Since 1931, Porsche has produced pricey, stylish, fast automobiles that cause people to pause and stare every single day. What about motorcycles, though? Has Porsche ever produced or released any form of motorcycle? Let’s investigate…
Before we continue, we should point out that Porsche and Harley-Davidson actually collaborated on the V-Twin engine that powered the V-Rod model bike back in 2002. Although it wasn’t the first time the two well-known businesses collaborated, the interaction was, to put it mildly, significant. Some of you might recall it. Now that we are aware of this fact, let’s discuss Porsche’s solo motorbike history, assuming it exists.
It goes without saying that Porsche has never been known for motorbikes, but that doesn’t mean the company’s founder didn’t consider it. He gave it so much thought, in fact, that they once created and produced a concept bike. It belonged to the “power cruiser” class and was known as the Porsche 618. The bike’s form was a little strange because it was intended to be a close relative of the 911 Turbo. It had a large, high-riding middle section and bars that looked like a pair of monkey hangers because of how high you had to reach to access them. However, aside from the concept unit, the bikes were never produced; that was in 2017. It seems like a nice idea novelty-wise, but that was in 2017.
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V-Rod by Harley-Davidson
In 2002, development partner Porsche Engineering created a new V2 engine for the “V-Rod” model of the American motorcycle firm Harley-Davidson under the development name “Revolution Engine.”
The Porsche engineers built a water-cooled 1,131 cc motor based on a race engine in the context of a relationship that dates back to the 1970s. This motor impressed Harley-Davidson’s discerning customers with both its performance and its commanding sound. The VRSC-series Harley’s four-valve DOHC valvetrain and electronically regulated fuel injection produced up to 120 horsepower.
The motorcycle “Porsche” idea
Imagine, however, what Spanish designer Miguel Angel Bahri did to create this two-wheeled prototype, drawing design cues from Porsche’s most well-known vehicle, the 911 Turbo.
The motorcycle concept, which has been given the name “Porsche 618,” is a power cruiser. (Why are all sports car/bike crossovers power cruisers?) 160 horsepower.
and a sizable secret luggage compartment with Le Mans race car-inspired doors.
In comparison to a regular cruiser, he said, “Power cruisers can be leaned deeper for better cornering.
I created this for a “Two Wheels Project,” during which the goal was to create a concept for a pure electric motorcycle that was as accurate as possible.
Because it would be the brand’s entry-level two-wheeled vehicle, it is known as the 618.
“I wanted this futuristic-looking, all-electric, high-end power cruiser to express the spirit and essence of Porsche.
This should be viewed as the entry model for pure sculpture, since I am working on the RS version.
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On Regent Street, something intriguing was observed…
We are constantly searching to see if we can find a Porsche, especially while we are in London. You don’t typically expect to see the name on motorcycles, but Porsche formerly provided Harley-Davidson’s venerable “V-Rod” (VRSC) model with engines for many years. So why did Harley Davidson ask Porsche to assist with the development of a motorcycle engine? It turns out that Harley-Davidson was having trouble luring in new clients and sought to work with other companies to develop a more competitive model.
The V-Rod’s engine is said to be quite distinct from the rest of Harley-Davidson’s standard lineup. With two “firsts” for the firm, a water-cooled engine and dual overhead cams, Porsche made several modifications to the traditional motorcycle engine. The 1,131cc engine, which has a 9,000 rpm maximum speed, was put through its paces for 500 continuous hours at Porsche’s factory in Dusseldorf to demonstrate its dependability. The development was given the fitting name “Revolution Engine” by Porsche/Harley-Davidson.
Porsche always aims to please, therefore in order to fully appeal to the Harley-Davidson market, they took great care to ensure that their engine was completely unique. It had a Double Over Head Cam (DOHC) valverain, an electronically controlled fuel injection system, and astounding performance and dramatic sound to appeal to the buyers.
The specific model we saw differs from other Harley-Davidson VRSCs thanks to certain special personal tweaks.
The project involved more than just assisting with the engine’s design. In 1997, the Harley-Davidson facility was constructed thanks to joint finance from Porsche and Harley-Davidson. They each contributed $10 million to the construction of the plant that later produced the V-Rod engine. Sadly, they had to shut down the factory in 2019 due to a decline in motorcycle sales.
It appears that many Porsche enthusiasts have fantasized about Porsche producing their own motorcycles. The “Porsche 618 Concept” was a design that you may have seen in 2017 by talented designer Miguel Angel Bahri. Though obviously not an official concept, it draws inspiration from the 911 Turbo, 917, 918, and 919. It was designed to be a 160 horsepower electric sports bike.
Another couple of Porsche fans had a custom bike made by CustomWolf, which was only one of 9 made. The famous designs serve as the basis for this stunning bike, which features Porsche insignia throughout. The “Porsche Tribute Bike” was made as a black Street Fighter bike with various gold-plated design accents. The 1,851 cc S&S Cycles engine is paired with a 5-speed Harley-Davidson transmission. Check out this stunning design in the picture below!
Does Porsche produce Harley-Davidson motors?
It’s understandable that many riders are unsure about what to think of Harley-Davidson’s new V-Rod: The engine is the first water-cooled engine in the 99-year history of Harley-Davidson and was created in Germany by Porsche.
However, it is the fastest production model that the firm has ever created, reaching 60 mph in 3.5 seconds and 100 mph in just under 8 seconds. It can reach a top speed of little around 140 mph.
