This concept cosmetic design for Mac Motorcycles, a start-up motorcycle company in the UK with a nod to classic cafe bikes, really speaks to me. It’s elemental without looking too geeked-up and impractical. The design team somehow managed to make this bike look both wispy and tough at the same time, and that’s no mean feat. The bikes are powered by a Buell single, air-cooled, 2-valve, push rod, 492cc, 5-speed taken out of the ‘Blast’models, and that makes them “thumpers” in the classic mode of the old Yamaha SR500, a favorite of cafe racer builders the world over.  Valve adjustment is handled automatically via the use of hydraulic lifters, and the transmission placed low in the frame to aid with handling.  The stock Buell motors produce 34 HP at 6500 RPM, and Mac adds a bolt-on big-bore kit (515 cc), Andrews Cams, a Mikuni HSR 42 carb’, Screamin’ Eagle ignition and a Supertrapp exhaust to crank that output up to near 50 HP at 7200 RPM. The Mac Motorcycles team has this to say about their concept:

We explored a variety of visual approaches and production techniques. The intention was to create something new in a category that is overwhelmingly garish with logos and neon graphics that also complemented the amazing industrial design by Xenophya.

While keeping the integrity of the classic look, we created eight prototype designs that employ such production techniques as laser etching, anodized finishes, and screen-printed graphics applied to the gas tanks. This, along with simpler color systems, helps bring a more subtle, conceptual approach to the identity.

This project has received incredible recognition not just in the design community, but, more importantly, in the motorcycle-enthusiast community — nearly 100 mentions and spreading including articles and mentions in Fast Company, Bike EXIF, Asphalt and Rubber, MBF Motorcycle forums, Cyril Huze Blog, Bikes in the Fast Lane and of course right here at Motorcycleinsurance.com.