Renard GT
Striking carbon fibre motorcycle design puts Estonia on the map, with big Moto Guzzi power at its heartThose wacky Estonians are at it again, resurrecting the Renard nameplate - a pre-war motorised bicycle maker - and slapping the badge on this bad-boy, the Grand Tourer.
An unorthodox take on the cruiser category, it is built around a highly engineered (not to mention very schmick) kevlar-reinforced monocoque carbon fibre frame. The unusual looking Renard Grand Tourer (GT) also integrates the fuel tank and airbox into the chassis.
As the images show, it's one big tub of fun, with carefully cut holes for the exhaust pipe, pegs, brake and gear levers. Just don't drop it...
Renard plans on building just 100 GT's per annum, which will ensure its exclusivity.
If you can get past the exotic expense of the carbon fibre frame and wheels, one of the benefits of using the brittle material throughout the motorcycle is a low mass, and at just 190kg this is a relatively light cruiser.
Power comes from an air-cooled "Quattrovalvole" Moto Guzzi V-twin powerplant, displacing 1151cc. The twin-cylinder donk generates 125hp (93kW) and 120Nm of torque, and Renard reckons the bike is good for a top speed of 250km/h.
It's got beefy looking brake calipers too, a pair of six-piston units working 320mm semi floating discs up front and a single 220mm rear disc clamped by a four-pot caliper.
As well as the unique frame and bodywork, the girder-style forks also look a bit different. As well as being adjustable for rebound and compression damping thanks to Ohlins components, the carbon fibre forks are also adjustable for rake and trail.
An adjustable Ohlins rear shock and steering damper are also standard equipment, and many of the Renard GT's components are machined from aviation quality aluminium billet, which combined with the carbon chassis give the bike a very striking appearance.
Because no price is given it's hard to say if you get bang for your buck, or kick for your kroon as the case may be, but everything about the motorcycle appears to be top quality and the amount of adjustability on offer is impressive. We just wonder what it'd be like to ride...
If you want to buy one, or just look at more photos, see the RenardMotorcycles.com website.
SPECS: RENARD GT:
Displacement: 1151 cc; 70 c.i.d.
Engine Management System: EFI Euro 4
Wheelbase: 1450mm (57")
Trail: 97mm (3.8")
Steering angle: 23°
Front suspension: 2 way adjustable Öhlins S36DR1L
Rear suspension: 3 way adjustable Öhlins TTX 36
Front/Rear brakes: Twin semifloating discs Ø 320 mm; six piston monoblock calipers/Single semifloating disc Ø 220 mm; four piston monoblock caliper
Front/rear rims: Carbon fiber 3.50 x 17" / 5.50 x 17"
Front/rear tires: 120/70 ZR17 / 190/55 ZR17
Width: 840mm (33")
Height: 990mm (39")
Seat height: 850mm (33")
Minimum ground clearance: 140mm (5.5")
Dry weight: 190kg (419 lbs)
Fuel tank capacity: 18 lt (4.8 gal)
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