[CrAzY dRiVeR]

Yes, a Skoda Slavia Motorcycle!

Fun Fact: Although we all know about Skoda cars and only their cars these days, the Czech car manufacturer’s motorsport tradition began in 1901 with the Laurin & Klement SLAVIA B motorbike and works rider Narcis Podsedníček.



The company started producing the Laurin & Klement SLAVIA B in 1899. The Type B had an air-cooled single-cylinder engine that generated a power output of 1.75 hp from a displacement of 240 cc; the top speed was 40 km/h. It was the first motorbike that the Mladá Boleslav-based company entered in an international race in 1901. The long-distance race from Paris to Berlin was considered the toughest challenge of its time. Factory rider Narcis Podsedníček made history on his first attempt: he was the only participant in his class to reach the finish line but was never declared the winner.

The all-new Laurin & Klement SLAVIA B concept pays homage to this racing history. Skoda car designer Romain Bucaille was tasked with the job of reimagining this vintage bike in modern form.



Speaking about the bike, Bucaille said:

“I wanted to do something unique and go back to the brand’s roots. I work on cars every day, and since I also love motorcycles, creating one was really a refreshing change.

“I started with pencil sketches to find the right proportions. Since it was a motorcycle, I had to practice a bit - it had been a while since I last drew one! The great thing about paper is that you can sketch anywhere, anytime - no need for a tablet or computer. It was a process of exploration. I kept sketching until I was happy with the result.”

The question is though: Why would Skoda put resources behind this initiative? Is the company looking at entering the electric two-wheeler market in the future? And if it does enter production - will it retain the Slavia nameplate which belongs to their C-segment sedan now!

[doomketu]

Never knew Škoda had two wheeler roots. The vintage model looks fantastic. Reminds me of my grandfathers bicycle which had the same type of headlight that used to be illuminated by the dynamo. Or maybe I am over imagining it. The newer concept evokes images of geometry boxes. If Škoda does enter the 2W market in India it would be rather ……. Interesting.

[CrAzY dRiVeR]

Originally Posted by doomketu

The vintage model looks fantastic. Reminds me of my grandfathers bicycle which had the same type of headlight that used to be illuminated by the dynamo.

Looks like the even older type that literally was an oil burner / candle holder inside.

[doomketu]

Originally Posted by CrAzY dRiVeR

Looks like the even older type that literally was an oil burner / candle holder inside.

That makes it even more cooler. It’s badass in its own right. Which brings me to question why that character is lost when a classic model is reimagined imagined in a model avatar.

[PreludeSH]

The new EV looks good if it can add some practicality with better handles.

Earlier motorcycles where just motor on cycles !

Guess doing a electric motorcycle should be easier considering the drive train is simple and you dont need to be a specialist like in motorcycle engines.

[RD150]

I hope Skoda provides pillow as an accessory. Also it should come with cruise control and ADAS so that rider can sleep peacefully on that long tank/bed.

[gtx2]

Its been a while since I have seen an ugly concept, impractical is usually a given which is fine.

[Roy.S]

The great thing about paper is that you can sketch anywhere, anytime - no need for a tablet or computer.

What a revolutionary idea! Lets hope this guy doesn't patent it or we'll all have to pay him royalties every time we make a pencil sketch.

The bike looks like a concept should. Lets hope it never makes it to production.

[b16h22]

Why do car designers come up with the most un-rideable and out of the world concepts when they are forced to do two-wheeled designs? It is not just Skoda. I get that it is a concept but it is probably just a marketing exercise than a legit project.

• Clipons lower than GP bikes - Check
• Tortourous riding position and rider's triangle -Check
• Wide car inspired wheels that don't care for unsprung mass and dynamics - Check
• Ultra-narrow handle bar sweep - Check
• Pretentious bits like leather bags -Check
• Non-existent seats and laughable seat heights - Check
• Nod to some dystopian motorcycle movie or comic designs - Check

How is this even serious news

“I started with pencil sketches to find the right proportions. Since it was a motorcycle, I had to practice a bit - it had been a while since I last drew one! The great thing about paper is that you can sketch anywhere, anytime - no need for a tablet or computer. It was a process of exploration. I kept sketching until I was happy with the result.”

Unlike a car, you don't sit inside a aesthetically (also crash tests & aerodynamics) designed cage. You sit on a motorcycle and ride it. Every single design element is dictated by the engineering constraints.