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Shelby Motorcycle Built by Rucker Performance

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Shelby Motorcycle built by Rucker Performance powered by the S&S X-Wedge engine

Carroll Shelby, the man who stuffed a big American V8 into the AC sports car and created the sensational AC Cobra, has teamed with Rucker Performance to create the Shelby Motorcycle. The motorcycle will be powered by the recently introduced American made S&S X-Wedge V-Twin engine. The 128 cubic inch X-Wedge produces 150 horsepower and in this application will have a power to weight ratio in the same ballpark as the old Shelby Cobra 427 S/C.

Press release follows:

Shelby Automobiles, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Carroll Shelby International Inc. and Rucker Performance unveiled a limited production Shelby motorcycle at the Cincinnati V-Twin Expo in Cincinnati, Ohio. This incredible high performance American motorcycle, which rivals the power to weight ratio of the famed Shelby Cobra 427 S/C, was developed in partnership between the two companies and will be built by Rucker Performance, under license by Carroll Shelby Licensing, Inc. Shelby Automobiles Inc., manufactures high performance Shelby vehicles, including the new 2007 Ford Shelby GT, under the guidance of the legendary Carroll Shelby. Rucker Performance is a leading designer and manufacturer of custom American muscle production motorcycles.

“It’s no secret that stuffing a powerful American motor into a lightweight chassis has been my formula for success,” noted Carroll Shelby, CEO of Shelby Automobiles. “Working with Bill Rucker and his team, we’ve taken this same approach on the new Shelby motorcycle. My team at Shelby Automobiles has worked closely with Rucker Performance to create a motorcycle that offers the same thrill as driving my Cobra.”

Fellow Texan Bill Rucker is famous for building spectacular two wheeled motorcycles that are among the most exciting vehicles in the world. He is Founder and CEO of Rucker Performance, a manufacturer of high performance American muscle and chopper motorcycles. Rucker is a designer, builder and fabricator, bringing entrepreneurial experience and more than 30 years of management success in motorcycle manufacturing, drag racing and hot rods to the company. Over the years, the Rucker name became synonymous with quality, technological innovation and extensive customization.

“We built the ultimate American high performance motorcycle,” said Bill Rucker, President of Rucker Performance. “From the initial design to the innovation of new parts, every aspect of this motorcycle was created with that goal in mind. It’s a lightweight, fire-breathing ride that’s as inspiring as the four wheeled vehicles that wear the Shelby name.”

The specs of this pro-stock style bike make any enthusiast’s heart beat faster. Racing-style front forks and a high performance braking system with ceramic brake rotors make it nimble, while the Pingel 1-6 electric shifting system and air ride suspension make it comfortable. To keep the bike svelte, the upper body and wheels were built of carbon fiber while Superform create the aluminum body panels.

The heart of the powerhouse is a new S&S X-Wedge 128 c.i.d. engine with closed loop VFI fuel injection that churns out an astounding 150 HP. Rucker Performance is one of only five manufacturers to have access to the powerful new engine and one of the first applications is in the new Shelby motorcycle.

Each “Shelby” motorcycle can be custom painted according to the owner’s personal tastes and includes a special edition logo. In addition, a complete line of “Shelby” merchandise including apparel, accessories and limited edition collector’s items will be available. Production of the “Shelby” will include up to 25 motorcycles that will be available for purchase by the third quarter of this year. Production of a second round of bikes will begin in the fall of 2007.

“While Porsche has designed bicycles and BMW snowboards, Carroll’s been looking for an opportunity to apply our 40 years of experience to a world class motorcycle program,” added Amy Boylan, Shelby Automobiles Inc., president. “He’s ridden motorcycles most of his life, so we created a partnership with a manufacturer that meets the high performance standards associated with the Shelby name. This project demonstrates the potential for design and engineering innovation available at Shelby Automobiles. We’re excited to launch this motorcycle and watch yet another Shelby product move to the front of the pack.”

