The oversized, offroad-ready Brutus (seen here) didn't quite make our 10 Bikes That Matter list... and you can probably see why.
Though it claims dominance over all variety of surfaces, the Brutus is more of a two-wheeled SUV equivalent than a traditional motorcycle. This bad boy rides on balloonishly big Maxxis Bighorn tires measuring 7 inches wide at the rear, making this hulking behemoth a rolling paradox of freedom and encumbrance, all at once.
Boasting options including a reverse gear, a winch, a generator (cuz, well, you never know...), and-- no joke-- a snowmobile conversion kit, this Rokon on 'roids is nothing short of an engineering oddity aimed at adventure seeking maximalists. Powering this beast is a liquid-cooled 750cc single claiming 45 hp, coupled to a scooter-style CVT. Incidentally, the big-boned rig is the brainchild of Alessandro Tartarini, son of the founder of the Italjet motorcycle manufacturer. It's only (arguable) saving grace? A curb weight of 485 lbs-- which, frankly, could have been much heavier.
Whether or not this two-wheeled SUV is your cup of tea won't be a relevant debate until spring of 2013, when the company says it will hit the market... but that doesn't mean it won't inspire not-so-quiet judgment before then.
Source: Wired
Related:
Photo © Brutus; click to enlarge
Look up “Answer to the question no one asked”, and there’s your definition.
This would be the grown-up version of the 1970′s Suzuki Rover, which had fat tires, a tire pump and an optional rear-side mounted canteen for extra fuel.
“rolling paradox of freedom and encumbrance” great line.
But seriously, what the hell is this thing? How can you winch something on two wheels? And why not get an ATV?
I’m with Pete and Hooger, WTF!
Cool! I ride a 2006 Ninja 500R and am a “year-rounder.” I’m fortunate because Colorado’s winters are mild and in Denver the interstates and arteries are usually dry shortly after a storm. The main challenge is getting TO those main roads from the side streets and sometimes I have to chip out a small trench in the ice just to get out of my parking lot. It must be a blast to ride this thing through champagne powder! I’d never heard of the “Rokon” brand until I saw the episode of “Pawn Stars” where the guys bought one and had it refurbished.
Post apocalyptic zombie machine. You’ll need one soon. Optional shotgun scabbard.
is it a rocon? does it have two wheel drive ? to bad it doesn’t have fuel & water storage like the old Rocon LOOKS like it could be a great bacwoods or desert hauler for a real motor cyle rider. after all quades are for people that can’t ride
Never been on a ‘quade’….or a motor cyle for that matter.
Chip…good idea…but not a shot gun. Nothing less than Ma Deuce bolted to the bars.
Actually, the ‘old Rokon’ is still in business, as ‘rugged’ as ever (with some neat drive advancements on that front wheel, actually). That’s actually why I stopped to look at this article, I figured they had proto’d a ‘racier style’ in low volume (pun intended – if you know anything about their current volumes). Actually, if it was a Rokon, it would make it even cooler, they would then give you all the integrated accessories, like side-cars, generator mounts, hollow drum wheels (for water or fuel storage) and that shotgun scabbard, for soon, when the zombies attack, of course.