“The MotoCzysz C1 presents unique advantages in terms of motorcycle dynamics that deserve to reach the marketplace. It’s not until you ride it that you realize how much improved its handling and performance are compared to a conventional in-line four.” – Alan Cathcart
Alan Cathcart, the most experienced motorcycle journalist in the world, rode the 08 990 C1 last Saturday (10-18-08). Mr. Cathcart was one of the 3 original journalists to test the first Proof of Concept bike. This was his first time to see, hear and ride the latest spec, pre-production C1 – Alan was very impressed and his comments echo those of earlier test riders, like Jeremy McWilliams, who called the C1 “the best turning bike ever”.
Alan tested the MotoCzysz C1 at the Reno-Fernley racetrack in Fernley, Nevada. Though the track officials could not have been more accommodating, the track itself was extremely rough and very bumpy; conditions that helped illustrate the benefits of the C1.
MotoCzysz has a very stiff frame coupled with controlled flex of critical suspension points. This is contrary to the industry standard of flexible frames. It gives the rider a solid platform to work from and lowers the flex points closer to the source, effectively reducing “unsprung” or “unflexed” weight. The result – the rider better feels and understands the circuit conditions and available grip while still feeling in control of the motorcycle, compared to other bikes used as benchmarks that felt displaced and vague.
In addition, Alan also commented on what we feel has been one of the C1’s unique characteristics – power delivery. Unlike all other motorcycles available today, MotoCzysz effectively decoupled the engine’s torque and gyroscopic forces from the chassis. This means that there is no handling effects due to hard acceleration. As Alan commented – under acceleration, the bike does not change trajectory (push wide). It simply just accelerates on the line you choose.
Look for Alan Cathcart’s full riding impressions of the C1, published in magazines around the world.
He is the best indeed as you state. Way to go Alan, Michael and the whole team.
I keep watching, and I keep being amazed.
look forward to the upcoming article
Michael:
Just finished watching the Discovery special. There are two things that I want to say,
1. Beautiful Bike
2. What you and your team have achieved so far is truly inspiring. You guys made the phrase “thinking outside the box” come to life, right in front of me. Godspeed to you and your team.
I too just stayed up past my bedtime watching that special. If it wasn’t for the 1″ of fresh Chicago snow outside I would dig my track bike out of the garage and take it for a spin! So inspiring to see the drive to go against the odds and build something completely fresh.
Your Discovery show gave me goose bumps. I felt your passion and will definitely be supportive of your brand once it is in my price range…if it ever is. What an amazing thing you have achieved.
My wife and I follow this story very closly… We can both remember when we saw the prototype a few years back at Sears Point Raceway. We swore, it was one motorcycle, an umbrella, a small truck and a dry-erase board that simply said “come back at noon and i’ll start it..”
I wish motoczysz all the best in the world…..
Well where are you at on the C1 ?
We all are awaiting another update, Good luck on this venture
bonjour à tous & toutes
mes meilleures vÅ“ux de réussites et de prospérités pour l’ensemble du motoczysz-clan !!
que 2009 réalise de grande choses pour vous Michael ,votre famille,vos collaborateurs et les partenaires
ainsi que,tous les lecteur du blog
OK; je viens de lire ,avec intérêt, le reportage sur : http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2008/Dec/081227mikecyz.htm
belle année 2009 aux fan’s du z4 !!
You really need to update the blog/website.
Michael & Terry:
I am so proud and amazed how far you have come. Not to mention the fact that you are actually living your dream! It’s in your blood and you are going for it! I couldn’t be happier for you. Your grandfather/father would have been so proud. Now the motorcycle once displayed above the fireplace makes total sense!
I wish you, your team, and your families nothing but the best of success!
Ok, from a blog perspective 2008 was kind of dull here, with bits of excitement. However they were few and far between. I recently read an interview with MC on another website, but it was never posted here. What’s up with that? Someone needs to write a new episode soon or I am not going to tune in anymore.
Exactly who do I need to sleep with to ride the C1?? Just kidding (maybe), anyways, awesome work and good luck come race day.
The innovative designs incorporated into the C1, must certainly raise the performance ceiling for motorcycles. What’s needed is for some of these elements to be utilized by much less expensive production bikes. A major manufacturer can supply the kind of money needed to bring the engine to it’s full potential. Electrics may be the future, but the internal combustion engine is not going to go quietly. Digital watches were the future and where did all the handcrafted analog watches go? Still here and selling quite nicely. The Z-line Four engine with it’s torque and gyro decoupling is too good to just evaporate. I hope that a major manufacturer can license the technology and bring it into mass production. With an engine like that in a $10,000 sportbike, nobody would want to ride anything else but for the shear fun value alone.
It is great what you are doing. Other manufactures are scared to build there own engine. I support American companies, like fischer and Buell (I hope Buell returns) but you are doing exactly what I wish they were doing. You are not copying anyone, and you are building something to not only compete, but win. If there was a sixty thousand dollar version of this bike to go against the Ducati desmo whatever, and maybe a eighteen thousand dollar version to take out bikes like the 1189, it would be wonderfull. If your motorcycle is ever in my price range, you have a customer… But I am in the army lol, so it may be awhile yet. Keep up the good work, and keep America proud!
I’ve been following your efforts since the first C1 prototype, and I believe what you have been trying to do over the years, despite all the hardships and setbacks, is absolutely amazing! MotoCzysz has my utmost admiration.
I was wondering….now that the rules for MotoGP will likely soon allow a 1,000cc engine displacement and production-based engines as well as pure prototypes, will MotoCzysz once again consider developing the C1 for MotoGP racing? Is it even an option to consider?? I realize it is very much a long shot (to say the least), and can understand how funding must be extremely scarce, and that the company has refocused it’s energies on the electric motorcycle industry. But I would love nothing more than to see MotoCzysz compete in the MotoGP series. It would be truly special.
Best of luck on all your future endeavors, whatever they may be.