Shelby Motorcycle built by Rucker Performance powered by the S&S X-Wedge engine

Link: Shelby Automobiles
Link: Rucker Performance

Related: S&S X-Wedge Engine

Comments

  2. Straight-line performance is one thing, but didn’t the Shelby Cobra also go around corners very well, too? This bike looks like its intended only for straight roads.

  4. Hoyt, as the press release says, it’s built in the pro stock style so yes, it seems to be a lot more straight line oriented. I added a closeup image above. Yep, the foot pegs are located to the rear.

  5. I like the look of it a lot. However I like my bikes to go around corners as well as they go in a straight line. This seems much more focused on straight line performance. Mind you they do state it is a “Pro Stock” bike so that is to be expected.

    Maybe if were really lucky the next bike they design will be more sport bike oriented.

  8. Looks good, very American and very muscly. Not a corner carver in any way, but for a sleek American straight line blazer, this looks to be the slickest looking sports bike coming out of America since Confederate started producing. Pity there are so few of them…

  9. ” to apply our 40 years of experience to a world class motorcycle program ” : complete cr4p. Shelby clearly knows nothing about motorcycle technical design. Rucker know nothing other than brute force, ‘custom’ looks, and ‘OK in a straight line, if the road’s not bumpy’.

    There is an absolute mass of engineering design and development required to produce a ‘world class’ motorcycle, and this isn’t it.

    Controls mounted on a moving reference point? Double dumb, and down-right dangerous. If it was a high-manufactured-volume machine the homologation authorities would not let it see the light of day with controls like that, and rightly so.

    It’s pretty though.

  10. Considering uneven roadways & the foot controls on a swingarm, the shift linkage would need some kind of “slack”…this doesn’t seem right.

  11. Is it CARB legal or will they have to pay a fine?
    Is the power to weight ratio figured with or without a 200lb rider on board? A rider is a significant percentage of weight on a motorcycle.
    Like others have mentioned, the Shelby Cobra was designed to out-handle Ferraris, not as a dragster. This bike does not live up to the Shelby legacy. I think someone wrote Carroll a check to use his name.

    I’ve seen many older bikes that place the main or passenger pegs on the rear suspension. I never noticed a problem with those and if the linkage is cable based or if it pivots near the swing-arm pivot there’s no problem.

    -todd

  12. Thanks for all the talk about our (Rucker Performance) bike. THE BIKE YOU ALL ARE LOOKIING AT IS THE CONCEPT BIKE. THIS PARTICULAR BIKE WAS BUILT FOR LOOKS , THATS IT!! THE TRUE PRODUCTION MODELS WILL HAVE AN EXTRA 3 INCHES OF GROUND CLEARANCE. CORNERS WILL BE NO PROBLEM AND NEITHER WILL THE DRAG STRIP. THANKS AGAIN FOR FOR ALL THE GOOD AND BAD COMMENTS.

    -Tracy Litton
    Rucker Performance

  13. Whew!.. Only a CONCEPT BIKE, that’s good. So it actually will be further developed, unlike the vast majority of over the top offerings from so many builders. There’s hope yet.

  14. Feh.
    Yes, it’s pretty. Pretty nice. But pretty isn’t functional.
    But now matter how you finesse it, the X-Wedge is still a clones Harley motor. Too big and too heavy to really compete. And 3 whole extra inches ofground clearance? BFD – it’s *still* a suspension bridge on wheels. I doubt that it could outcorner my Multistrada 1000s and I’d lay significant money that any copetent *real* sportbike will eat it for lunch.

    Why not put some *real* innovation into play here? How about a Foale or Parker front end? A lightweight alloy motor with OHC, injection and real performance (the VRod motor witha non-bel primary seems like a reasonable choice if you must have an American motor)?

  16. Tracy,

    You seem committed to the company and it’s products.
    That is very admirable.

    BUT YOU DON’T NEED TO SHOUT!

