Lotus C-01 Motorcycle

Last summer, Lotus revealed that they were going into the business of making motorcycles. At the same time they also announced the brilliant decision to bring onboard the supremely talented concept designer Daniel Simon to pen the new two-wheeler. That decision has paid-off big time.

The Lotus C-01 is undoubtedly one of the best looking motorcycles on offer today, combining old-school cafe-racer styling with 21st century materials and technology. It’s wrapped from front to back in lightweight carbon fiber, and mounted in the center is a 200 horsepower V-twin engine. The chassis is a combination of steel, titanium and even more carbon fiber.

Despite its raw power, the Lotus C-01 hasn’t been designed to mix it up with Japan and Italy’s finest sports bikes on the circuit. Instead it’s more of a high-performance cruiser, a bit like the Confederate Wraith. But with a planned production run of just 100 bikes it will be even rarer.

The Lotus C-01 will be available in a range of liveries some of which pay homage to Lotus’ motorsport heritage. A customisation service is also available to suit the buyer’s tastes.

Despite carrying the Lotus name, the C-01 is not designed, engineered or produced by Group Lotus plc, but is the result of a collaboration between motorsport veterans under the leadership of Kodewa, lead by Dr Colin Kolles. Kodewa has been granted a license to produce the motorcycle by Lotus.

The original idea to create the C-01 came from Kodewa’s Dr Colin Kolles. Speaking about the project he said: “We set out to create a bike that isn’t just great to ride but also represents a piece of art in motion. Over the years I have seen my fair share of style over substance, what this bike brings to the market is a unique combination of both: state of the art technology with a truly jaw-dropping aesthetic.”

Prices for the C-01 are yet to be announced. But think big.

Lotus C-01 Specifications:

ENGINE

Construction:		2-cylinder 4-stroke engine, 75° V-style
Capacity:		1,195 cm³
Bore:		105 mm
Stroke:		69 mm
Power Approx:		200 HP
Transmission:		6-gear jaw-type shift transmission
Lubrication:		Dry sump lubrication
Main shaft ratio:		40:76
Lay shaft ratio:		15:41
Clutch:		Hydraulic anti-hopping clutch
Ignition:		Full electronic engine management with digital adjustment of the ignition

CHASSIS

Frame:		Aero tech steel/Titanium/Carbon fibre frame
Fork:		Upside down
Suspension strut:		Twin suspension strut
Spring travel front:		80 mm
Spring travel rear:		70 mm
Brake system front:		Twin brake disc, ø320mm, four piston calipers
Brake system rear:		One brake disc,ø220mm, two piston calipers
Chain:		X-Ring resp. O-Ring
Head tube ang:		59°
Fork ang:		54°
Wheel base:		1.645±15 mm