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Category: Motorcycles
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New Sport Chief Combines Timeless American Style with Quality Performance-Oriented Componentry, Including FOX® Piggyback Shocks, KYB® Inverted Front Forks, Dual-Disc Brembo® Brakes and More
Indian Motorcycle, America’s First Motorcycle Company, today unleashed its most aggressive iteration of the iconic Indian Chief with the launch of Sport Chief. Building upon one of the most historic and influential motorcycle namesakes of all time, the 2023 Sport Chief raises the bar for American V-Twin performance cruisers through premium performance-oriented componentry and timeless, American styling.
“Since launching in 2021, the reimagined Indian Chief has garnered incredible feedback from riders all around the world,” said Mike Dougherty, President of Indian Motorcycle. “With the introduction of Sport Chief, the 2023 Indian Chief lineup is more diverse than ever – offering a wide range of performance and styling options to meet each rider’s unique personality and riding preferences.”
When designing Sport Chief, Indian Motorcycle set its sights on performance by utilising the finest components from proven brands. With KYB® inverted front forks, also featured on Indian Challenger models, Sport Chief offers superior handling and ride performance. The Sport Chief’s dual-disc, four-piston, semi-floating caliper, radial-mounted Brembo® brakes deliver confidence-inspiring stopping power, while piggyback rear FOX® shocks increase travel to 100 mm and increases lean angle to 29.5 degrees, compared to other Indian Chief models. The result is an Indian Chief that begs for more aggressive riding and provides the confidence and capability to take the riding experience to another level.
“In 2021, we celebrated the 100-year anniversary of Indian Chief with a lineup that pays homage to the glory days of American motorcycling,” said Ola Stenegärd, Director, Industrial Design for Indian Motorcycle. “With Sport Chief, we wanted to maintain the same care-free attitude and American muscle but elevate it even further with componentry that not only delivers a style and attitude that exudes performance but raises the bar entirely for performance cruisers.”
Featuring a simplistic steel-tube frame, Sport Chief preserves the Indian Chief’s mechanical styling. At the heart of it all, a blacked-out Thunderstroke 116 motor delivers 162 Nm of torque, while a stylish new Quarter Fairing, along with new moto-style bars with machined triple clamps and 152 mm risers set the Sport Chief apart from the rest of the Indian Chief lineup. With mid-mount foot controls and a solo gunfighter seat, riders are in a commanding, yet comfortable, riding position. Sport Chief features sport cast wheels wrapped in Pirelli® Night Dragon tyres, a 15.1 litre fuel tank, bobbed rear fender, dual exhaust, LED lighting, keyless ignition, and three selectable ride modes, including Sport, Standard and Tour.
Ride-enhancing technology comes standard with Indian Motorcycle’s class-leading 101 mm touchscreen powered by RIDE COMMAND. Accessible via handlebar controls or the digital touchscreen display, riders can cycle through multiple interfaces, including two different gauge configurations, bike and ride information, and turn-by-turn navigation*. If using a wireless helmet communicator, riders can control their music within the RIDE COMMAND system once their phone is paired via Bluetooth® or USB. Riders can also access phone information, including recent calls, contacts, number pad and text message history. When connected, incoming calls will appear and can be accepted or declined directly through the RIDE COMMAND system.
For riders looking to personalise their bike, Indian Motorcycle offers an array of accessories that enhance the bike’s performance, comfort, or adds personal style.
Performance Accessories
For a smoother, more comfortable ride, Indian Chief riders can add Adjustable Piggyback Rear FOX® Shocks. Featuring 24 clicks via easy-to-operate twist knobs, riders can adjust compression and rebound damping to suit their riding preference.
Current Indian Chief, Chief Bobber, and Super Chief riders can upgrade to the Sport Chief’s stock dual exposed FOX® Piggyback Chief Performance Shocks, which provide 100 mm of travel with increased lean angle and an aftermarket, stylish look that increases stability, and improves comfort and capability for aggressive riding.
The new Chief Pathfinder 146 mm Adaptive LED Headlight, available in chrome or black, features patented, innovative technology that monitors the bike’s lean angle and delivers optimised illumination of the road ahead. With an industry first adaptive high-beam, lighting performance is superior to that of a standard headlight, projecting light a greater distance and spread in front of the bike.
