Founded in 2001 under the premises of Donald Atchinson (Denver, Colorado), Ecosse Moto Works Inc. is dedicated to the manufacture of exclusive motorcycles with the highest technology, combining craftsmanship and balance with adjustments and technical solutions that border on perfection. His first steps focused on perfecting several prototypes with titanium chassis, carbon fiber, aluminum alloys and other ultralight components.
The first “production” bike would arrive a few years later. Although it was introduced at the end of 2007, the Ecosse Spirit ES1 is still the most expensive motorcycle in the world, new at least. With a price tag of nearly $3 million, this superbike has been touted as not only the most expensive to own, but also one of the most special ones one could buy. It is practically impossible for two to exist alike.
This British-origin design promised to establish the fundamental principles of a superbike inspired by the world of Formula 1. It's not just power, it's aerodynamics and low weight. Designer Dick Glover, formerly of the McLaren F1 team, had done computer simulations where everything known about the world of two wheels would be discarded in favor of making a unique bike, the best in the world to race on circuits.
No frame and no fork, just one swing arm per axle that is bolted to the lower end of the drive. The handlebar would be connected to the stock and front wheel by links in a central steering arrangement. The fuel tank, instead of being under the rider's chest, is under the rider's ass, in a noticeably smaller position than on a conventional superbike. In this way, the bike can have a narrower design.
In terms of riding position, the rider can have his legs closer together, fully coupled to the bodywork. The fairing molds are made to measure for each driver. Not even the drivetrain is conventional, with two chains pulling on each other to clear space so the rider's feet are as close to the bike and the ground as possible without compromising lean angle. Suspension came from F1-inspired torsion bars, more compact than coil springs. Without forks, the radiators can benefit from better ventilation.
Viewed from above, the ES1 has smooth straight lines, starting from a narrow front end to an even narrower tail. Even the rear wheel has a fairing to further improve the airflow. According to simulation programs, the frontal area is 28% smaller than that of the Suzuki GSX-1300R Hayabusa and its aerodynamic drag is 50% less than that of a conventional superbike. Mr. Glover predicted that it could go around the Montmeló circuit one second faster than an equivalent motorcycle in power.
And it is that, under its impressive fairing, there is a 1,000 cubic centimeter inline four-cylinder engine with 170 hp, capable of launching the motorcycle at a top speed of 337 km/h. The brand claims that, with a few small tweaks, it could reach 210 hp and a maximum 386 km/h; the origin of the mechanics has not been specified. Not bad to move just 120 kilos of mass. It's all about optimizing space.
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