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Common Tread

A cruiser fit for a Russian strongman

May 30, 2018

Imagine a motorcycle built for a Russian strongman and you probably would come up with something like the bike above. And you'd be right, apparently.

The Russian corporation Rostec, working with Kalashnikov, the company better known as Russia's largest small arms maker and the maker of the AK-47 rifle, built this concept motorcycle. News reports last week from the International Economic Forum in St. Petersburg, Russia, quoted Rostec CEO Sergey Chemezov as saying the Izh motorcycles will be part of Vladimir Putin's official escort beginning next year.

Seems appropriate. For a manly head of state known for being photographed riding horses without a shirt and for occasionally benefiting from the sudden disappearance of his critics, a long, low, black motorcycle projects an appropriately sinister air.

Izh concept motorcycle
The Izh being tested on the track. Kalashnikov photo.

The spec sheet is sparse (maybe it's classified?), but Kalashnikov, which built the prototype, did provide a few numbers. The motorcycle is nine and a half feet long and weighs a ground-hugging 1,124 pounds. I'm sure the weight has to do with the fact that like the other vehicles in Putin's motorcade, the Izh is built to be bullet-proof, and I'm referring to ballistics, not mechanical reliability. Despite the heft, Kalashnikov claims it will do 0-60 (well, 0-100 kph, actually) in 3.5 seconds, thanks to its 133 foot-pounds of torque. Top speed is reported to be 155 mph.

Kalashnikov gives no details on what's under the shrouds covering the engine, except to say it's an "opposed," gas-powered engine. The latter is worth specifying, since the company has also produced electric motorcycles for police and military use. I'm presuming the engine is liquid-cooled, based on the appearance, and perhaps a flat four-cylinder design.

This video, shot by Kalashnikov, shows the bike on the track that hosted the Formula One Russian Grand Prix.

Chemezov, a long-time ally of Putin's who has been subject to U.S. economic sanctions in the past, said Rostec could potentially put the motorcycle into mass production. But for now, the only way you'll be riding one is if you're clearing the way for the president of Russia.