Style Accessories
Indian Chief riders looking to add personal style can select from a variety of Indian Motorcycle accessories. New 254 mm Moto Handlebar Risers not only add style but deliver a more comfortable reach. Low and Tall windscreen options are available for the Sport Chief’s Quarter Fairing, while a variety of bags, including a Solo Rack and Rack Bag, Tail Bag, and Bobber Saddlebag, complement the bike’s design.
The Sport Chief’s Quarter Fairing and 152 mm Moto Handlebar Risers are available for current Indian Chief, Chief Bobber, and Super Chief riders.
Comfort Accessories
For added comfort and improved ergonomics based off height, riders can add an Extended Reach or Reduced Reach Seat. For two-up riding, Indian Motorcycle offers the Chief Syndicate Seat and a Syndicate Low Profile Passenger Backrest, which complements the Sport Chief’s aggressive design.
The 2023 Sport Chief is available in Black Smoke, Ruby Smoke, and Stealth Gray. For pricing and availability in your region, please contact your local Indian Motorcycle media contact. Riders can learn more at their local Indian Motorcycle dealership, or by visiting IndianMotorcycle.eu and follow along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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- Praga, the Czech Republic based manufacturing and engineering company behind the Praga Bohema hypercar, launches the Praga ZS 800 motorcycle
- A modern take on the iconic Praga BD 500, the reimagined model beautifully combines classic design with advanced production technology
- The Praga ZS 800 weighs just 142kg, with its chrome molybdenum steel frame supporting an air-cooled, 773cc four stroke parallel twin engine
- A limited run of 28 motorcycles, with a premium price point of £75,550 (€86,000) each, is now available to order with deliveries starting mid-2023
- To find out more, go to: www.pragaglobal.com
February 8, 2023, Prague: Praga, the Czech Republic based manufacturing and engineering company, has launched the Praga ZS 800 motorcycle – a modern reimagining of the iconic 1928 Praga BD 500.
Created by the same expert engineering team behind the acclaimed Praga Bohema hypercar, the new Praga ZS 800 combines a suite of advanced motor racing production processes and materials with the character and design details of its 1928 BD 500 ancestor.
Sporting a chrome molybdenum steel frame and titanium exhaust system, as well as unique woven carbon wheels, the ZS 800 weighs just 142kg dry (158kg wet) and with its air-cooled, 773cc four stroke parallel twin engine, delivers a riding experience certain to stir the soul.
Praga will produce just 28 of the ZS 800, which are now available to order with deliveries starting mid-2023, and the first of these heading to a client in Dubai.
Modern vision with a 100-year heritage
In 1928, the first Praga BD 500 rolled out of the Breitfeld-DanÄ›k factory in Prague. Seen as a modern motorcycle in its time, the design was initially conceived by the young aviation designer and passionate motorcyclist, Jaroslav František Koch.
Featuring one of the first ever four stroke DOHC engines designed by Koch, the BD 500 not only presented multiple innovative design features, but earnt its place in motorcycle history when Koch himself rode the bike from Rome to Prague, covering a distance of 1,480 kilometers in 35 hours and 40 minutes, setting a new endurance record.
Now, in 2023, history is repeating.
The brainchild of Jan Žuži, an engineer working on the lightweight 700 hp luxury Praga Bohema hypercar, the ZS 800 began life as a passion project to create a BD 500 remake.
Alongside fellow engineer Radek Šebesta, Jan developed the concept, combining engineering expertise and dedication with Praga’s exceptional production capabilities and racing technology. And, so, the Praga ZS 800 was born, a modern reimagining that retains the character and design of its ancestral BD 500.
The Praga ZS 800: Cutting-edge technology applied to classic design
The Praga ZS 800 is a masterclass in craftmanship. A combination of the very latest production processes and ultra-lightweight materials brings this motorcycle to life.
Within a chrome molybdenum steel frame rests the air-cooled 773cc four stroke parallel twin engine. The modern yet classically styled unit is lightweight and marries perfectly with the aesthetic of the ZS 800, offering beautiful architecture that resembles the original BD 500 engine structure, bevel gear cam drive, fuel efficiency, and complies with Euro 5 standards.
The ZS 800’s unique forged carbon wheels work in harmony with its hydraulic drum brake system – a system chosen to complement both the motorcycle’s style and performance. The hand-woven carbon rims are a complex artistic pattern of overlapping carbon fibre with intricate carbon tensioned spokes to emulate the look of the BD 500.
