Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Personal Liberation The CONFEDERATE Renaissance Fighter

What is common to a Vincent (HRD, Rapide) and a Jessica (Beil, Simpson, Alba)? These are things in life which you will always want or lust for, but can never have and you know that just as well, but still you will keep on wanting and hoping for ever.

Confederate is just a name you will always have it in your want / lust list. And with every product they feature, the hunger grows. Confederate has just launched its 3rd product after the Hellcat and Wraith. Its named C120 Renaissance Fighter and its as radical as its elder brothers, as limited as its elder brother and just as hell expensive.

The first photo you see just above was on every website that featured motorcycles saying its featured in the winter catalogue of Neiman Marcus. A frantic google search for additional images didnt yeild any results. A search in the Confederate website only gave its specifications. But after a day, Confederate had put lots of pics and a brand new website and a new logo too!
So, what is the Fighter all about?
Well, Confederate has never done anything conventional. What they dish out is totally outrageous, bizarre looking motorcycles which are downright sexy, it may take a while to adjust to their imagination, but THE MOTORCYCLES ARE VERY BEAUTIFUL. Period. The core thinking is that whatever changes and designs are incorporated are totally for superior riding and superior performance. The bikes looks like straight out of Star War movies.
This particular model, the C120 Renaissance Fighter is capable of 305kmph (190mph, eat that Busas and ZZRs!) aided with its cutting edge carbon fiber, titanium, and aluminum chassis. Wheelbase is 64", Seat height is 27" and all the gizmos that you can possibly immagine. The other thing is while the Hellcat was limited to 250, the Wraith limited to 145, the Fighter is even more exclusive with only 45 limited editions to be hand crafted. 3 have already been sold/ booked as the website says and by this time the number has surely decreased. No, actually its not worth rushing as the price tag would probably maintain a distance from you at $110,000. And thats not all. It is a super limited edition, why? because it has customized Neiman Marcus edition features.
Critics are saying Confederate has outdone themselves this time. So whats new? Everytime Confederate launches a bike, the biking faternity gets stunned. Okay, like the Wraith, the Fighter is built from a combination of components crafted from aircraft billet aluminum, carbon fiber, and high grade titanium as mentioned before which wraps around a 45 degree radial twin.
Although it looks like a concept bike (read not ready to ride), its only in the attitude. Take a hard look at it. The bike is very evenly proportionate. Notice the traingular mass at the heart of the bike. It would surely suit power racing and cruising with equal aplomb. The engine is of 120 cubic inches and there by the name C120 Renaissance Fighter.
The following is an extract from the Confederate website describibg the Fighter -

The Fighter clarifies opaqueness and nullifies hype with straight-forward true to concept certitude. At the source is a classic right triangle. Proportion is classically derived. Scale is middle way. Bearing exudes structural permanence. Human integration deploys yang energy, vitality, and power in the most simple, pure and direct form. Geometry is optimized for the medium and/or long disciplined journey of sensory heightened motion. Torque to weight is maximized. Engine, suspension and ergonomic luxury and ease of use is optimized. Materials utilization is the finest. Individual piece and component specification is highest and best.
Craft preparation and specification is uncompromised. The aesthetic is fresh, industrial, sculptural, holistic and honest. The saddle of the Fighter is your place for those outings which require extended time, geography, meditation and distance. Personal liberation will result!

Amen to that. So , if you are really planning to buy the Fighter or wanting a look, visit the Fighter website. Additional photos sourced from Confederate website, where a Neiman Marcus page has been created to promo this bike.

Specifications
Proportions: 430 lbs, Wheelbase: 64”, Seat Height: 25.75, Rake: 30 degrees

Engine: 1966cc, 45 degree V-twin, Bore x Stroke: 110 x 120

Transmission: Confederate design; 5 speed; close ratio; CNC aircraft billet aluminum cases,
Primary: Confederate design; CNC aircraft billet aluminum engine, transmission, swingarm pivot outrigger bearing supported mounting system; belt drive
Chassis:
Confederate triple load path design; CNC aircraft billet aluminum front and rear bulkheads; pure high-grade titanium 5 inch outer diameter .095 wallbackbone; oil bearing
Suspension:
Front- Girder-type CNC aircraft billet aluminum and titanium multi-link Confederate-Vincent design; centered coil-over shock; dual carbon fiberblades
Rear- Lightweight Confederate drag-race inspired design; aircraft aluminum fabrication;
Brakes:
Front- CNC aircraft billet aluminum 4 piston caliper; aluminum-ceramic matrix floating lightweight rotor
Rear- CNC aircraft billet aluminum 2 piston caliper; aluminum-ceramic matrix floating lightweight rotor
Wheels & Tyres:
Front- 3 inch x 19 carbon fiber & 120 ZR x 19 Pirelli
Rear- 8 inch x 18 carbon fiber & 240 ZR x 18 Pirelli
Other Features:
Forged lightweight alloy pistons
CNC aircraft billet aluminum heads
Confederate “Combat” designDual counter-shaft balance system
Lighting: Front & Rear integral LED headlamp & tail lamp; turn signal; brake