  17. Pretty, yes. Unusual, yes. But after spending the day looking at it, I realised what it reminds me of. A cruiser, just brought in a little bit. Look at the way the rear wheel sits, the way the bike is all smooth and flowy from the gas tank through to the seat. And I hope like hell that little cowling over the rear wheel is flexible, because one bump and the rear end will become either surprisingly light or surprisingly stoppy. Thank god for the extra three inches, I know I get several emails a day regarding that.

  18. Well, it looks purpose built, as Tracy averted to, and I like seeing the new S&S engine. No price points were mentioned. These appear to be more collector rides, and you’ll probably see them appearing in the garages next to other expensive vehicles. That’s okay as this looks to photograph well. One thing I will state is that seat pretty much assures your ass will be left behind when you pull the throttle wide-open!

    Also, like the fact that someone who is actually involved in the project is posting here. Thanks Tracy!

  19. Ogre – I disagree with you related to the X-Wedge. The X-Wedge appears to be a ground up new design for S&S, based on their own R&D gained from racing a 60-degree twin of their own design.

    What else besides 2 cylinders & pushrod valve actuation is supposedly cloned from HD? Guzzi still uses pushrods.

    X-Wedge torque in the right chassis will be hard to beat

  20. So, can anyone really tell how nimble and special this bike really is in a 3 mile research and development program. Carroll has always had my utmost respect and admiration but it seems to me the wool may have been pulled over his eyes. Pretty it is in pictures, but if my butt were on the line, this thing looks scary. Not much thought took place on this project.

  22. “While Porsche has designed bicycles and BMW snowboards, Carroll’s been looking for an opportunity to apply our 40 years of experience to a world class motorcycle program”

    crap – I guess 100 years of motorcycle manufacturing hasn’t got BMW building world class bikes yet…and porsche also clearly has nothing to do with motorcycles (besides consulting for and constructing prototypes of the v-rod…)

    I won’t mention what I think of a bike comparing its power to weight ratio to a 40 year old car – It’s been, what 5 years since the 4 big japanese firms have been building bikes with 1hp/kg? and they don’t shout nearly as loud about power-to-weight ratios, they don’t paint the national flag on everything (metaphorically speaking) and these bikes get re-engineered every 2-3 years while selling for less than your average “custom” bike paintjob. (let’s not mention the reliability, parts availability, vast range of performance improvement parts, warranty, testing programs that the small firms wouldn’t even consider subjecting their bikes to……)

    now that the rant is subsiding – I like the looks and it seems largely suited to the target market and the performance these folks would desire. pegs on the swingarm, though…think of the possibilities! variable spring and damping rates, on-the-fly ride height and anti squat adjustment….

  23. Tracy, and all at Rucker: when it comes to ‘custom style’ bikes then you can get away with brute-force engineering, low-mileage ‘development’ and sky-high retail prices. However when you decide to compete in the sports arena then you will need a whole host of engineers, a comprehensive validation testing program and a supportive supplier base. It’s not as easy as just sticking a big motor in a chassis and giving it some suspension travel and fancy bodywork.

    I admire your dedication, and think the concept is visually attractive, but you have a very long way to go.

    On the other hand, maybe you just want to produce an arty “it looks good
    in the garage” bike, which will not get riden much or not ridden agressively? In which case you can get away with just good looks, underdeveloped engineering and a sky-high price.

    Over-priced art or highly developed capabilities? Time will tell.

    Best of luck,
    Gordy
    (…an Automotyive Systems Design and Integration Engineer)

  24. To Trace Littom
    I think it`s a great breakthrough building a Sport motorcycle!!
    It`s a Name of Fame.
    We hope you will soon let us show your production models here at The Kneeslider.com

