Caterham Group has launched its motorcycle division – Caterham Bikes – at the International Motorcycle Exhibition (EICMA) in Milan, with two e-bikes being introduced for 2014.
Three prototype products – the Brutus 750 (dubbed the ‘SUV of motorcycles’), Classic E-Bike (an all-electric, bike with retro styling) and the Carbon E-Bike (a premium electric bike inspired by F1 technology) – have been unveiled for launch throughout 2014 as part of the Group’s strategy of growth through intelligent partnerships.
The two-wheeled division joins Caterham F1 Team, Caterham Racing (GP2), Caterham Technology & Innovation, Caterham Composites and the latest arm, Caterham Moto Racing Team, in the growing Caterham family.
Production of the three launch bikes will begin as early as Spring 2014, with the Brutus 750 the first to be built, followed by the Classic and Carbon e-bikes later in the year.
Caterham Classic E-Bike
The golden age of British motorcycling is considered to be the 1920s through to the early 1960s and it’s the first part of the 20th Century that inspires the look of the Classic E-Bike.
The Classic E-Bike gives you that traditional look, but with advanced materials used in its construction and a modern electric powerplant giving a range of 25-50 miles (40-80km) and the added freedom that, in the EU, the rider does not need to have a motorcycle licence.
The Classic E-Bike is powered by an emission-free motor and is part bicycle, part motorcycle but comes together as one, unique whole which can provide elegant, effort-free transport.
With the E-Bike consisting of an aluminium frame, the leather handle-bar grips are fixed to a traditional springer front fork, which also carries a modern front disc brake. The Shimano 3-speed hub gears give brisk acceleration and the centrally-mounted engine – designed to look like a classic V-twin layout – houses the 250 Watt motor.
The large ‘fuel’ tank doubles as a useful luggage space, in which the rider can stow personal items, or the battery charger for the 36 Volt battery pack. The wide seat is adjustable to three positions and provides comfort as do the large tyres: the size of which ensure a compliant ride over any road surface.
Caterham Carbon E-Bike
Inspiration and materials from Caterham’s Formula One project have found their home in a radical Carbon E-Bike.
At the heart of the Carbon E-Bike is a 36-Volt, 250 Watt brushless motor, feeding its power through an eight-speed Shimano Nexus gear hub, with every gear ratio tuned for optimum acceleration.
The chassis is a work of art: featuring a Modular carbon-aluminium frame, in which three different frame sizes and flexible ergonomics technology means that the Caterham Carbon E-Bike will be uniquely adaptable to the size and shape of each rider. Carbon girder forks will keep the front-wheel where it needs to be – tracking true – while the mono-shocked rear-end ensures efficient delivery of the power to the Tarmac while all the time giving a compliant, plush ride.
Continuing the hi-tech theme, the LED dashboard will supply all the information the rider needs, with battery status display, speedometer, trip meter and battery range indicator. The wheels used on the Carbon E-Bike feature lightweight but strong aluminium rims, laced with stainless steel spokes. Attached to the wheels, the braking system is similarly robust, featuring modern disc brakes front and rear. Tyres will also be performance-based, with wide, fat tyres, impregnated with carbon-fibre for strength and integrity. The Carbon e-Bike will be available in three different frame sizes.
Caterham Brutus 750
Brutus 750 – described as the “SUV of motorcycles”, can operate as a street bike, off-road machine or even a snowmobile, thanks to a 750cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine that delivers its power through an automatic gearbox.
In just a matter of hours – you can convert the Brutus 750 into a snowmobile. All these transformations occur thanks to the Brutus 750’s aftermarket conversion kit, or a swop of tyres, meaning riders can traverse sand, snow or tarmac, making the Brutus the first true multi-terrain motorcycle.[wzslider height=”400″ lightbox=”true”] [source: Caterham Bikes]
