the frame that has the engine mounts, and the neck of the frame since that part includes the VIN number as Nehme wanted to keep this bike titled as a Yamaha Road Star.* The build cost US$250,000 in labour alone to handcraft the machine from the ground up, excluding the cost of parts, paint and gold plating.
* Extensive design work and testing went into the single-sided front "fork," whose main spar is more than a metre long and machined from aluminium billet. Fully functional, it incorporates an air-ride system that, along with the single-sided swing-arm rear suspension, can lift the motorcycle 25 centimetres or lower it right onto the ground. In fact, a side stand is unnecessary as Nehme-sis softly lands on its frame rails when it's time to park.
* Making the most of the beautiful Road Star engine, BMS Choppers developed a new frame with no front down tubes, instead utilising the V-twin as a structural element.
* Nehme-sis sports an extraordinary 360mm rear tyre from Vee Rubber, flanked by a custom LED taillight/brake-light array integrated into the rear fender edges.
* An automatic clutch and a clever electronic grip shifter help clean up the overall lines. The rider selects gears by rotating the left handgrip, which can also switch modes to control the air-ride suspension on the fly.
* For space efficiency, the fuel tank was sectioned into two parts – one for petrol and the other for electronics.
Ecosse Titanium Series FE Ti XX – $300,000
Ecosse Moto Works makes the world’s most extraordinary machines. Their exquisite two-wheeled creations are built to the highest standards, using the most exotic materials in never-before-seen designs. The firm already has the honor of being the maker of the world’s most expensive motorcycle, the Ecosse Titanium Series RR, which costs $275,000. Now, they are updating the Titanium Series RR with the final bike in the Heretic series - the FE Ti XX, which will become the newest most expensive motorcycle in the world, costing a cool.
Ecosse's brawny Heretic lineup is coming to an end, and the outgoing flagship Series RR bike ($275,000) will soon be capped off by the even more exclusive (and pricey) FE Ti XX, which will see 13 units produced.
The new world's most expensive motorcycle will be powered by a 2,409cc billet engine with Ecosse's highest ever horsepower figure: 225 hp at the rear wheel. Carbon fiber finishes abound, the saddle comes from high-end Italian leathermaker Berluti, and the exhaust pipes have a ceramic media shot-peened finish on grade-9 titanium... but this ultimate Ecosse won't be king forever. When it's released, the upcoming ES1 model will usurp the crown with a $350,000 price tag. It's tough keeping up with the Joneses, eh?
Ducati Desmosedici D16RR NCR M16 – $232,500
The Ducati Desmosedici RR is a limited production road-legal version of the Desmosedici MotoGP racebike.
Ducati made 1,500 Desmosedici models for public purchase. The bike was launched at the 2006 Italian MotoGP event.In 2004, Ducati announced that a low volume bespoke replica of the Desmosedici would be available beginning in 2006. Termed the Desmosedici RR (Racing Replica), it was claimed to be the first true road replica of a MotoGP racing bike. Priority for ordering was given to Ducati 999R owners, with production projected at one bike per day at a retail cost of US$72,500 and GB£40,000.The price included a three year warranty and servicing, cover, and a racing kit including a race-only exhaust system, a slip-on muffler, and complementary fuel and ignition mapping in a "race ECU". It also included enough sponsor stickers to fill both sides of the bike.
The bike was eventually launched at the 2006 Italian MotoGP event at Mugello, with production beginning in December 2007 and the first customer orders delivered from January 2008.
It’s hard to legitimately compare anything to a full-on MotoGP bike. The acceleration and pure brute force of Stoner’s GP8 is unparalleled. Despite spot-on fuel injection, traction control, and being programmed on their “wet” setting (slightly de-tuned for us journalists), the little red monster pounces to life like a starved lion in a field of gazelles.