    Joe
    the Netherlands

  25. We have a tough crowd full of strong opinions here at the Kneeslider and sometimes we are a bit offensive. Take a look at the Viper bike for instance. As far as I’m concerned, that bike is completely impractical, but I love it. And as far as this Shelby bike is concerned; I love the lines, I love seeing the engine exposure, and I love seeing the new ideas. Taking a step out of the box is what I like most.
    I sit in a cubicle all day and get lied to by the public on an hourly basis (I do building code enforcement). Sometimes, I like to sit back, let my mind go free. Looking at these fresh out of the box ideas during the day gives me hope that I will not be in this miserable job forever, so keep those concept ideas coming, and keep posting them on THE KNEESLIDER! It takes a iron stomach to swallow some of these really shallow comments, so I have to appologize for our harsh visiting members that tend to be over critical. Take them with a grain of salt. They are just jealous that they are not a part of the Shelby bike design team. KUDOS TO TRACE!

  26. Aaron – good to see your honest opinions back

    Chris – most criticism should not be looked at as “shallow”. Criticism is free feedback.

    I made the mistake of thinking this was a 2 wheeled equivalent of the engineering & style of a Cobra automobile, but it is not (at least I hope not)

  27. ….and, that last comment is strictly in reference to the Cobra’s ability to run around a road course very well and still look great.

    I’m sure this bike will go from stop light to stop light very well, looking pretty good.

  28. Hopkins, I do get 2-15min breaks and 30min for lunch. For instance, this is my lunch break. You’d need a break too if you had to fine people that couldn’t follow brainless simple codes such as putting a light switch in the right spot. It’s funny how you had to take a personal attack on my opinion, but thank you for keeping us town code inspectors gainfully employed. My job is fine funded, so no pennies come out of your pockets unless you put a lightswitch in the wrong spot.
    We are all entitled to our opinions. I’m sorry I had to bring myself down to your level.

    And as for you Hoyt
    “Chris – most criticism should not be looked at as “shallow”. Criticism is free feedback.”
    I was pointing out that we should be more constructive, as opposed to saying comments like “complete crap”. People submitting these projects to the web-site can take that personally, and could also refrain them from making any other submissions in the future. I like this webpage, and I like to read new stuff. It was obvious that Tracy took some of the information the wrong way due to the way it was presented. Presentation is everything!

  29. OK, … for those not paying attention when I mentioned this in another couple of comment sections, keep the conversation civil. In other words be polite. If you don’t like something, fine, explain exactly what it is that is a problem, but be polite. If you’re not sure, re-read the reminder above the comment box, no profanity, no personal attacks, … be polite. I deleted one off topic comment here because it was just a personal shot directed at another commenter.

    It’s nice to have the builders and various companies commenting on their projects and in return, giving all of you the opportunity to interact with them giving direct feedback. You can disagree or have opposing opinions and still be polite.

    Nuff said …

  31. Wow, I just noticed the cover for the carb (I think it’s the carb). Very, very cool! Any idea where the exhaust will be?

  32. Tracy put in Alot of hours into this bike,a very talented man with a big future ahead of him……Hand made all of the Aluminum side cowls from scratch.
    Many Saturday and Sundays into this thing,and met the deadline!!We have hands down the best group of guys to do the job in all respects to bike building,Fab..Body…paint and assembly,I am proud to land a job where creativity and talent flow freely.

    I look forward to the production bike to come out of the shop in the coming months,as well as everything else we do there.

    Moe Rose
    Rucker Performance.

  33. I understand that the oiltank is also known as a swingarm on most bikes, Is this true Tracy? I surely hope not as that would be a little danderous for countless reasons, even on a “concept bike.” Also the body looks to have an uncanny resemblence to the other Rucker bike that was going to set the Bike-world ablaze, It was known as the “Sniper” at AMERICAN IRONHORSE in 2002. I worked for AIH around that time & they must have built at least two or three of these bikes reluctantly before cutting thier losses and selling the body molds and other pieces to someone. I now see who bought those pieces. All in all, I like the shape of the bike as it appears in these pics, but how is it going to look after 3 more inches of ride height are added? I think it may look like a 2006 CRF 450 that Honda made. Tracy, please tell me that you didn’t put oil in the swingarm!!!!!!!!!!