Curtiss Motorcycles unveils first bike in 100 years

It will also be the manufacturer's last internal combustion motorcycle

Curtiss Motorcycles unveils first bike in 100 years

LAST YEAR Confederate Motorcycles rebranded to Curtiss Motorcycles, making the manufacturer’s newest model the first to be launched under the Curtiss badge in one hundred years.

The limited edition Warhawk pays homage to the man behind America’s first V-Twin motorcycle, Glenn Curtiss. Fittingly, the Warhawk will also be the last V-Twin that the company will produce as it moves from internal combustion to electric propulsion.

Housed in a dramatic, brutish chrome frame is the 2,163cc 56.25º V-TWIN, which makes 150bh and 160lb-ft at 2,000 RPM. Despite its incredible power, the Warhawk is as much a showpiece as it is a motorcycle, thanks to its bespoke, intricate detail.

Production of the limited run of 35 models will began on Tuesday, with each finished product set to cost $105,000 (£75,500).

‘We’ve spent the past 27 years working to optimize and perfect Mr. Curtiss’s V-Twin invention,’ commented Curtiss CEO Matt Chambers.

‘Everything we know is built into this machine. Because the Warhawk is based on our acclaimed P51 Fighter, the engine, powertrain, and chassis are as solid as a bank vault. But now, we’ve cranked it to 11. There are no more rabbits we can pull out of the proverbial hat. There’s simply no way to make a more explosive hot-rod American V-twin than the Curtiss Warhawk.’

‘The American V-twin is undoubtedly the most iconic and revered powertrain in motorcycle history. As we prepare to lead an all-new golden age of electrified motorcycles, this Curtiss Warhawk represents the best and final chapter in American V-Twin power and refinement.

‘We’re building a handful of these Warhawks in honor of Mr. Curtiss and as a bequeathment from the brand of yesterday to the brand of tomorrow.’

At the same time as revealing its rebranding, Confederate Motorcycles also announced a partnership with Zero Motorcycles, in order to create an all-electric cruiser named the Hercules.