The Innovative Design of the New Lotus Motorcycle

Earlier this year, Kodewa– a German auto racing team that dabbles in manufacturing– came out with one of this year’s most tantalizing concepts: a new lightweight C-01 superbike.

Initially, the bike’s first appeal comes from an eye-grabbing look that resembles few motorcycles being produced. Somehow, the conceptualized bike manages to do this by blending elements of future and past with classic science fiction lore. Easily, it’s a bike that could have appeared in a Tron movie, or maybe even in something like Star Wars.

Designer Daniel Simon– who has in the past garnered much acclaim for his Bugatti designs- says of his latest creation, “With the Lotus C-01, we have only one ambition: to create a unique state-of-the-art machine that carries its brutal forces with elegance and style, a high-tech monster in a tailored suit. The C-01, with all its top notch components and materials, is first and foremost emotional, heartbreaking, at times playfully retro, and always clearly a Lotus.”

Knowing Simon’s history, this new, fascinating design should be no surprise. In the past, he has had a hand in designing several Moto One and Moto Two world championship motorcycles. Still, none of that, Simon says, is exactly comparable to developing a new bike from a legendary brand.

Simon says, “Lotus is a glamorous name with a rich history, and the C-01 celebrates it proudly: the shapes of the marvelous Lotus 49 were a main inspiration, and all color schemes pay homage to iconic Lotus racing liveries, such as the dashing black and gold. The intersection of past and future always fascinates, and so does the unique idea of the C-01.”

Now, the bike may look good and all, but don’t let that fool you. This bike has some real giddy-up. Powering this thought-provoking bike is a 200 hp, 75 degree V-twin Rotax motor, which is a motor similar to the KTM RC8R.

Simon says, “We set out to create a bike that isn’t just great to ride but also represents a piece of art in motion. Over the years, I have seen my fair share of style over substance, what this bike brings to the market is a unique combination of both- state of the art technology with a truly jaw dropping aesthetic.”