What if Lotus built a motorcycle? [View all]

We now know the answer to that once hypothetical question.

Last year, British sports car manufacturer Lotus hinted that they would soon be introducing a motorcycle to their line-up. That summer they released no more than this teaser pic of a fuel tank. It was made clear then the lines would be penned by Daniel Simon, Volkswagen design engineer and creator of the Tron movie light cycle, but little else was revealed at that time:



This month, Lotus announced their new foray into the superbike market was ready for release to the public. There will be only these three models available, and factory customization is offered for those who desire what they so quaintly refer to as a more unique look:



The design, engineered and built in Germany by racecar manufacturer Koweda, may not be for everyone, but since they're only building 100 examples at $150 Large per unit, the majority opinion is probably moot:




This move by Lotus raises some questions though, "why?" being the foremost in my mind. Considering the money spent on design, and the limited use of dies and molds spread out over such a limited production run, Lotus will probably make little or no money on these sleek machines:



There are two possibilities as I see it, and both may be true. One is if they want to build a performance statement, an instant collectible like the new Ford GT in order to promote their brand. That's a big investment just to announce to the world that they're still around, but TVR and Ferrari do it all the time:



Another reason, and one I think more likely, is Lotus is going racing, an image they built their company around decades ago. Though Lotus promises to make only 100 of these superbikes, that doesn't mean they intend to release that many to the public. This could be the first factory works cafe racer in the company's history, with a required number going to the public to make it eligible as a production bike.

Much like the Shelby Cobra back in the '60s, some well heeled owners will buy one of the race ready machines and squirrel it away as an investment, but the rest might hit the circuits this spring seeking victory under the black & gold banner of a company with a genetic thirst for competition.

I notice there seems to be no highway running gear, like headlights and turn signals on the promo bikes. Maybe those items are on the "custom option" list... like those little training wheels (LOL):



200HP on a bike that weighs less than 400 pounds is indeed destined for the winner's circle:

LOTUS C-01 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

Lotus will offer three different liveries for the C-01 in addition to a customization service for buyers that want a more unique look.
Engine: 2-cylinder 4-stroke engine, 75° V-style
Capacity: 1195cc
Bore x Stroke: 105 x 69mm
Power: Approx. 200 HP
Transmission: 6-gear jaw-type shift transmission
Lubrication: Dry sump lubrication
Main shaft ratio: 40 6
Lay shaft ratio: 15:41
Cooling: Water cooling
Clutch: Hydraulic anti-hopping clutch
Frame: Aero tech steel/Titanium/Carbon fiber frame
Fork: Upside down
Suspension strut: Twin suspension strut
Spring travel front: 3.15 inches
Spring travel rear: 2.75 inches
Brake system front: Twin brake disc, 320mm, four piston calipers
Brake system rear: Single disc, 220mm, two piston calipers
Chain: X-Ring resp. O-Ring
Head tube angle: 59-degrees
Fork angle: 54-degrees
Wheel base: 64.7 inches
Ride height: 3.54 inches
Seat height: 27.95 inches
Fuel tank capacity: 2.77 gallons
Dry weight: 399 pounds
Wheel front: 120/70 ZR19
Wheel rear: 190/55 ZR17


Back in the '60s when Ford created the GT40 and the Shelby Cobra, they had to build a few for the public. The price for either car was astronomical, and very few were sold outside the racing community. Expensive as it seemed at the time, no one ever lost a dime on their initial outlay.