Switzerland’s Feline Motorcycles to Launch in 2016

With long-standing motorcycle makers and the rebirth of some grand old marques jockeying for market share in an intensely competitive industry, it takes guts and passion to bring out a new motorcycle these days. Feline Motorcycles, the creation of designer Yacouba out of Switzerland, apparently has both.

Yacouba Galle is a French designer, test pilot, journalist, with a strong passion for motorsports. Earlier this week, he introduced his Feline One motorcycle, an ultra-high tech, very limited production item with lines inspired by the panther.

Four years in development, the Feline is the synthesis of modern design, with extensive use of modern materials and manufacturing processes. For example, carbon fiber is utilized in the chassis, front fork, rear single-side swingarm, rims and fairing. Titanium also finds use in the chassis and exhaust system. Aerospace grade aluminum is utilized in the perimeter frame. The extensive use of those high-tech, lightweight materials achieves a dry weight of only 341.7 lb.

Yacouba touts the aesthetics as the main innovation in the bike’s design, owing to the clean lines, prominent girder-style fork with a reverse leading-link suspension system and the hook-shaped rear aspect. Rear suspension uses a mono-shock and single-sided carbon fiber swing arm.

Power comes from an 801cc four stroke triple producing a claimed 170 horsepower. Specifics about the power plant beyond that, including the manufacturer, are not available at this time. Power goes to the ground via a six speed transmission; clutch type and activation means are not described. Instrumentation is in the form of a high definition digital dashboard fully customizable features.

The front tire is 120/70 – ZR 17, and the rear tire is a 200/50 – ZR 17, though no specific brand is described in the product information.

“Much more than a motorcycle, Feline is the combination of sophistication and high technology for highly demanding customers looking for innovative and unique novelties,” Yacouba explains.

“For 10 years I tested the best machines around the world and my conclusion has been to make a synthesis of two worlds : the best that I encountered and my vision of the motorbike of the future, FELINE was born !”

The launch of the Feline One model is planned for early 2016 with production limited to 50 numbered machines. MSRP starts at $ 280,000.,

Feline One Tech Specs:

• Engine: 3-cylinder, 4-stroke
• Displacement: 801cc
• Horsepower: 170 horsepower
• Transmission: 6-speed gearbox
• Exhaust system: Titanium
• Frame: Titanium, carbon fiber and aerospace aluminum
• Fork: Dual carbon swingarms with twin shocks with fiber spring, anti-dive
• Rear swingarm: Single-side, carbon fiber, mono-shock with fiber spring
• Rims: Carbon fiber
• Front brake: 4-discs Ø 230 mm, with 4-pistons calipers
• Rear brake: Single disc Ø 220 mm
• Front tire: 120/70 – ZR 17
• Rear tire: 200/50 – ZR 17
• Fairing: Carbon fiber
• Wheelbase: 55.1” (1400 mm)
• Saddle height: 31.8” (808 mm)
• Dry weight: 341.7 lb. (155 kg)