Ducati might not really think at building a single-cylinder naked for the crowd of beginners and motorcycle enthusiasts looking for an affordable and fuel-efficient two-wheeled commuter, but – as this sketch reveals – they don’t know what they’re missing. The concept, designed by Oberdan Bezzi and called Ducati Desmolight 450 is dedicated to all adrenaline junkies out there, so it should be sporty and versatile, just the way riders expect an Italian bike to be.
Using Ducati’s distinctive styling and an entry-level approach towards the bike’s every single aspect (forget the Brembo brakes), any bike looking like that as it comes out the Borgo Panigale’s factory could really make it in the real world. But in the end this remains only a very plausible concept bike.
Having “smelled” the recent frenzy generated by the launch of the all-new Yamaha XT1200Z Super Ténéré and Ducati Multistrada 1200, which come as direct competitors for the BMW R1200GS, Oberdan Bezzi decided to bring a fourth player to the game in the form of the Honda Africa Twin 1200. He so revives the Japanese enduro legend that was only produced with a middleweight engine (750cc) through the 1990s and up until 2003.
In order to make it on today’s much more competitive market, the new bike would have to develop around 140hp and rely on an extremely versatile chassis, just to start with. Comfort, good looks and many touring accessories should tip the scale in favor of Honda if they ever decide to revive the Africa Twin in the upgraded form demanded by today’s enduro standards. We believe Obiboi’s sketch marks the spot.
What we like the most about the Duka electric motorcycle is the fact that although it retains the timeless lines of cruisers, it is actually conceptualized as an electric machine of the future. Obviously, it won’t sound mean, but the two compact and efficient DC motors are claimed to allow the Duka to ride freely on the highways and yet remain manageable around the city.
Featuring an inside-out aluminum frame structure based on structural I-beams, this should be a safe and durable cruiser with a low center of gravity and a forgiving riding position. Also, interchangeable components named “Pods” should ease maintenance and upgrades, but we would have to see at least a prototype before we start drooling.
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As hard as it may be to believe for those not directly involved, scooter riders love their small and buzzing machines, so because it “wouldn’t be the same without it,” designer Marc Graells Ballve has created the armadillo-inspired armor for scooters.
Called ‘Protect 486′ the system is easy to attach to the scooter’s bodywork and then be wrapped on top of it, protecting the thing from sun, rain and even thieves. Yes, it even has an alarm that goes off if anyone tries to go past the attractive looking orange protective shell.
There’s nothing wrong with the idea of protecting your ride and this actually looks like a practical concept despite the fact that it makes any two-wheeler look like the half of a pimp’s Cadillac.
For the NaSty concept, GPDesign has taken Suzuki’s entry-level naked bike, the Gladius, and made their best in turning it into a supermoto version. Focusing on technology and innovation to enhance the design and emphasize safety, the NaSty concept also has the purpose of keeping riders interested in the bike as it is claimed to be very versatile.
Among its most important features we find the 2.75-inch taller seat. The sporty looking unit is actually made of alcantara leather and it is water resistant, so quality was definitely taken into consideration. Also, they’ve added supermoto handlebars with handguards and everything. These lasts together with the tall front fender and front plastic body parts do make the Gladius in its NaSty form even easier to love.
At the back, an aftermarket exhaust and a new plate holder do the trick. What’s best about this concept is that it features fluorescent paint on the rims, tank and handguards, which makes the thing more visible at night and implicit much safer to ride. Good idea!
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