A sculpted front fork sits at the fore of the motorcycle; a structure only made possible through five-axis machining and chrome molybdenum steel. Nestled within the fork is fully adjustable Öhlins suspension with a titanium spring that effortlessly delivers a smooth and exclusive ride.
With its 11.5L fuel tank embellished with a forged carbon cover, the Praga ZS 800 has an incredible dry weight of just 142kg, complete with 50:50 weight distribution between the wheels – all of which culminates in a notably poised ride.
The Art of Engineering: Mastering materials
The Praga ZS 800 is a product of skilled engineering and true understanding of complex, high-grade materials.
Titanium is used throughout the design, with almost every screw, axle, nut and bolt of the chassis and engine made from the lightweight, high strength metal. The exhaust system is also fully titanium and weighs just 4.8kg as a result – with select elements constructed using state-of-the-art 3D printing.
Premium materials such as duralumin alloys, noble chrome molybdenum steel and forged carbon are also incorporated into the ZS 800’s design. Dedicated to achieving the perfect structure, the engineering team utilises the very latest production processes to manipulate the complex materials, including over 300 hours of five-axis machining.
The ZS 800’s Chief Designer, Jan Žuži, said: “Strong and extremely lightweight materials – such as carbon, titanium, chrome molybdenum steel and aviation duralumin – enabled us to reimagine the rigid rear wheel suspension, the front swingarm fork, and the hydraulic drum brakes.
“These futuristic materials and Praga sports division’s latest production facilities have enabled us to transfer those elegant historical design elements to the present day, and to build a motorcycle with contemporary driving characteristics and a unique feel.”
The premium price point of £75,550 (EUR 86,000 (excl. tax)) is testament to the intricate and tireless engineering that goes into every Praga creation, including the limited run, £1.1m Bohema hypercar. With deliveries arriving from mid-2023, the Praga ZS 800 is a machine for both collectors and motorcycle enthusiasts alike.
To find out more about the Praga ZS 800, go to: www.pragaglobal.com
Full specification
ENGINE
- Engine type: Four stroke parallel twin cylinder, SOHC, four valves per cylinder
- Bore & stroke: 77 mm x 83 mm
- Capacity: 773cc
- Compression ratio: 8.4:1
- Exhaust: Titanium alloy
TRANSMISSION
- Gearbox: 5-speed
- Clutch: Multi-plate wet, Manual
PERFORMANCE
BODYWORK
- Seat: Single seater with Öhlins fully adjustable suspension unit
- Fuel tank: 11.5 litre
- Mudguard: Forged carbon
CHASSIS
- Frame: Chrome molybdenum steel frame – Swedish steel called DOCOL 15CDV6
- Handlebars width: 800 mm
- Handlebar circumference: 28.6 mm
- Wheelbase: 1,435 mm
- Rake: 27º
- Trail: 100 mm
- Seat height: 795 mm
BRAKES
- Front brakes: Hydraulic double simplex drum 200 mm
- Rear brakes: Hydraulic simplex drum 200 mm
SUSPENSION
- Front suspension: Girder front fork with Öhlins suspension TTX22
- Rear suspension: Hard tail rear with Öhlins TTX air under seat suspension
WHEELS
- Front wheel: r18” x 2.5” forged carbon wheel with carbon tensioned spokes
- Rear wheel: r18” x 3.5” forged carbon wheel with carbon tensioned spokes
- Front tyre: Dunlop Roadmaster TT100 GP 100/90-18 56H F T TL
- Rear tyre: Dunlop Roadmaster TT110 GP 130/80-18 66H R TT
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- Honda C90 and Triumph Bonneville are most popular classic motorcycles with British bikers
- New report offers insights into the make-up of the UK’s classic bike scene, and quantifies the sector’s overall carbon footprint
- Average annual emissions comparable to a single roundtrip flight from London to Portugal or just one latte a day, while the entire classic motorcycle fleet accounts for just 0.05% of the UK’s transport emissions
- The report is available to download here: https://loopagency.co.uk/quantifying-classic-motorcycles-emissions/
The humble Honda C90 and trusty Triumph Bonneville are the most popular classic bikes with British enthusiasts according to a new report that details the carbon footprint of the UK’s historic motorcycles.
Following on from its earlier report that quantified the carbon footprint of the UK’s classic car parc, awarding-winning automotive PR and communications agency loop has turned its attention to classic motorcycles.