A quarter turn of the right wrist produces twice the acceleration of most literbikes at full-stop, and when one has the balls to keep it totally twisted (very rarely), the red rocket hits warp speed, pulling all the way to an unimaginable 19,200 rpm. By far the toughest thing to get your head around, it’s surreal. Tunnel vision sets in almost instantaneously and the sheer pace at which the pavement passes beneath you takes a good deal of time for one’s mind to grasp, not to mention a high level of physical ability.As for the street-going D16RR, the single biggest discrepancy between the two bikes is in the engine department. Don’t get me wrong, you twist that right grip and this street bike comes to life like a wild animal. Though, where the racer is a lion, the street bike is a bobcat. You can feel that inside it has the same racing lineage and desire to melt the pavement, just at a more subdued level. Of course this is to be expected, instead of replacing or rebuilding the engine every race weekend (roughly 200 miles) it has to last 7,500 miles between services.On the other hand, compared to mere mortal street-going machines, it’s far more ferocious than anything currently on the market. This was only aided by the addition of the Ducati Performance exhaust they installed, giving the Ducati a blisteringly loud, yet utterly beautiful sound. At a staggering $8800 it isn’t cheap, but after hearing and seeing it, if I ever owned the bike it will be the first thing I change. In fact, it may be the only thing I change. It may not make huge peak hp numbers (roughly 175 at the wheel), but the speed in which it spools up to the 14,200 rpm redline equals one extremely fast street-legal motorcycle; it’s the closest I’ve felt to Valencia since … well, Valencia.
Ducati Testa Stretta NCR Macchia– $225,000
This ultimate Ducati build known as the Macchia Nera Concept – designed by Aldo Drudi and built by NCR – made its first official appearance back in September 2003 during EICMA in Milan. The bike made its track debut at Misano WDW 2004, where some lucky testers got to give this brute 20 full rounds of abuse, with plenty of feedback from its performance. Also in 2004 Macchia Nera Concept was the star attraction during a series of exclusive events known as: “Macchia Nera Concept Tour”. The first of these was in June 2004 within the Ducati Island at Laguna Seca during the American WSBK; a month later in July 2004 the bike was one of the star attractions during the Concours d’Elegance at Quail Lodge in California. In August of 2004, Macchia Nera Concept also conquered Hollywood (California, USA), having been invited to participate in “The Collectors Event” organized by the Robb Report.
The Macchia Nera features an amazing collection of titanium parts from its trellis Ducati replica frame, to the unique full-race exhaust system, various controls and engine components that are separately available thru NCR. The engine is a full race Ducati Testastretta 998R engine rated at 180hp, encased in a bike that has a weight of about 135Kgs. It’s been rumored that bike could possibly induce hypoxia(jokingly) due to its acceleration rate and horsepower to weight ratio. One of the most unique concepts of its time and still just as good-looking after 9 years and years to come, the Macchia Nera bears some resemblance to the custom bikes we see today. For this build Aldo Drudi—the famed Italian designer – was given freedom to create a fresh and aggressive design. Next door, in the NCR factory, one of Frankie Chili’s WSB motors caught Drudi’s sight – a Ducati 998R testastretta engine from the 2003 World Superbike season. As NCR puts it: “Road rage has met its soul mate.”
The skilled NCR craftsmen built the gorgeous frame from titanium to reduce the weight and secure the Testastretta superbike motor. This build is a work of art through the craftsmanship and the use of the finest components and materials our world has to offer; which were ultimately combined with the creative work of Drudi’s design. No fairings and no airflow ducts, just the raw appeal of the mechanics and the famed NCR components. The engine and frame of the Macchia Nera are the main focus points of the build and need to be exposed to enhance their beauty. The lightweight, 4,080 kg, titanium frame is built around the race tuned Ducati 998 Testastretta engine, this extremely potent power plant is mated to a programmable electronic sequential gearbox complete with traction control. The carbon fiber gas tank is equipped with a special one of a kind titanium gas cap. The wheels were fitted with a ultra-exclusive MotoGP Brembo brake system with 320mm double disks (centrally vented).
The large racing NCR radiator and oil cooler received a Nipploy treatment. Beautifully crafted aeronautical aluminum fittings secure the titanium radiator tubes. The titanium connectors, PVD treated pulleys and titanium pulley ring nuts help keep the weight down on this build. The clutch system is an Evoluzione Slipper Cluch unit, also treated in Nipploy and lighter than standard versions. At the front they chose a Ohlins racing fork (53.5mm). Brembo brakes with NCR Titanium connectors (yes the ones you’ve seen on Ducati MotoGP bikes). Top it off with Marvic magnesium wheels and NCR Titanium exhaust, and we have one of the most beautiful and pricey builds I have ever seen. If you want a Macchia Nera – you can purchase the only one – Macchia Nera No. 1 of 1 could be yours for roughly 150,000 Euros. Check out the gallery for the rest of the pictures.
Suzuki AEM Carbon Fiber Hayabusa – $200,000
AEM Carbon Fiber Hayabusa is built by Suzuki and was reveled at SEMA 2008. Made fully using nothing but carbon fiber, the Suzuki Hayabusa is created by MV’s director, Claudio Castiglioni, and has its engine management system done by AEM. Cost for the AEM Carbon Fiber Hayabusa bike is made to meet the strategic marketing needs starts from $160,000 and goes up to $200,000. The top speed of the bike is rated at 300 kms/hr.
