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P120 Fighter Combat Bike Continues Futuristic Motorcycle Trend

by Warren Riddle on August 8, 2009 at 12:32 PM


Confederate Motor Company, an Alabama motorcycle manufacturer striving for "principled individuality," is set to release its new P120 Fighter Combat bike at the upcoming Quail Motorsports Gathering in California, according to The Cool Hunter. The bike, which maintains Confederate's "technical and primitive" form, incorporates a lightweight aluminum frame and a streamlined and awesome Terminator-esque, yet somewhat steampunk appearance. The company's other offerings, including the Wraith, also feature futuristic designs, invoking images from classic sci-fi movies.

Independent motor companies like Confederate have been placing pressure on major motorcycle corporations in recent years to significantly alter their design strategies. Manufacturers like Zero Motorcycles, which makes electric, dirt, and street bikes, are forcing the big guys to design greener, more high-tech vehicles.

Yamaha has been developing a hybrid bike since 2005 and has recently filed patents on new technology. Suzuki and Intelligent Energy appear to be relatively close to producing a hydrogen fuel-cell powered bike, and Honda also plans to release a hybrid within the next year or two. Three-wheeled "trikes," like the Can-Am Spyder and the new Lehman CrossBow, have created a stir as well, prompting even the legendary Harley-Davidson to produce its own 2009 Tri-Glide Ultra Classic.

Numerous companies have also released increasingly futuristic and high-tech concepts at various international motor shows. Some of the more awe-inspiring ideas include the Vespa Sbarro handlebar-less concept and the Peugeot HYmotion 3. French company Enzyme Design may lead the way among futuristic bikes, though, with its stealth-inspired ATOMO already on the market. Hopefully, its pseudo-Batbike (designed in 2008 and called Icare) will also become a reality. Especially since it appears that if someone wants to ride the Icare in full Batman costume, their cape won't get caught in the spokes. [From: The Cool Hunter]

Tags: confederate motorcycles, ConfederateMotorcycles, design, fuel cell, FuelCell, green, motorcycle, motorsports

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