When you think of motorcycles, Aston Martin is unlikely to be one of the brands that pops up in your mind, and yet here it is: a $120,000 motorcycle (when new) without a headlight, wearing the famous wings, built not as an afterthought, but as a statement.
The AMB 001 is Aston Martin’s first motorcycle. Built in collaboration with Brough Superior, the legendary British marque once dubbed the “Rolls-Royce of Motorcycles,” production of this track-only bike is limited to just 100 examples worldwide.
While Aston Martin cut its teeth in the pre-war Grand Prix scene in the early part of the 20th century, George Brough’s motorcycles were shattering 100mph at the high-speed Brooklands course. Now revived in France, Brough Superior built each AMB 001 by hand and this particular example, chassis No. 073, is currently up for auction through Sotheby’s Motorsport (SOMO), with bidding open until July 16 at 5:15 PM EDT.
Being offered by Strada Motorsports in Schaumburg, Illinois, this bike is made from lightweight carbon fiber and billet aluminum. The 001 tips the scales at just 396 pounds dry (180 kg). For some context, typical liter-class motorcycles weigh between 400 and 500 pounds. As for performance, at the AMB 001’s core is a turbocharged 997cc V-twin engine that produces 180 horsepower, with E98 race fuel feeding the motor.
If you’re into ratios, that’s one horsepower per kilogram, which sounds vaguely terrifying. A 1:1 power-to-weight is extremely rare, even in the performance world, and can be found on cars like the Koenigsegg One:1 and the Czinger 21C.
Now, there’s neither a speedometer nor a rev counter. Just three lights: oil, fuel, neutral, and a smartphone mount where the dash should be. You can pair your phone via Bluetooth to look at your speed and revs. Everything else is stripped away in the name of purity. The saddle is a minimal leather strap. The front end features Fior-type forks, which are more aircraft than motorcycle. The braking system and chassis are hand-finished by Brough Superior. Michelin Power Slick 2 tires provide grip.
Now, to be fair, the AMB 001 isn’t the first time car and motorcycle cultures have collided. Dodge once bolted a Viper V10 into the Tomahawk, a $550,000 concept bike with four wheels. Allen Millyard built a fully functional motorcycle powered by a Dodge Viper V10 in his shed, and in terms of some truly radical engineering, Bimota’s Tesi 3D reimagined steering geometry with hub-centered front suspension.
More recently, even Lamborghini partnered with Italian sportsbike maker Ducati, under the same corporate VW Group umbrella, to produce $68,000 limited-run motorcycle like the Streetfighter V4. But unlike those, the Aston Martin AMB 001 is a bespoke collector-grade machine with real racing pedigree behind it.
For those who already own the car, the yacht, the helicopter, this could very well be the next indulgence. A collector-grade machine built in collaboration with one of Britain’s most revered motorcycle marques, this exquisite example finished in exposed gloss carbon with gold accents in showroom condition, and extensive service records, presents the opportunity to acquire and invest in something truly special.