Its latest report analyses historical data stretching back more than 100 years to conclude that riding a classic motorcycle for a year has roughly the same impact as a single roundtrip flight from London to Portugal1, or little more than drinking a latte a day for a year2. In total, the entire classic motorcycle fleet accounts for just 0.05% of the UK’s overall transport emissions3.
While famous brands such as Yamaha, Suzuki and Kawasaki dominate the sector, early pioneering marques such as Velocette, Matchless and AJS aren’t far behind, suggesting bikers are proud of their motorcycling heritage and are keen to see it preserved.
Honda is the most popular make overall, with almost 36,000 classic bikes registered for use on our roads. In second place, however, lies BSA, makers of the iconic Gold Star and Bantam, with nearly 29,000 bikes puttering about the countryside.
The report also reveals the popularity of the ‘young timers’ – relatively modern classic bikes parked up in storage, waiting to be awarded historic status by the DVLA. There, behind the omnipresent C90, lies the legendary Honda VFR750F, with more than 2,500 currently on SORN.
Drawing on years of data from official sources such as the DVLA and Department for Transport, the report offers fascinating insights into the make-up of the country’s classic motorcycle sector, how fuel efficiency and bike use have changed over time, and the part global events have played in shaping the industry.
Alex Kefford, loop’s Technical Writer and author of the report, said: “By trawling through millions of datapoints and delving into decades of archive data, we’ve been able to paint a fuller picture of the UK’s classic motorcycle scene.”
“As a result, we’ve seen the effect popular culture has had on the rise and fall of the powered two-wheeler, as well as the impact of the occasional oil crisis. But what’s surprising is how intent bikers are on keeping their motorcycling heritage alive and on the road. In fact, the average age of a UK motorcycle is now more than 15 years – the oldest figure on record.”
Based at Bicester Heritage, the heart of the UK’s classic automotive scene, loop delivers a full service for clients stretching throughout the automotive, engineering and technology sectors. With a unique understanding of the classic market and unparalleled connections within the automotive industry, loop produces award-winning work for clients across Europe and internationally, from compelling story-telling to complex whitepapers, launch events to press office support.
The report is available to download here: https://loopagency.co.uk/quantifying-classic-motorcycles-emissions/.
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While everyone’s attention turns to a new year, Suzuki is reflecting on a successful 2022 that saw the GSX-S1000GT end the year as the top-selling sports tourer, despite only going on sale in April.
Final figures for the year saw 781 bikes registered, with the forecast for more than 1,000 units to be sold before the end of March 2023, which would mark 12 months on sale.
Suzuki GB head of motorcycles, Jonathan Martin, said, “Of course, we’re delighted with the popularity and success of the GSX-S1000GT. It was launched to high praise in the autumn of 2021, and we were seeing a huge number of reservations and orders before the bike had even arrived in dealerships. Despite that, and though it presented challenges, we managed to keep up with demand and we’re on course to top 1,000 sales by the end of its first year on sale, which is a fantastic achievement and something we’re all pleased with and proud of.”
The GSX-S1000GT seamlessly blends sports and touring capabilities, with a flexible, torque-laden inline-four cylinder engine producing 152PS peak power and 106Nm of peak torque, making it equally adept at motorway cruising as it is rev chasing on sportier runs.
That sportier performance is also enhanced by a bi-directional quickshifter and slipper clutch, while five traction control settings can be used to dial in the desired level of interference, depending on the road and riding conditions. The same is also true for three selectable power modes, while cruise control makes long distance touring a doddle.
All of that information, plus smartphone connectivity for calls, messages, and navigation, is displayed via a 6.5”, full-colour TFT screen, with day and night modes.
There’s a twin-spar aluminium frame, superbike-derived swingarm, and fully-adjustable forks from KYB and a rebound and preload adjustable shock, while angular and aggressive bodywork creates a fresh look for faired Suzuki machinery as well as having the benefits of extensive wind tunnel testing.
Available in dealerships now, the best-selling sports tourer can be had for £12,499, while £13,599 gets you the GSX-S1000GT+, which comes complete with two 36-litre panniers as standard.
Or, on a four-year PCP deal, the GSX-S1000GT can be ridden away for £149 per month, with a £2,641.55 deposit.
Find out more about the GSX-S1000GT here.
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Motorbikes are more than a hobby - they can be a lifetime project, a labour of love. Some motorbikes are perfect for just getting from point 'A' to point 'B' fast, others are all about style. Today we’re going to take a look at some of the most expensive motorbikes on the planet.
