Ecosse Moto Works has added some info on the upcoming X-4 and X-5 models we mentioned before. Although the images are the same drawings that appeared in the magazine article they mention a couple things I like, one being their “anti-chopper” design theme. As we’ve asked here for so long, why can’t more U.S. companies build outside the chopper segment of the market? They add:
X-5 is the radical 21st century translation of the X-4 that possesses an innovative suspension system — trick fork design with a very different, very impressive rear suspension setup — and proprietary 7-speed transmission.
7 speeds? Very nice. How many times have you been riding along looking for one more upshift? I like it. You know, if Ecosse gets serious here, Buell might not have the large displacement American V twin sport bike market all to itself anymore. That could make for an interesting competition. I’m not sure how many bikes Ecosse can produce but if they do this right, they just might have something. Of course, there’s price, too, which isn’t mentioned …
Willie says
Theres even mention of an Experimental X-6 on the models page if its anything like the X-4 and X-5 look out. But price is a strong point and with the price of the Heretic in the $40 000 range I can t see alot of Buell riders going out and getting in line.
Matt says
I’m still wondering why Polaris/Victory hasn’t come out with a sport bike?
Curt says
It’s great to see people interested in a performance big twin. If interest continuse to build around that concept, I think you will start to see more of this style. From compitition stems ingenuity, your going to start seeing some realy cool concepts in the near future.
hoyt says
What would a 7th speed get you if you are using a big-twin?
I’m probably missing something.
Matt, I’m with you on the Victory – the time is ripe for sport motorcycles to be built with a STREET performance power band. For those that live in areas where there are loads of 25-35 mph curves, the torque of big twins is perfect. Triumph understands the street performance concept with their 675cc coming out soon. Will this bike re-ignite the Japanese OEMs with other torquey triples?
Rob…good points. The aftermarket engine builders in the US have quite the product even if it is based on a pushrod motor- where else can you get a motor with 100+ ft./lbs of torque and reliability/servicability ? Nonetheless, other tech would be nice to see on the aftermarket.
The V-rod (70 ft/lbs) for all of its size doesn’t match the torque of the aftermarket Evo/Twin Cam motors. (70 ft/lbs is no slouch, but as you mentioned there are engines with other technology).
H-D is selling the V-rod (Revolution) motor as a “crate” motor for anyone wanting to build a special around it….one advantage I can see in using the Revoultion motor is the tidy transmission. Which leads me to an opportunity for Baker Drivetrain and Jims products….please build a compact transmission for the aftermarket v-twin motors. This will help move the sport custom scene in the right direction. Baker already worked on the Ecosse trans., so he has the skill to produce other compact transmissions….
here’s to an exciting sport custom scene…all the show for bar hopping & posing AND, get this — you’ll be able to ride it through a corner
kneeslider says
A seventh gear might increase top speed, these aren’t Ducati Desmos, so you get all of the low end grunt plus top speed even if you can’t rev quite as high. You also get the cool factor for that part of the market.
aaron says
if a 100+ ci engine needs as many gears as a cagiva 125 to reach a top speed lower than a hayabusa, either something’s very wrong with their power delivery, or they’re just trying to one-up everyone else in the motoring world. (“oh, wait, we just lost out to lexus…better make the production version a 9 speed!”)
doug says
It’s nice to see the seat height come up, foot pegs move back, and bars go down on the X-4 & X-5 sketches. A shorter wheelbase should be part of the package, too.
its cool that we are now seeing big twin custom sport bikes….
Big Twin Racers, American Cafe Racer, Ecosse, Confederate