Named after the famed F6F Hellcat fighter plane of WWII, the Confederate X132 Hellcat Motocycle ($45,000) is a fighter in its own way. This third-generation two-wheeled ride is built using the highest quality components possible, from its billet aluminum case to its carbon fiber wheels, all of which are hidden in plain sight thanks to the X132's unique au naturale design that showcases craftsmanship over fancy bodywork. Available for pre-order now for delivery in the first half of next year.
Yes, you read that correctly. This 1929 Harley-Davidson Jet Engine Motorcycle ($25,000) is based on a 1929 Broad Track Racer, and is powered by twin jet engines that hug either side. While the description suggests taking it around to various events for money, we imagine you'd do just as well to keep things contained to the local deserted air strip or abandoned highway. After all, we suspect this thing isn't exactly road legal.
Powered by what the company is calling "the most powerful twin-cylinder production engine on the planet," the Ducati 1199 Panigale Superbike ($18,000-$28,000) promises uncompromising speed — and it delivers in spades. At its heart is the aforementioned Superquadro engine producing 195hp, which thanks to tremendous frame and engine integration resides in a bike with a dry weight of just 164kg — that's roughly 362 lbs — along with class-leading tech like a sporty ABS system, traction control, Ducati's Electronic Suspension, quick-shift, Engine Brake Control, and Ride-by-Wire systems, and a TFT display that changes to suit your environment. Not that you'll have time to notice. [Scouted by Carl]
Let's face it: there are some people who will buy damn near anything with Steve McQueen's name on it — *cough* us *cough* — but this is one of those times that you needn't be ashamed about it. Based on the classic T100 and inspired by the Trophy TR6 McQueen rode during the stunt scene from The Great Escape, the Triumph Bonneville T100 Steve McQueen Edition Motorcycle ($TBA) will be limited to just 1,100 bikes, and features a Matt Khaki Green paint job, the late actor's signature on the side covers, a solo seat, blacked out headlamp, luggage rack, wheel rims, hubs, handlebars, rear springs, mirrors, and mudguard supports, and arrived individually numbered, with a plaque on the handlebar clamp and a certificate of authenticity. [Scouted by Brian]
So comfortable customers routinely claim they’re “walking on clouds” thanks to the cushioned footbed. The No Shows ($14.50/2 pack) have a “no slip grip” that stays put in low cut summer shoes, while the crew length styles actually stay up if you want them to. Get one or get them all - the Sock Drawer ($135) includes 16 pairs. But do get them soon, because like all things Mack Weldon makes, these are in high demand (and insanely comfortable).
While it's not a complete remake of Bimmer's surprisingly adept superbike, the 2012 BMW S 1000 RR Motorcycle ($TBA) does feature enough enhancements to convince fence-sitters to hop on down and dance. Its engine still cranks out 193hp — adjustable down to 163hp in the new "Rain" mode — but it benefits greatly from suspension upgrades that offer better handling, steering accuracy, and feedback than its predecessor, the BMW Motorrad Race ABS braking system, and a refined Dynamic Traction Control system.
If you're so lucky as to live somewhere that the thought of winter doesn't have you immediately reaching for a blanket, perhaps you'd like to spend the next few months aboard this DP Customs Beach Cruiser ($9,900). A completely rebuilt 1977 Harley Davidson Ironhead, this stylish two-wheeler features an original '70s Super Glide tank, a handmade whiskey flask oil tank, an early, rebuilt CV carburator, custom fishtail pipes, custom laced wheels — 21-inches in the front and 18 in the rear — an electric start, all the original numbers and history it carried pre-rebuild, and a handsome British Green and Wimbledon White paint job.
Technology developed for and tested in F1 racing often makes its way down to daily drivers. But motorcycles? The Zero Engineering Type 9 Motocycle ($TBA) is proof that what works on four ferociously fast-spinning wheels works on two as well, thanks to a F1-inspired multi-link suspension built from the ground up for a clean look and a superb ride. Other features include a S&S 96" Evo engine, a HD five-speed transmission, and the ability to customize everything from the pegs to the paint job, so your ride is as unique as you.
It's not all that surprising, if you think about it, but apparently naked street bikes aren't the most ideal daily drivers. The Ducati Streetfighter 848 Motocycle ($TBA) is out to change all that. Powered by a new 848 Testastretta 11° engine and sporting Ducati Traction Control, the 848 has been designed with ergonomics and user-friendliness in mind, making it as suitable for everyday commutes as it is for high speed hijinx. [Scouted by David]
Ducati... and AMG? Yup. This unholy marriage of the performance-obsessed has resulted in this: the Ducati Diavel AMG Special Edition ($TBA). As you might expect, it scores high marks in both the aesthetic and speed departments, offering up signature AMG five-spoke wheels, carbon fiber radiator grills with aluminum trim, an AMG-style sport exhaust system, an AMG-style horizontally-ribbed seat in Alcantara, hand-set cam timing with the name of the technician engraved on the engine casing, a numbered plaque on the fuel tank, a Testastretta 11° engine, and spectacular matte black carbon fiber bodywork.
When it comes to motorcycles, old is the new black. Or something. Moving along, the Lossa 1978 Yamaha SR 500 Motorcycle ($TBA) is another modern adaptation of a two-wheeled classic, featuring a complete overhaul that includes all new wiring, a relocated battery, a GSXR front end, Brembo brakes in the front and rear, RD400 wheels, a host of custom pieces including the sprocket carrier, rear brake stay, intake manifold, and exhaust, a Binellu gas tank, and an aluminum swing arm, all polished off with a spiffy white/red/black paint job. [Scouted by Stacy]
You wouldn't expect a motorcycle from 1982 to look this good, but then again, the Classified Moto XV920 Motorcycle ($TBA) was made to blow away expectations. Based on a 1982 XV920R, this custom ride features new front- and rear-ends — from a YZF R6-R and R6-S, respectively — a custom front sprocket/spacer to cope with the increased offset of the rear sprocket and wheel, a new 180mm rear tire, top mounted hooligan bars, and a variety of pieces that've been stripped off in an effort to make it look less "nerdy." We think it worked.
Based on a 1980 Harley Davidson Ironhead and sporting a paint job inspired by the #2 Audi R18 TDI that took home this year's Le Mans, the DP Customs Naked Cafe Motorcycle ($TBA) is a terrific custom bike. Powered by a 1000cc motor, it features a custom seat and upholstery, a DP Quantum-port symmetrical exhaust, Pirelli tires, a clean title, and a unique look that's unlike anything you'll pass on the street.
(Photo: Jed Strahm)