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New French Motorcycle Manufacturer - Wakan |
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File under New Products France
Author: Mike Werner
Location: Normandy, France
Via: Moto Revue
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It's strange how a country that admires motorcycles and its riders as much as France, only has one road motorcycle manufacturer (Voxan) and one trial manufacturer (Scorpa). With large car manufacturers such as Renault, Citroen and Peugeot, and millions of motorcycle/scooter riders, you'd expect several manufacturers of motorcycles (and I mean large scale ones, not specialized shops who turn out one or two a month).
It was therefore a surprise when I opened last week's edition of the French motorcycle magazine Moto Revue. In it, they had a scoop ! A new French motorcycle manufacturer !! Called Wakan 1640, this new motorcycle is a monster; 115 hp, 15,87 mKg and weighting only 177 kilos (390 pounds) ! And what's more, it looks sexy !!
Inspired by the AC Cobra from Shelby, designer Joel Domergue has produced a motorcycle with a 1640 cc V2 engine. The styling is more cafe racer than cruiser. The engine is produced by the American company S&S.
The 13 liter gas tank has been placed under the saddle, moving its center of gravity low and center. The motorcycle itself is kind-of small; 1337 mm (52.6 inches) long and a saddle height of 790 mm (31.1 inches), so it's meant more for medium length people than giants.
The first 15 units will be ready for customers in October of this year. They will be equipped with carburetors, while future models will have fuel injection (in order to respect the strict anti-pollution norm Euro3). The initial production will be made available in United States, Australia, Germany and the Uk.
The Wakan name comes from an Indian tribe in the Dakotas who called then supreme being Wakan.
If you're interested in buying, or distributing the Wakan motorcycles, contact Joel at his website below.
Click here to access their website (in English).
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