Motorcycles have had mass appeal to the general public for roughly a century
and a half. An American named Sylvester Howard Roper designed one of the
first motorcycles in the 1860s. The motorcycle was displayed at fairs and
circuses around the eastern U.S.. Europeans also had their hand in
popularizing motorcycles and, during the World Wars,
motorcycles functioned as a quick means of
transportation.
As the motorcycle progressed, the engines and
frames became bigger, sleeker, faster and more
powerful, resulting in the high-tech and expensive
motorcycles of today. If you can afford one, a
custom motorcycle built to your exact
specifications is within reach.
MV-Augusta F4CC – $120,000
This expensive motorcycle was created by Claudio
Castiglioni, MV’s director. He wanted to create a
spectacular motorcycle that met strategic
marketing needs while also being something
truly special and unique. The expensive motorcycle
bearing his very own initials “CC” has a top speed of
315 kph (195 mph), 1078 cc’s and a 198 hp engine.
Each bike boasts a platinum plate located near the
top of the steering column showing the model
number from 1 to 100, making thismotorcycle
all the more special to its owners.
MTT Turbine SuperBike – $150,000
Not only is this motorcycle expensive, it’s also extremely
fast. This bike, also known as the Y2K Turbine Superbike,
is the Guinness World Record holder for the “Most Powerful
Motorcycle Ever to Enter Series Production”. The turbine engine
in this one is made by Rolls Royce and is capable of over 300hp.
The motorcycle also boasts carbon fiber fairings, a rear mounted
camera with LCD color display, forward-and rear-looking radar
detector with laser scrambler, one touch “Smart Start” ignition and
many other cool gadgets. This bike seams to be pretty popular in
Hollywood. It starred in the movie “Torque” and even Jay Leno
owns one!
Icon Sheene – $160,000
This bike was created by Andrew Morris in honor of legendary British
Grand Prix motorcycle champion Barry Sheene, who died in 2003 at
the age of 52. As such, only 52 of these 250 hp, turbocharged 1400cc
motorcycles will be created, each emblazoned with a playing card
hand-painted by the same artist who painted Sheene’s helmets,
Mike Fairholme. Each of these bikes will be bespoke,
tailored to fit the purchaser’s unique requirements.
Macchia Nera concept bike – $201,000
Built around a Ducati 998RS engine, this motorcycle’s
Italian designers and engineers set out to create an
extremely high tech and expensive motorcycle that
would be thought of as “the ultimate track bike” that
is “simply beautiful and beautifully simple”. The \
Testastretta engine is fitted with lightweight metals
and alloys, like titanium and aluminum, making it
very lightweight. The view from the side of the Macchia
Nera shows exposed belts and engine components,
giving its design a minimalist feel while still being
aesthetically pleasing. We should add that this
bike is a one of a kind and not in produced for
retail at this point, but if you have an
extra 150,000 Euros (US $201,000)
laying around for an expensive
toy, your dream might come
true.
Ecosse Titanium Series RR Limited Edition – $275,000
This luxury motorbike features a titanium chassis with clear coated carbon
fiber bodywork and wheels. It features a fuel injected, intercooled,
supercharged 2,150cc billet motor and is capable of over 200 hp.
Its saddle is ergonomic and adjustable. The bike also comes with
a timepiece, designed by French watchmakers BRM, which is
made to match the bike and is engraved with the same serial
number as the handlebar clamp and VIN plate. This bike is
limited to only 10 units.
Dodge Tomahawk V10 Superbike – $555,000
This reproduction of Dodge’s concept bike is considered an
“automotive sculpture,” as it is not street legal in the US.
Ten of these bikes were offered by Neiman Marcus in
their 2003 Christmas Book. The Dodge Tomahawk
V10 superbike boasts an 8.3 liter engine (505 cubic
inch), and the 10 cylinders can bring the bike to a
maximum speed of almost 400 mph. The 1500lb
bike has an independent 4-wheel suspension
and can reach 60 mph in around 2.5 seconds.
