Motorcycles

McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

A sleek, modern motorcycle with a reflective, polished metal body and minimalist design sits on a gray studio floor, resembling a piece of futuristic sculpture.

By Khris Bharath – July 27, 2025

Only 9 Will Exist: A Futuristic Aluminum Sculpture You Ca...

Over the past few weeks, we shared in-depth features on two exotic-looking two-wheeled machines, the AMB001 developed by Brough Superior that was up for auction on our sister-site Sotheby’s Motorsport (SOMO), and the one-off #HF355 Ferrari V8-powered custom creation built by L.A.-based fabricator Maxwell Hazan. Now, based on the response, it’s clear that you lot are drawn to motorcycles that break convention, and continuing in that spirit, let’s turn our attention to what is perhaps one of the most captivating limited-edition bikes of the year: this is the Ducati 821 by Vietnam-based Bandit9. Originally commissioned by a San Francisco collector who admired Bandit9’s sci-fi-inspired EVE Odyssey, this machine is the product of a singular vision of Van Daryl Vicente Villanueva, the Founder and Design Chief of Bandit9. With a 15-year background in design, Daryl brings a wealth of experience, and under his direction, Bandit9 has evolved into a sculptural motorcycle atelier redefining what vehicles can be. Bridging the gap between industrial design and fine art, some of his previous works have been displayed at the Petersen Automotive Museum and covered by global design platforms including MoMA. Built on the bones of a Ducati Monster 821, discontinued in 2017, this unique build is a complete reimagining of the original Italian naked motorcycle, with every panel, surface, redesigned and handcrafted to fit within a singular, monolithic aesthetic. The unibody fairing is shaped from hand-polished aluminum, and the single-seat cowl is formed from carbon fiber. The entire silhouette gives the impression of liquid metal flowing over a performance machine that was shaped for slicing through a wind tunnel. Coming to the oily bits, beneath that futuristic aerodynamic skin lies Ducati’s proven 821cc Testastretta engine, delivering 110 horsepower and 65.8 pound-feet of torque, allowing for a 0 to 60 mph sprint in just 3.3 seconds and a top speed of 125 mph. With the 11° V-twin powerplant sitting in a custom steel trellis and cast aluminum frame, the bike weighs just 386 pounds dry. This positions the Bandit9 Ducati 821 in an interesting middle ground. While it’s lighter than full-size sport-touring bikes like the BMW R 1250 RS (which tips the scales at over 520 pounds), it is slightly heavier than ultra-focused track machines like the Yamaha R6, which comes in closer to 370 pounds. For context, the standard naked Ducati Monster 821 weighs about 395 pounds dry, meaning Bandit9 has actually managed to shed weight despite the radical transformation by the addition of a full fairing and that completely reworked aerodynamic body. This translates to a power-to-weight ratio of roughly 0.285 hp per pound. For comparison, a stock Monster 821 sits at about 0.278 hp/lb, and the Yamaha R6, despite being a popular track tool, delivers closer to 0.26 hp/lb. While some exotic bikes chase ultra-light numbers to boost agility, often sacrificing comfort, road presence, or high-speed stability, Bandit9 is gunning for the sweet spot. The extra weight, especially when combined with the long, sculpted and aggressive riding position, should give the bike a planted, confident feel through fast sweepers and downhill sections. Additionally, the 4.23-gallon fuel tank provides a usable 145-mile range, and Bandit9 intends for this bike to be ridden both on the road and on the track. Aiding the dynamics is a chassis equipped with 43mm Sachs forks up front and an adjustable Sachs mono-shock at the rear, while braking is handled by twin 320mm slotted Brembo discs with monobloc calipers in front and a 245mm disc at the rear, with ABS providing the necessary safety margin during aggressive braking. Every visual and functional element has been crafted to blend seamlessly into the overall form, right from the custom-milled aluminum fuel cap and fork covers to the internally routed cables, LED lighting that disappears into the bodywork when not in use, and an integrated exhaust that also seamlessly blends into the body. With only nine examples planned for production, each priced at $44,900 (including the donor motorcycle), it may seem like a substantial premium when you consider the current Monster range starts at just $12,995. But the Bandit9 Ducati 821 is made for those who appreciate exclusivity, obsessive craftsmanship, futuristic design, and high-performance engineering all coming together in one single cohesive form. View All Ducatis For Sale Images Source: Bandit9, Ducati

A bespoke superbike with a massive exposed Ferrari V8 engine stands parked outdoors on two wheels, surrounded by cars and buildings in the background.

