Shelby Fans, There's a Bike for You
February 2007 - Driving Today:
Those who are fans of the famed Shelby Cobra 427 S/C might well be interested in a performance motorcycle that recently debuted. The bike is a collaboration between Shelby Automobiles and Rucker Performance, and it was unveiled at the Cincinnati V-Twin Expo in Cincinnati, Ohio.
"It's no secret that stuffing a powerful American motor into a lightweight chassis has been my formula for success," noted Carroll Shelby, CEO of Shelby Automobiles. "Working with Bill Rucker and his team, we've taken this same approach on the new Shelby motorcycle. My team at Shelby Automobiles has worked closely with Rucker Performance to create a motorcycle that offers the same thrill as driving my cobra."
The specs of the pro-stock style bike make any enthusiast's heart beat faster. Racing-style front forks and a high performance braking system with ceramic brake rotors make it nimble, while the Pingel 1-6 electric shifting system and air ride suspension make it comfortable. To keep the bike svelte, the upper body and wheels were built of carbon fiber with Superform create the aluminum body panels.
The heart of the bike is a new S&S X-Wedge 128 c.i.d. engine with closed loop VFI fuel injection that churns out a healthy 150 horsepower. Rucker Performance is one of only five manufacturers to have access to the powerful new engine, and one of the first applications is the new Shelby motorcycle. Each "Shelby" motorcycle can be custom painted according to the owner's personal tastes and includes a special edition logo. In addition, a complete line of "Shelby" merchandise including apparel, accessories and limited edition collector’s items will be available. Production of the "Shelby" will include up to 25 motorcycles that will be available for purchase by the third quarter of this year. Production of a second round of bikes will begin in the fall.
