Levis (Le-Viss not Lee-Vize) was a pre-WWII motorcycle maker (1911–1940) producing both two-stroke and four-stroke machines. With the craze of the British designs and brands taking mainstage in the industry currently, Levis is having a grand comeback in the most modern fashion and will join the likes of Ariel, BSA, Brough, Hesketh, Matchless, and Norton.

Set to be launched later in 2018, the Birmingham company is bringing out its new creation, the Levis V6 Cafe Racer. As you might have already guessed, it will run a V6 configuration with an incredibly narrow 22-degree V-angle, producing a decent 120bhp and 130ftlb of torque.

STYLING

Showcased as a prototype, the dramatic body of the unconventional café-racer is quite evident. Shiny chrome everywhere hinders our ability to enjoy the bold designs of this exotic machine. Of course, some of it might not make it to the final production model but given the fact that this thing costs six figures, don’t think Levis will slip anywhere.

CNC machined from solid aluminum billet front forks, yokes, hand controls, radial calipers and headlamp units heighten the appeal of the V6 Racer. The wheels themselves are made from two solid billets halves to keep the weights low. The sides are bolted together from inside the rim, so no fixings are visible from the outside. The steel brakes come with the Levis logo etched into the outer surface at the end of each of the six spokes.

The unique construction will have the brake and clutch cylinders embedded into the top yoke design to give a clean, minimal look. It is surprising how the folks at Levis managed to build this V6 mill as narrow as it is. Tucked in neatly under the belly, it lets out tailpipes having a slim, clean look all the way from the head to the end-tip, thanks to the tiny catalytic converters right next to each cylinder head.

Round headlamp setup with LED’s lined around gives the bike a rakish ‘80s appeal. But the LCD / TFT instrumentation positioned atop the fuel tank screams modern. Highlighted with leather textured red accents around it, the material continues down through the fuel tank, which we believe might not make it into the final production model.

Other places with red accents include the saddle, brake calipers, engine covers, leather handle grips and suspension springs. The lightweight frame has interchangeable stainless panels allowing these to be finished differently to the frame according to the owner’s choice. The color, finish, leatherwork, wheels, exhaust, etc. can all be tailored to personal preference resulting in a motorcycle that is truly unique to the individual.

Overall Dimension

POWERTRAIN

Since the V10 engine (the basis of all Levis models) is modular in design, it can be made in a V8, V6, V4 or V2 configuration just by eliminating the plates in the block. The V8 and V6 design were chosen for future Levis models which included a cruiser, urban roadster, tracker and sports versions.

The strikingly narrow 1200cc V6 unit has a single block construction design which is currently undergoing advanced prototyping and testing to get a Euro4 homologation having completed the block, head, and internal component design. The intake and induction designs are being finalized as you read this.

The final production engine will be a narrow 22-degree angle engine which is mounted longitudinally in the frame. It will be producing a decent 120 hp and 130 ft-lb of torque. The firing order reduces harmonic imbalances for a smooth running engine. The mill does away with the need of a starter motor and alternator since it features a unique rear flywheel-pulley-counterbalance and will only have a timing wheel, nose balance weight and a radial fan to keep the profile as narrow as possible.

The six-speed gearbox has been designed and developed in-house whose casing is machine built from solid aluminum billet. This gearbox is designed to suit all future models of Levis with a possible change in ratios and will be shaft-driven. The sixth gear would be an overdrive running at 33% engine speed. Slipper clutch and quick shifter availability is yet to be seen.

Engine Specification

RIDE AND HANDLING

This V6 Café Racer will have a stainless-steel tubular frame with a Hossack-style front-end suspension unit that is made out of billet aluminum. It will be designed, manufactured and assembled in-house at the firm’s Isle of Man unit along with the wheels, gearbox, and swingarm.

The machine gets a stainless steel curved main frame made from scratch and tethers the engine supporting it at the top front and rear with a lower cradle mount for the gearbox. The single-sided swingarm is synced to a massive 18” aluminum wheel with massive 200-section rear tire. The 305mm diameter front brake discs and rear disc are machined from stainless steel.

The single front and rear shock absorbers are specially built by a leading UK shock absorber manufacturer and are fully adjustable for preload and rebound. Levis will also make the electronic systems in-house including the ABS, traction control and the ECU using the vast experience gained during their supercar builds.

Chassis Specifications

PRICE

Levis has already put a price tag on it, and it sure is not cheap. The café-racer will carry a £102,000 ($ 132,000) tag and gets itself in the exotic range. Only six units will be made in the first batch, and Levis plans to build 52 of them for the second. They have opened bookings for the Racer.

The pre-production model will be seen at the Salon Prive at Blenheim Palace next month, and the final production model will be first showcased at the Goodwood Revival event in September 2018.

COMPETITION

Ducati Diavel S

First showcased at the EICMA motor show in Milan 2015, the xDiavel took all eyeballs for a trippy show. Long and low, with sleek and sexy lines, forward controls and a low seat height, this bike was something totally new from the Italian company known the world over for blending impeccable design and high-performance machines. Something like putting purists into a realm of more content and less bitter.

The premium ’S’ model elevates things further with its contrast-cut machined timing belt covers (similar in appearance to the Scrambler) and wheels, DRL, forks with DLC coating, Brembo M50 front brake calipers, a special seat, parts with machine - finished highlights and a lot more which really give the X a polished look.

The DVT setup gives the best of both worlds: a flatter and more linear power character without sacrificing performance. It charges at a peppy 95 pound-feet of torque arriving at 5000 rpm and peaking at 156 hp @ 9500 rpm where the red line is near the 10000 rpm marking. Mated to a slick-shifting six-speed gearbox, top speed is claimed to be above 160 mph and is capable of a 0-60 under 2.5 seconds. It makes use of a conventional belt final drive instead of the typical chain assembly.

It is electronically packed with the brutal Ducati Power Launch (DPL) system, individual engine power maps (Urban, Touring, and Sport), 8-way adjustable traction control and the Ducati’s Panigale style IMU allows total control of the bike in every possible riding situation you can think of getting onto with this bike.

The Thrilling Black x Diavel S currently retails at $ 23,495 and the ’not-so-evil’ Iceberg white will cost you $ 23,795.

VERDICT

“The Levis ethos is to be different, to tread a new path, not to follow others!” is how the brand describes itself. Levis will not be a mass production unit but will instead strive to provide the highest quality of design, engineering and customer service catered by a passionate group of individuals.

This concept model shown here is just a mockup to test the ergonomics, look and proportions and to trial/test fit the various parts that are specially built for this unique model. The final production model will definitely have many tweaks and detail changes made to achieve the maximum refinement and sophistication.

With this Café-Racer, Levis is poised to make a grand return to the world of two wheels and plans of a five-bike range in the future. The New Levis V6 Cafe Racer and a Roadster model are due to be launched in 2018 and will cater to the elite class of customers.