What is Caterham Bikes?
Hot
on the heels of the news that Caterham was making a surprise move into
motorbike racing, the company has now revealed that it has launched its a
new motorcycle division - Caterham Bikes.
So for anyone who
fancies the chance to enjoy that authentic wind-in-your-hair,
flies-in-your-teeth experience, only with two fewer wheels, Caterham
Bikes could be the company for you.
Only
last month, Caterham announced that it will compete in the 2014 Moto2
World Championship, racing a bike designed by Swiss motorcycle experts,
Suter Racing Technology. So taking Caterham Bikes from the track to the
road was an inevitable extension.
It's part of what the Caterham Group calls ‘a strategy of growth through intelligent partnerships’ and is seen as ‘a natural extension to the expanding Group’. Indeed, Caterham's owner, Tony Fernandes, has previously supported motorbike racing through his airline, AirAsia.
It's part of what the Caterham Group calls ‘a strategy of growth through intelligent partnerships’ and is seen as ‘a natural extension to the expanding Group’. Indeed, Caterham's owner, Tony Fernandes, has previously supported motorbike racing through his airline, AirAsia.
Next
up is the Classic E-Bike, which looks every inch the classic racing
bike. We don't have any specification details, but as its name suggests,
it's an all-electric bike, with a potential range of between 25 and 50
miles (40 - 80 kms).
Interestingly, the Classic E-Bike does not require the rider to hold a licence in the EU...
Interestingly, the Classic E-Bike does not require the rider to hold a licence in the EU...
Lastly,
it's the wild looking Carbon E-Bike, described by Caterham Bikes as a
'premium bike with modern styling inspired by F1 technology'.
Caterham Bikes is also planning a limited edition version, featuring exclusive F1 input and materials.
Caterham Bikes is also planning a limited edition version, featuring exclusive F1 input and materials.
It
goes without saying that the strong heritage and brand kudos associated
with Caterham Cars will have a strong influence on the success of
Caterham Bikes.
If nothing else, Caterham is known for its ability to deliver 'accessible fun', so this will undoubtedly be a key attribute moving forward. This spirit is also kept alive with the launch of the new sub £15k Caterham Seven 160.
If nothing else, Caterham is known for its ability to deliver 'accessible fun', so this will undoubtedly be a key attribute moving forward. This spirit is also kept alive with the launch of the new sub £15k Caterham Seven 160.
The
man responsible for launching Caterham Bikes is Al-Ishsal Ishak, who
arrives at the company from his previous role as group head of ancillary
income at AirAsia.
He will be joined by chief designer, Alessandro Tartarini, chief engineer, Zeno Panarari, and ex-MotoGP racer, Andreas Leuthe, who will head up the distribution and sales function.
He will be joined by chief designer, Alessandro Tartarini, chief engineer, Zeno Panarari, and ex-MotoGP racer, Andreas Leuthe, who will head up the distribution and sales function.
Production
will begin as early as Spring 2014, with the Brutus 750 the first to be
built, followed by the two electric bikes later in the year.
A website has been established, but there's no word on exact dates or how the Caterham Bikes will be distributed. Sales will start in Europe, North America and South America, with Asia seen as a key growth market.
A website has been established, but there's no word on exact dates or how the Caterham Bikes will be distributed. Sales will start in Europe, North America and South America, with Asia seen as a key growth market.
Prices are as yet unknown, but Caterham Bikes says the three launch bikes will be 'priced affordably'.
Al-Ishsal Ishak said: 'We're realistic and honest enough to know that we're not in the business of rivalling the establishment; we're here to offer an alternative that befits the spirit of Caterham.'
Al-Ishsal Ishak said: 'We're realistic and honest enough to know that we're not in the business of rivalling the establishment; we're here to offer an alternative that befits the spirit of Caterham.'
Prices are as yet unknown, but Caterham Bikes says the three launch bikes will be 'priced affordably'.
Al-Ishsal Ishak said: 'We're realistic and honest enough to know that we're not in the business of rivalling the establishment; we're here to offer an alternative that befits the spirit of Caterham.'
Al-Ishsal Ishak said: 'We're realistic and honest enough to know that we're not in the business of rivalling the establishment; we're here to offer an alternative that befits the spirit of Caterham.'