Vyrus 986 M2

Anyone remember the Vyrus 987 C3 4V exotic motorcycle? Made in Italy it was powered by a Ducati engine outputting 211hp with a kerb mass of less than 160kg. Yes, bonkers.

If that $102,000 beast is a little too steep for you, the niche sports bike company may have a remedy, the 'affordable' 986 M2, which is powered by a Honda 600cc engine rather than a 1200cc unit.

Vyrus has plans to use the bike to contest the Moto2 racing category at some stage in the future -- probably after it sells a few of these because racing isn't a poor man's sports -- but it has developed a 'factory' model alongside the street legal models designed around the Moto2 rules, priced at around

The Vyrus 986 M2 weighs 135kg, the minimum weight in the Moto2 category, thanks to a compact frame made of aerospace grade aluminium. The frame is minimal because the bike uses the engine as a stressed member (essentially the core of the frame) and the 600cc Vyrus will differ greatly from the rest of the pack in that it steers via a complex centre-hub system.

Other elements that keep weight down include the use of carbon fibre, magnesium and titanium, while MotoGP style brakes and top end suspension help. And have you seen the impeccably designed exhaust pipes integrated into the rear wheel hugger? However more recent photos show a standard side exhaust fitted.

This steering system has been criticised in the past for being vague, and was last used in racing by Yamaha on the GTS1000 almost two decades ago. Can Vyrus succeed? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

Almost every part of the bike is unconventional, save for the engine and brakes. Powered by the Honda CBR600RR mill and fitted with radiators underneath the engine, the Vyrus 986 M2 has minimal body work and a small tank (made from carbon fibre of course) and even the rear suspension is unorthodox, making use of an F1-inspired lateral mount rear shock.

How much? The 'Factory' version of the Vyrus 986 M2 which is built to Moto2 specification is priced at around 54,000 Euros (A$72,000), while the street-legal Vyrus 986 SL Replica will cost around 25,000 Euros (A$33,500).

The SL Replica model comes with "white carbon" fairings, whatever that is, Brembo brakes, forged aluminium wheels, and a tweaked version of the Honda CBR600RR engine. And of course the insanely compact frame, hub-centre steering, and jaw-dropping design.

There's also a third option. You first need to find a Honda CBR600RR (2007 to 2011 model), one that you won't mind destroying and taking to pieces. You then order a Vyrus 986 Replica kit. This includes the bodywork, wheels, frame and suspension, all for a cool 16,500 Euros (A$22,000).

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