Aston Martin and Brough Superior - a match made in heaven?
A new limited edition track only motorcycle is on its way from these big boys - would James Bond ride one to make a change from a Triumph...?
With the moniker AMB 001 - Aston Martin - famous, for cool sophisticated aspirational design and Brough Superior, known for superlative engineering, have united to develop a unique track only turbo-charged motorcycle. There will only be 100 produced, but to be honest that's ok, because it's really only James Bond who could afford one.
So the motorcycle itself has a DOHC 997cc, 8 valve 88-degree V-twin water and oil cooled engine, producing a turbo charged 134kW (180 hp) and weighs in at 180 kilos dry weight - so yeah it's gonna be fast!
The variable geometry modern low inertia turbo is intercooled to make it more efficient and the motorcycle has a 6 speed gearbox, APTC clutch and a final chain drive.
The frame and body work are made from super strength lightweight materials for example: aluminium forged wheels, titanium interfaces and a carbon fibre rear sub frame which give it the structural integrity it needs without adding too much weight. Oh and the chassis has a double wishbone front fork, a structural carbon fibre body and groovy winglets to add downforce when it reaches top speeds, although James Bond would probably remove them so it could take off!
The braking system has been developed by racing brake specialists with a radial master cylinder piston so it can stop on a sixpence. As you might expect there is minute attention to detail with the Aston Martin wings logos made of laser cut, wafer thin sheet metal and incorporated into the lacquer for an immaculate finish. The seat is of course top grade stitched leather and the handlebar grips are handmade. It's certainly a quality item and every inch oozes luxury.
Aston Martin Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer, Marek Reichman said of the bike: “This is what we believe a cutting-edge motorcycle should be and we are very proud to see the Aston Martin wings on a motorcycle for the first time. In addition to applying the skills we have developed for cars such as the ground breaking Aston Martin Valkyrie we have also been able to bring our special expertise in the traditional craft techniques to this project. The finished product is a truly beautiful motorcycle; a design and engineering work of art.”
So the AMB 001 has reached the testing phase of its development now and has been strutting its stuff on the Pau-Arnos circuit in France. This posh motorcycle will go into production at the Brough Superior factory in Toulouse, France after the testing has been satisfactorily completed and any adjustments made. It is due for delivery to customers at the end of 2020, although, with the Pandemic rumbling on it's not really clear if the bike will hit its production target - who can say in these unusual times, we'll just have to wait and see!
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