Curtiss Zeus Radial V8 breaks cover
American company says production is slated for next year, with pricing set at US$75kThe Curtiss Zeus Radial V8 is exceptional in every way, and especially in terms of its power source: it's electric, with each of the V8-configuration's cylinders actually comprising a battery.
If you haven't heard of Curtiss you might have heard of Confederate Motorcycles, the Birmingham (Alabama) based company that rebranded as Curtiss a couple of years ago, and switched its focus from producing high-end petrol-engined custom models like the Hellcat to creating a range of premium electric bikes, in partnership with electric motorcycle specialist Zero Motorcycles.
As part of the transition, Curtiss's last petrol-engined machine was the Warhawk, a 2163cc V-twin custom power cruiser dripping with exotic components, but the company has just released images of its new Zeus Radial V8.
Production looming
It appears to be far from a pipe dream, too – Curtiss says it's opening its order books for the Zeus Radial V8 from July 25, with production slated for early next year.
This latest Curtiss model is essentially a different machine to the concept bikes it has revealed previously, although the V8 architecture still harks back to the original 1907 machine on which company founder Glenn Curtiss set a land speed record at Ormand Beach, Floriday, of 136.3mph (218km/h).
Curtiss says the Zeus Radial V8 has a peak output of 217hp and delivers continuous torque of 199Nm, although the firm's website stops short of listing a weight for the model nor any expected range. The company says it has a battery capacity of 16.8kWh, at 399V.
Its Yasa P400 R Series electric motor is slotted into a titanium or chromoly tubular chassis with 6061 aluminium, with a girder-style front end and rear monoshock equipped with RaceTech monoshocks.
It rolls on BST carbonfibre wheels with Beringer Aerotec brakes (and cast-iron discs), while its geometry is suitably rangy as you'd expect of a sports cruiser, with a 27-degree steering-head angle, 1613mm wheelbase, and a low 711mm seat height.
Pricey proposition
Company boss Matt Chambers says Curtiss is perfectly positioned to produce high-end electric custom bikes for those who only demand the best, and with a US$75,000 price tag – around A$108,000 – it's a fairly exclusive demographic that the company is targeting.
Take a look at the clip below to hear company CEO Matt Chambers speak about what he envisions for the future for Curtiss Motorcycles...
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