One of the few exotic motorcycle manufacturers, Confederate Motors, had a pretty successful run in their 26-year tenure, apart from a brief bankruptcy days in 2001-2003. They made extremely high-powered, big V-twin motorcycle models including the Hellcat, Wraith, Combat Fighter and the Combat Bomber, all of which catered to the uber-rich class of customers.

This year, the brand announced that they will be switching to electric powertrain rather than combustion engines and will be renamed as “Curtiss Motorcycle Co.” with effect from January 2018. The name change is due to the business impact of association with the US Confederacy.

The company first started operation in Baton Rouge, Louisiana in 1991 and shifted bases to San Francisco, New Orleans and finally settled in Birmingham, Alabama. Being an exclusive maker, the company managed to sell altogether 775 motorcycles and each one costs anywhere between $90,000 and $120,000.

No wonder you don’t see many Confederates’ on the road.

Now, partnering with Zero Motorcycles, Curtiss will develop high powered electric motorcycles, starting from the Hercules cruiser that is set to launch on 5th May 2018. It will feature a twin-motor arrangement and a modular built chassis that will streamline production costs.

This means the boutique brand can offer motorcycles to other customers too and bring newer models to the market quickly. The Hercules will also get an all-new state-of-the-art suspension arrangement and better safety package to keep you from making a mess out there.

"The all-new powertrain packages in a classical proportion, lower, narrower, and with superior weight management than any other. The geometry and ergonomics are classic as well, empowering the rider with effortless control, speed, handling, and comfort." is how they like to describe their new project.

Why the name ‘Curtiss’? Well, there is a legend behind that.

Glenn Curtis was an early 20th-century inventor during the same age as the Wright Brothers. He built and raced motorcycles and was dubbed the “Fastest Man on Earth” in 1907 after he rode a V8-powered Hercules motorcycle built by his company.