The 1,130cc 60-degree engine in the new V-Rod features double overhead cams and four valves per cylinder, while the other Harley models use 45-degree V-twin air-cooled engines with camshafts in the block. It has the highest horsepower output of any Harley at 115 at 8,500 rpm. The price of sale is $16,995.
There isn’t too much travel and the ride isn’t sloppy thanks to the big rear swingarm and twin shock absorbers. The V-Rod is significantly lighter than other Harleys and has a wheelbase that is quite lengthy (67.5 inches). Still, handling is cumbersome and slow. The 600-pound V-Rod’s triple-disc brakes are the best Harley brakes I’ve ever experienced, bar none. The thin, constrained seat is cozy for a brief to medium cruise.
The V-Rod’s biggest feature is that it only rises 26 inches above the ground, making it suitable for a variety of riders.
With a hydraulic reservoir on each side and handlebars that are not too broad nor too far back, operating the strong clutch quickly wears out the left hand. There are no adjustments for riders with smaller hands on the clutch and brake levers.
When riding barehanded in hot weather, when they tend to become sticky and slippery, the rubber handgrips themselves are too firm and too smooth.
The foot shifter and rear brake pedal are placed too far forward, and there is only one narrow footpeg on each side. As a result, the riding position rapidly becomes uncomfortable. Additionally, there is nowhere to secure a helmet to the bike.
Putting ergonomic concerns aside, riding a V-Rod is like riding a gleaming mechanical Secretariat while everyone else on a Harley is riding a Clydesdale. The bike is ideal for a swift trip on straight and gently bending byways. The V-Rod attracts attention with its eye-catching new lines even while it is stopped at an intersection. McCraw, Jim
What Harley is powered by a Porsche?
In the 1980s and 1990s, Porsche worked with a number of automakers. The 190E 2.3-16 sports sedan is the result of the collaboration with Mercedes. And together, they developed the first high-performance Audi wagon, the RS2 Avant, with Audi. Porsche, though, has collaborated on projects with Harley-Davidson in addition to automobiles. The Harley-Davidson V-Rod cruiser was the end result. The V-Rod may have contributed to the development of “unconventional” Harleys like the electric LiveWire and the forthcoming cafe racer, despite the fact that it shares most other cruisers’ appearances.
What automakers produce motorcycles?
I am aware of your thoughts. Honda, BMW, Suzuki, and Peugeot are just a few of the manufacturers of both vehicles and motorcycles. They have effectively run both shows and don’t appear to be getting older or having problems with either one because of the other. With its “The Sports Ride” concept, Yamaha is likewise vying for a share of the four-wheeled market.
But what if luxury automakers like Rolls-Royce, McLaren, Mustang, and Porsche also produced motorcycles? Of sure, that would be fantastic, but what would they look like? We may have a solution for that, though. Many thanks to the staff at the UK dealership Jennings Harley-Davidson, which has locations in Leeds and Gateshead.
They have created six extremely insane motorcycle designs that capture the style and personality of the products the company really produces.
Lamborghini produces motorcycles, right?
Yes, there is a Lamborghini bike, however not many were produced. Boxer Bikes in Toulouse, France, created it instead of Lamborghini in Italy.
When Patrick Mimran acquired the Lamborghini business, he made the decision to use the Lamborghini name on items other than automobiles. He made the brilliant decision to use the V-12 in off-shore power boats, and did so with great success. He then chose to use the moniker on a bike, but not just any bike, mind you.
In addition to the famed Bimota brand, which was also made in Europe and not Japan, the Lamborghini motorcycle was regarded as one of the best in the world.
The Lamborghini bike utilized the greatest Japanese mechanicals on custom-built bicycle parts, just like the Bimota. The Kawasaki 750, 900, or 1000 cc engines utilized for the Lamborghini bikes produced between 90 and 120 Bhp and allowed the Lamborghini-designed bikes to reach top speeds of more than 160 mph.
The Lamborghini bike weighed only 396 pounds thanks to the use of the best components; the light aluminum frame was a creation by Claude Fior, the shock absorbers were built by Fournales, the exhausts by Devil, and Gotti made these wheels exclusively for this particular bike.
The well-known Brembo craftsman produced the gold-plated (really “Cadmium plated”) brake callipers.
The production of the Lamborghini bike began in 1986 in the Boxer Bikes facility after a 50-unit order list was approved. Each of the 100 units they planned to produce each year would cost around $13,500, but for that amount of money, you got the greatest deal; also, a Bimota was available for the same price, and if you had a Lamborghini automobile, you should get a bike as well.
McLaren produces motorcycles, right?
Compared to a motorcycle, the 2020 McLaren 720S Spider is quicker. It is real! In a quarter-mile drag race, Autocar pitted the aforementioned McLaren against a 2019 BMW S1000RR liter bike and an Ariel Atom. Simply put, the McLaren has 710 horsepower more, and its 305-width rear tires provide excellent traction. Due to its reduced weight, the BMW bike had an early advantage in the race. However, where you finish is more important than where you begin. And the McLaren won the competition. That’s only the newest model, too! With the McLaren P1, McLaren has been able to outperform motorcycles since 2013. Although a 2008 Suzuki GSX-R1000 might be able to keep up, the P1 would prevail by a small margin. Its Mid-Mounted 3.8L V-8 combined with an electric motor produces an amazing 903 horsepower and has a top speed of 217 mph.