Alligator Instigator breaks cover

Niche American motorbike company Dan Gurney Alligator Motorcycles (run by Dan Gurney, strangely enough) has come up with a new model that makes its previous effort, a Honda-powered 670cc single-cylinder unit, look positively puny.

Take a look at the Alligator Instigator. Like all Alligator motorbikes, it's the two-wheeled equivalent of a low-rider but this particular model is powered by a 2032cc S&S V-twin engine, which is expected to generate enough power to strip the rubber from the rear wheel rim in minutes.

Alligator Motorcycles has always been about creating ultra-custom bikes with low centres of gravity and, by and large, that translates to an ultra-low seat. As evidenced on the Instigator, the seat is yet again very low to the ground with feet-forward pegs hanging underneath the front radiator, and the US bike builder says this low mass aids handling as well.

It's an unconventional design whichever way you look at it, but one that the company says delivers a unique riding experience. The 'low-rider' design is said to improve acceleration and braking as the bike's weight is kept very low, which eliminates wheelies and stoppies under extreme acceleration and deceleration.

We haven't ridden one of these beasts, but the idea is certainly growing on us.

Getting back to this particular model, the Alligator Instigator's massive V-twin engine is cradled by a chrome-moly 4030 tubular frame, with a billet aluminium swingarm and upside-down front forks. The bodywork is formed from carbon fibre and makes a strong visual impression, with plenty of attention to detail.

The expansive exhaust system is customised for this particular application, while the wheels and brakes are by Dymag and Beringer respectively. Motec instrumentation delivers all the vital telemetry to the pilot.

Developed by Dan Gurney and his son Justin, Dan Gurney Alligator Motorcycles reckons it will build a limited run of just 50 Instigators. For more details check out the Alligator Motorcycles website.