MTT Turbine Streetfighter – $175,000
The MTT Turbine Superbike, also known as the Y2K Turbine Superbike, is a wheel-driven motorcycle powered by a turboshaft engine, created by Ted McIntyre of Marine Turbine Technologies. The bike is powered by a Rolls-Royce-Allison Model 250 producing 320 hp (240 kW) at 52,000 rpm.[1] Unlike some earlier jet-powered motorcycles, where a massive jet engine provided thrust to push the motorcycle, the turboshaft engine on this model drives the rear wheel via a two-speed gearbox.The engines used in the motorcycles are second-hand, having reached the FAA-mandated running time limit, after which they have to be rebuilt, regardless of condition. To get around the problem of procuring the kerosene usually used in turbine engines, the engine of the bike is also able to use diesel, or jet fuel.In 2008, MTT released the "Streetfighter," another jet-bike with a more powerful 420 hp (310 kW) engine. It doesn't get much more excessive than this: putting the V8-powered Boss Hoss motorcycles to shame, MTT's Streetfighter packs nothing less than a Rolls-Royce-Allison turbine-- the same sort of powertrain you'd find in a helicopter-- that drives 320 horsepower to a Pirelli Diablo 240mm rear tire. A tubular aluminum frame, rear-mounted camera with LCD color display, and carbon fiber fairings come standard, but serious speed freaks will tick the box that upgrades to a 420 horsepower turbine that produces 500 lb-ft of torque... yikes!
Icon Sheene – $172,000
Another tribute bike to a legendary racer, the Icon Sheene pays homage to British world champ Barry Sheene. Each of these 52 bikes features a hand-painted image of a playing card, and its 1,400cc Suzuki engine receives extra motivation from a Garrett turbocharger running at .4 bar. Producing 250 horsepower, Icon called their Sheene the most powerful production motorcycle in the world at the time it was released... and at £107,000 (approximately $172,000 using today's conversion rates), it's still one of the most expensive.
Another tribute bike to a legendary racer, the Icon Sheene pays homage to British world champ Barry Sheene. Each of these 52 bikes features a hand-painted image of a playing card, and its 1,400cc Suzuki engine receives extra motivation from a Garrett turbocharger running at .4 bar. Producing 250 horsepower, Icon called their Sheene the most powerful production motorcycle in the world at the time it was released... and at £107,000 (approximately $172,000 using today's conversion rates), it's still one of the most expensive.
First revealed at the recent Goodwood pre-season media day, this arresting machine is British businessman Andrew Morris’ vision, now a running reality, of the ultimate road-going motorbike and a tribute to his boyhood hero; the late, great Barry Sheene. Endorsed by Sheene’s widow Stephanie and by ex-team mate and best mate Steve Parrish, just 52 Icon Sheenes are planned to be built—one for each year of Barry’s life.
When it was put to chief Icon test rider Parrish that £107,000 (US$160,000) was ‘quite a lot’, even for a 200 mph motorcycle, he replied, “If you look closely then you can see the value”. So, let’s look closely. The engine is a hand-built, Garrett turbocharged Suzuki GSX1400 air-cooled lump (because it looks like an engine) with Carrillo rods, Wiseco pistons and other competition-spec internals. 250bhp with 133lb/ft is claimed at the rear wheel, even in lowest (0.4bar) boost mode. This is wrapped in an all-aluminum, purpose-built Spondon tubular frame complemented by an aluminum Fabrication Techniques swing-arm with Bitubo rear suspension and usd forks.With carbon-fiber race wheels, ISR calipers, discs and levers, hand-laid carbon-fiber bodywork, a handmade aluminum tank, twin hand-crafted aluminum oil coolers, a handmade stainless exhaust, Bosch Motronic engine management (with custom mapping and datalogging), digital instrumentation, keyless starting and F1-spec wiring throughout, this is obviously no bargain basement machine.
The Icon also flaunts detailing to further woo wealthy buyers such as etched and engraved plaques and yokes, a hand-painted 1940s style pin-up girl and Sheene’s lucky no.7 embroidered into the heart-shaped alcantara bum-stop.So: powerful, fast and expensive it undeniably is. But could this Icon also be a gauche, mildly exploitative, over-priced white elephant, much of which—frame, engine and styling—wouldn’t have been cutting-edge twenty years ago? You decide.
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