Mac Motorcycles turn to Yamaha

Britain's latest bike builder seeks alternative after Buell drop Blast motor

MAC MOTORCYCLES, Britain's newest latest builder, has announced it is seriously considering using a liquid cooled Yamaha single-cylinder engine in its range of cafe racers, instead of Buell Blast's air-cooled single, as originally planned.

The company were left high-and-dry after Harley-Davidson announced production of the Blast motor was to end; the Worcestershire-based bike builder is now asking its potential customers to give them feedback about the use of the liquid-cooled motor in their machines. 

Mac are seriously contemplating using the engine from the Yamaha XT660 off-roader in their range of hand-built machines. Power and torque are up on the Blast engine, but we can't help thinking the addition of a radiator and accompanying coolant hoses will spoil the bikes' lines. Mac's machines are aimed at the purist market, after all.

No doubt some will welcome the move. But for us, no Mac, have a rethink. This is not a good idea.