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Onto the list:
10. £184,000 - Ducati Testa Stretta NCR Macchia Nera 
The Ducati Testa Stretta NCR Macchia Nera is a fierce-looking beast and definitely a bike that will turn a few heads. The top range model comes with a cool 180 grand price tag, a pretty penny indeed, and is designed by the one and only Aldo Drudi.
Lightweight (the beast is surprisingly only 135kg), nippy and limited edition, this Testa Stretta isn't the fastest bike in the world but when it comes to looks, it’s absolutely sublime. One for the collectors.
9. £192,000 - Ducati Desmosedici D16RR NCR M16
A titanium monster, the Ducati Desmosedici D16RR NCR M16 is purely designed around speed, with every inch being meticulously designed to help the model achieve some serious horsepower.
Whilst the standard model will set you back around £60,000, the upgrades are what bump the price up here. You can get this machine up to 200 hp with a Ducati 989 cc v$ desmodromic engine - totally road legal and weighing in at about 144kg.
8. £245,000 - Ecosse Founder’s Edition Ti XX
If you have some money to splurge and want a classy-looking steel horse, then the Ecosse Founder’s Edition Ti XX could be the one for you.
A titanium and carbon fibre chassis helps keep the weight down and the rear exhausts are also made from titanium. The engine transmits a mighty 228PS of raw power to the rear wheel making for some quick getaways. To top it all off, you've got an absolutely magnificent seat which is made from hand-crafted leather.
7. £327,000 - Legendary British Vintage Black
For a more classic style of bike, you should take a look at the Legendary British Vintage Black. Released all the way back in 1948, the modern version combines the vintage aesthetic with modern-day upgrades.
The run of bikes was limited to only 33 models, making it highly collectable and the reason why the bike is priced so high. The 250cc of performance under the hood made it the fastest legal road bike in the world at one point in history. You can find this bike in many classic films, a truly iconic motorbike.
6. £450,000 - Dodge Tomahawk V10 Superbike
Looking like something that wouldn’t be amiss in a Mad max film, the Dodge Tomahawk V10 Superbike is a real show-stopper when it comes to its design.
The futuristic-looking bike is one of the most expensive on the planet, although it’s just a concept bike and not actually road legal (yet!). Weighing a whopping 680 kg and reaching 60 mph in just 2.5 seconds, in theory, the bike could reach top speeds of 400 mph - certainly not one you would take out touring.
5. £1.2 million - Harley-Davidson Cosmic Starship
Yep - we’ve broken the £1 million mark! Starting off our top 5, the Harley-Davidson Cosmic Starship is a one-of-a-kind bike. It was painted by renowned artist Jack Armstrong, whose other works have sold for as much as £3 million.
Whilst the performance of the bike isn’t anything to shout about, its aesthetic appeal is undeniable.
4. £2.4 million - The Yamaha BMS Chopper 
Yamaha has done more than create a bike with the BMS chopper - they’ve created a piece of art.
Not designed for the road - you can tell immediately from looking at the bike - this is purely a collector's piece that’s meant to be enjoyed and appreciated as a piece of art. It almost looks like a vehicle out of a Marvel film
Yes, there’s a scary 1,700cc engine on this, but the fact that it's coated in 24-carat gold and the upholstered seat is pure red velvet, you won’t want to take it on the road!
3. £2.95 million - Ecosse ES1 Spirit
Another limited edition titanium motorcycle, some bike lovers have described its appearance as a little bit goofy. But what it lacks in appearance it more than makes up for in performance.
This mean machine is capable of almost 230 mph! This is why before you can even think about buying the Spirit, you have to take a special two-week class at Ecosse headquarters to see if you're worthy enough of riding.
2. £5.7 million - 1949 E90 AJS Porcupine
Whilst it doesn't look like anything special, you have to have some serious cash to get your hands on one of these porcupines.
With 4 only ever being produced, one of them was used by Les Graham to win the 1949 World Championship, which only adds to the price tag.
1.£9 million - Neiman Marcus Limited Edition Fighter
Coming in as the world's most expensive bike is the limited edition fighter by Neiman Marcus. Limited to only one model, Neiman Marcus is a chain of high-end, extremely luxurious retail stores in America that decided to throw their hat into the motorbike game.
When the bike was unveiled at auction, the start price was only £90,000 - but the bike eventually worked its way up to a staggering £9 million!
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