Roehr's American Superbike

ROEHR’S AMERICAN SUPERBIKE

Walter Roehrich has another take on V-Rod-powered customs. His earlier concepts placed two motocross two-stroke top-ends on a common crankcase, then came a light-weight Highland four-stroke V-Twin. Now he says an American Superbike needs an American-made engine. So he chose the V-Rod-liquid-cooled and powerful, able to make the right sound, and available from dealers.

The result is this nicely finished 120horsepower V-roehr 1130 Superbike. It uses Brembo brakes, Öhlins suspension and Marchesini wheels. Engine hop-ups allow for 180 hp. To achieve a sporting 56-inch wheelbase with a swingarm of reasonable length, the longish V-Rod engine is located radically forward, with dual radiators side-mounted. Chain drive replaces the original toothed belt. Production of the first 50 bikes is scheduled to begin in 2008 at a price of $39,995. -Kevin Cameron