| Year of specifications |
2011 |
| Engine |
1,200
cc supercharged VR6 |
| Transmission |
belt |
| Top
speed |
- |
| 0-60
MPH |
- |
| Horsepower |
197
horsepower |
| Weight |
240
kgs / 530 kgs |
| Seat
height |
- |
The historic Horex motorcycle marque from Germany is back. And
its first offering since it stopped making bikes back in the
1950s, is a truly unique machine.
The Horex VR6 perhaps doesn't look all that forward thinking
or futuristic, in fact it has quite a sedate and traditional
appearance. However the unique powerplant - one which the company
now has a patent for in motorcycles - is certainly something
new.
At the center of the Horex VR6 is a, surprise, surprise, VR6
engine. The engine is called a VR6 because the cylinders
are laid out in a 'V' configuration, the 'R' stands for 'Reihenmotor'
- the German word describing an inline motor, and 6 for six
cylinders. The unconventional arrangement of the cylinders -
they are staggered and mounted at only a 15 degree angle - means
that they are packaged in a much smaller overall space than
other 6 cylinder engines. The engine itself is only slightly
larger than an inline 4-cylinder, and considerably shorter than
a conventional V6. VW were the original inventors of the VR6
engine, and as Horex cite VW as a technical partner in the Horex
VR6 project, there's a pretty good chance the bike uses a VW
derived unit.
Not content with just your everyday run-of-the-mill naturally
aspirated VR6 engine, Horex decided that the addition of a supercharger
would be the cherry on the cake. This means that the 1,200 cc
engine produces a substantial 197 horsepower, and 110 lb-ft
of torque.
To ensure smooth power delivery, the engineers opted for a tough
rubber belt to transmit the power to the rear wheels.
Styling
In the looks department the Horex VR6 isn't anywhere near as
adventurous as its clever engineering. It's still a good looking
bike - not a stunner - but a good looking machine. Horex state
that; "This design will polarize". No it won't.
It looks too sensible for that. What it will do however is prove
that you're a buyer who chooses substance over style - and pays
a good chunk of change for the privilege. €20,000 will
secure you one. Sales are to start in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
Later sales are set to expand into the rest of Europe and North
America.
|
|
