Aston Martin unveils its first motorbike (with a little help from Brough Superior)
On this year's opening day of the world’s most important motorcycle show, EICMA, a rather unusual machine has made its debut.
On its tank sits the distinct wings of Aston Martin, on the cast engine casing two words – Brough Superior. As for its looks, you’d be forgiven for thinking that you’ve stepped on to the set of Blade Runner 2049.
But you haven’t slipped into some kind of utopian future. In fact, this, the AMB 001, is the first born of a collaboration between the two iconic British brands. Admittedly, Brough is now based in the super trendy Toulouse, but I digress.
Just 100 examples of the motorcycle will be built, combining Aston Martin design and Brough Superior engineering to create a ‘piece of automotive art’. It’s designated for track use only, so there’s a huge chunk of performance chucked in there too, but with its exquisite design and a price tag of €108,000 (£93,300), whether it will be seen on track is another matter entirely.
Powered by a turbocharged DOHC, 997cc, V-twin, the AMB 001 boasts an output of 182PS (180bhp) and huge torque across the board. Given that the muscular motorcycle weighs just 180kg dry, the model features a power-to-weight ratio of one horsepower per kilogramme. This is Brough Superior’s first V-twin turbocharged engine, although there has long been rumours of a turbo to sit inside the manufacturer’s gaping 88-degree V.
Reportedly taking inspiration from mid-engined Aston Martins, the AMB 001 features high-tech carbon fibre, titanium and billet aluminium components, including a double wishbone front fork and structural carbon fibre body.
And design-wise, it’s certainly unique, with aerodynamic wings reminiscent of Aston Martin’s S-Curve, and a carbon-fibre fin derived from the car’s side strakes, running along the full length of the Stirling Green tank. An interesting Oxford Tan leather hand-stitched saddle promises traditional style in a modern configuration.
Aston Martin Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer, Marek Reichman said: “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.”
“Aston Martin may be 106 years old but the forward momentum of this company is inspiring, for every area of the business but for Design in particular,” continued Reichman. “The same people who work on the design of our cars have worked on the AMB 001. These people are absolute experts and have delivered many of the special project cars that we have designed. Unlike at other car companies, our designers have the full breadth of experience and I think this is showcased in this aspirational bike.”
All 100 AMB001s will be hand-assembled in Brough’s Toulouse factory, with deliveries set to begin in late 2020.
Aston Martin
Brough Superior
AMB001
EICMA
Milan
Italy
Motorcycle
EICMA 2019
motorbike