By Khris Bharath – July 20, 2025

1-of-1 #HF355: When A Ferrari V8 Meets Two Wheels In A Be...

Last week, we featured the AMB 001 built by Brough Superior, a limited-run superbike designed in partnership with Aston Martin, that was recently up for auction on Sotheby’s Motorsport (SOMO). This week, we’re diving into something even wilder: a one, Ferrari-powered motorcycle that rewrites every rule in the book. Known as the #HF355, it was built by Maxwell Hazan. Now, if you follow the high-end custom fabrication scene, you should be familiar with Hazan’s bespoke choppers and more. An engineer, artist, and problem solver, the L.A.-based fabricator’s work beautifully bridges the car and bike worlds in the #HF355. We’ve seen car-meets-motorcycle formats before, with builds like the Dodge Tomahawk concept. But when it comes to Ferrari in particular, we haven't had much luck, outside of the and the Maserati-Powered Lazareth LM 847. For decades, Ducati and MV Agusta, based in San Marino, have been called the Ferraris of the motorcycle world, not just because they’re Italian, but because they exude that same obsession for form, and emotion, that we’ve come to expect from Ferrari. The #HF355, though, is the closest thing to a prancing horse on two wheels, and at its heart sits a 3.5-liter V8 from the mid-engine Ferrari 355 with individual throttle bodies, built into a bespoke motorcycle chassis. Hazan stripped it of any excess weight and then built the bike around it. There is no frame; instead, everything bolts directly onto the engine and transmission, and even the fuel tank is structural. That’s how he was able to keep the dry weight around 550 pounds, with the engine alone weighing just 237 pounds in stripped form, according to Hazan. View this post on Instagram A post shared by maxwellhazan (@maxwellhazan) The stock engine puts out around 400 horsepower, and weight is 550 pounds dry (590 wet), and if we’re doing the math right, thats a power-to-weight ratio of ~1.47 lbs/hp, which on paper, should make it one of the most extreme performance machines ever built. For some context, that is better than an F1 car (~1.68) and on par with the Kawasaki Ninja H2R (~1.53). Of course, without the electronics, aero, and downforce of an F1 car or MotoGP bike, taming that ratio on two wheels would be challenging, but in terms of raw numbers? It is mighty impressive. Serviceability was a priority for Hazan, not an afterthought .Because the engine uses a dry sump system, the oiling is packaged up top, which frees up space, reduces complexity, and keeps everything accessible. Heat? Not really a problem. The engine originally lived in a 3,500-pound road car packed with insulation, AC lines, and catalytic converters. Further, a ducted radiator beneath the bike handles cooling, assisted by four computer-controlled electric fans. The engine is managed by an MS3 Pro standalone ECU, running an Alpha-N setup that’s ideal for high-strung throttle bodies. Coming to the bespoke bodywork, everything on the #HF355 was built from scratch. Hazan fabricated the exquisite bodywork in composite materials, shaped through his own molds. He even engineered aerodynamic winglets into the front fairing. An acrylic windshield is molded from the original prototype piece to create a seamless fit. Nothing you see here is off-the-shelf. Even the driveshaft and flywheel were trial and error, and were tested with different materials until the right balance was struck. There are no production plans, nor a pre-order list. The sole reason that the #HF355 exists because one man decided to build it. However, going by the comments, it appears to be very popular and what elevates it into a collector’s crosshairs is how it functions, because what you’re looking at is a fully operational, running Ferrari-powered motorcycle that may soon be streetable, and hearing this thing come alive should put a smile on your face. View All Motorcycles For Sale Image Source: @Maxwellhazan, @Iconicmotorbikes

arc vector signature edition motorcycle august 2023 c arc v ltd image 1.jpg

By Jordan Aquistapace – August 22, 2023

ARC Launches Founder's Signature Edition Motorcycles For ...

Arc introduces two exclusive Founder's Signature Edition Vectors available only in North America.

By Jordan Aquistapace – August 11, 2023

Custom Combat Motors P-51 Combat Fighter Motorcycle For Sale

Discover the P-51 Combat Fighter, an unprecedented motorcycle made entirely from military-grade aluminum.

By Jordan Aquistapace – July 27, 2023

Ducati Unveils The Limited Edition Monster 30th Anniversario

The Bologna-based motorcycle manufacturer pays tribute to the motorcycle that changed the world of two wheels with a special model.

