Lotus motorcycles aren’t exactly what you might think. Beyond the rights to use the Lotus name and logo, the team behind this remarkable bike has no connection to the Lotus Group, the iconic British manufacturer of sports cars, which has recently come under Chinese ownership.
This motorcycle was born from the initiative of seasoned veterans in the motorcycle racing scene, supported by the Holzer Group, a company deeply rooted in providing services to motorsport teams for decades.
The extraordinary exterior design can be credited to the talented Daniel Simon, who previously served as Bugatti’s in-house designer and also designed the spaceship in Oblivion starring Tom Cruise. Meanwhile, the frame design, geometry, and weight distribution were meticulously crafted by Holzer’s engineers, known for producing championship-winning racing motorcycles and even successful Formula 1 chassis.
This is a track-focused bike, produced in a limited edition of just 100 units, with a dry weight of only 180 kilograms. The engine is manufactured by Rotax, a powerhouse in the industry known for its high-performance aviation engines. While this engine is often found in KTM superbikes, it has been reworked to a 1.2-liter displacement, delivering an impressive 200 horsepower.
The distinctive design and color scheme of the C-01 are immediately recognizable as a nod to Lotus’ storied motorsport heritage. This identity translates into a motorcycle that is both fearsome and exhilarating to ride.
Bottom Line: Not for beginner riders.
Price: $400,000