We are in the final days of Confederate Motors, as the Alabama-based company just debuted its last motorcycle: the FA-13 Combat Bomber. Once the uniquely styled cruiser is sold out though, a new company will be formed: Curtiss Motorcycles.
The name Curtiss is a nod to aviator Glenn Curtiss, who before he battled with the Wright Brothers for control of the sky, was an avid motorcycle builder and motorcycle racer.
Like its namesake, Curtiss Motorcycles will be looking to the future, and thus its first model will be an all-electric motorcycle.
As such, Curtiss Motorcycles has partnered with Zero Motorcycles to build the Hercules, an electric motorcycle with two Zero motors. This should produce roughly 175hp and 290 lbs•ft of peak torque.
Confederate President H. Matthew Chambers is quoted by the Los Angeles Times as saying that the Confederate brand was no longer viable in the current political atmosphere, and that a change was needed in order to continue.
“I think we lost a lot a business with that name,” Chambers told the Los Angeles Times. “We’ve missed out on branding opportunities. So, it’s time to retire it.”
It is not clear when we will see the first model from Curtiss Motorcycles roll out of the shop – it may even be built at Zero’s California headquarters – but early reports that the design a low and sporty cruiser, similar to what Confederate built a reputation for producing, like the B120 Wraith shown above.
Source: LA Times