By Andrew Nabors – March 23, 2021

Triumph & Williams Unveil TE-1 Powertrain

The future of English motorcycles is electric, and today we get a glimpse of it. Triumph and Williams have unveiled the TE-1 electric powertrain that will eventually underpin the next generation of motorcycles. This milestone marks the completion of Phase 2 of project TE-1, the as-yet-unnamed future flagship of the brand. This cornerstone is structural and light while offering a maximum output of 170 kW with a nominal rating of 90 kW. Voltage is rated at 360 with a charge time of 20 minutes to reach 80%. Much of the development costs have been subsidized by the Office for Zero-Emission Vehicles through Innovate UK. Phase 3 and 4 will see the project to completion and you can follow the evolution here with us. Image (C) Triumph Motorcycles & Williams Advanced Engineering

Ducati Scrambler FastHouse 083 UC233981 Low

By Andrew Nabors – March 11, 2021

Ducati Unleashes the Desert Sled Fasthouse

Jordan Graham rode his Scrambler to first place last year in the Mint 400. To celebrate his historic victory, Ducati has unleashed the Desert Sled Fasthouse. This epic collaboration between the brands is limited to 800 examples, each finished in black and grey. The frame of each one carries its unique production number below the 803cc engine. You will have many of the same parts found on the winning bike, including the Kayaba suspension, homologated grille, and skid plate. Pirelli Scorpions dig into the dirt while remaining refined on the street. This new Scrambler is also joined by a new collection of apparel from Fasthouse that includes t-shirts, a cap, and a jacket to match. What desert is calling your name? Shop Ducati Images (C) Ducati

MY21 DUCATI MONSTER PLUS 34 UC214661 High

By Andrew Nabors – March 05, 2021

Ducati Unveils New Monster Lineup

Their most successful model is lighter and faster, so we're excited that Ducati has unveiled a new Monster lineup. Addressing every possible complaint about the 821 series, the dry weight starts at only 366 lbs. Nominal saddle height is 32.2", but a lowering kit and an optional low saddle can drop it to only 30". The saddle is now closer to the forks, and they added 7* to the steering angle. Steering is now laid back at 36 degrees for more comfort and response. Three riding modes have unique torque curves for Sport, Urban, and Touring. Your phone can be tucked away thanks to Ducati Multimedia Bluetooth and charged from the USB under the saddle. The pièce de résistance is a 937cc desmo. It delivers 111 horsepower and 69 lb-ft of torque nearly uninterrupted thanks to Ducati QuickShift. They have delivered over 350,000 examples since the first Monster arrived in '93, and our dealers have prices that won't scare you. Click the button below and ride safe. Shop Ducati Images (C) Ducati Motor Holding SpA

By Andrew Nabors – February 24, 2021

2021 Triumph Bonneville Is Lighter, Leaner, & More Agile

An American name and English precision combine to make the 2021 Triumph Bonneville lighter, leaner & more agile. A new 1,200 sits atop the lineup, allowing the T120 to lose 15 lbs and lower the center of weight. Making 77 lb-ft at only 3,500 rpm will keep you happy in the corners, and bigger Brembos will keep you safe. A new torque-assist clutch prevents fatigue in traffic, and you can choose from multiple riding modes, and heated grips are just one of the 116 factory options. This year's lineup also includes the T100, Street Twin, and a Street Twin Gold Line limited edition. The Speedmaster and Bobber have also evolved with these improvements, so stay with us for all your motorcycle news. Triumph For Sale Images (C) Triumph Motorcycles

By Andrew Nabors – February 22, 2021

Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Introduced By Jason Momoa

Your adventure is no longer limited to the pavement. The Harley-Davidson Pan-America 1250 has been introduced by Jason Momoa as their first adventure model. Utility meets power as this big V-twin sends 150 horsepower to the ground without being top-heavy. Starting at $17,319, this rugged machine uses the crankcase as a stressed part of the frame. The Revolution Max V-Twin is all-new and it makes 94 lb-ft of torque thanks to VVT on both cams. With a 13:1 compression ratio, you will make the most of a 30-degree crank angle. It has the same internal balance of a 90-degree engine with the power of a 60-degree block. Perhaps the best feature is standard on the Pan America 1250 Special. When coming to a stop, the suspension lowers to give your feet more stability. Once moving it rises again to give you a better riding position. It's time to take a trail less traveled, so tell us where you are heading in the comments below. If you want to be more sustainable, the Serial1 E-bikes are selling like hotcakes! Stay with us for all your motorcycle news. Images (C) Harley-Davidson Inc.

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