Dropped chopper for F1 star
Reigning F1 world champion Sebastien Vettel has ordered a $140,000 custom chopper to celebrate his F1 racing exploits
Is it true that successful race car drivers have no style? The 2010 Formula One world champion Sebastien Vettel has added weight to the argument after dropping a reported 100,000 Euros (AU$136,000) on what can only be described as a two-wheeled catastrophe.
The young Red Bull Racing F1 driver and team mate of Australian Mark Webber talked about purchasing a motorcycle not long after claiming the 2010 title, but he gave no indication as to what the motorcycle was.
And now it's obvious why he didn't want the world to know, as it's certainly not the two-wheeled equivalent of an F1 car. Apparently former F1 world champ Kimi Raikonnen, aka the 'Iceman' talked Vettel into buying the bike, then spilled the beans for the baby-faced F1 champion.
The Avalanche motorcycle is built by Walz Hardcore Motorcycles, a German-based custom shop, and it's an extremely stretched cruiser powered by a high output 120hp (88kW) V-twin engine.
Boasting a wheelbase of 1780mm, it's significantly longer than the Honda CBR250R's 1370mm wheelbase, and as the photos show the riding position best described as hunched.
The twin exhaust system could prove testing as well, with spent gases exiting underneath the right thigh. It gives the term 'hot pants' renewed meaning...
Getting on and off the German motorcycle will be child's play thanks to a 470mm seat height, ideal for Vettel's compact stature, but an Air-Ride system ensures a level of adjustability.
It is understood that Vettel has had the footpegs and handlebars modified to suit, and the headlight has been lifted from a Harley-Davidson V-Rod.
The stoppers are impressive; large rotors attacked by four-piston magnesium radial brake calipers made by Brembo.
Walz Hardcore Motorcycles has worked with other F1 world champions in the past, namely Kimi Raikkonen, who ordered a custom Ferrari-inspired chopper.
Sebastien Vettel's custom motorcycle will be presented to the driver in September at the Italian F1GP.
What do you think of Seb's new motorcycle - is he a stylish young German or a proof that money cannot buy style? As always, let us know in the comments below.
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
