2011 Horex VR6 Retro Naked Bike Detailed

In an attempt of reviving a once famed German brand that ceased motorcycle production in 1956, German motorcycle maker Horex has debuted their first bike, the VR6 retro naked machine. According to its makers, the VR6 will be built in very small numbers and has only been confirmed for Germany, Austria and Switzerland when it launches in 2011.

The Horex VR6 is powered by a 1200cc supercharged 15-degree V6 outputting 197 horsepower at 8500rpm and 150Nm of torque (110 lb.ft.), which is connected to the rear wheel via a six-speed cog swapper and belt drive.

The company says the VR6 is the "only bike on the market equipped with a crankshaft-driven supercharger." They add that the combination of a compact, high-output V6 engine with a crankshaft-driven supercharger "gives the new Horex a level of raw performance that is unmatched in today's motorcycle world."

The V6 unit in question propels a 239kg (527lbs) kerb mass, while triple overhead camshafts (TOHC) have been employed to work with the three-valve per cylinder setup (two intake, one exhaust valve). The bike also uses aluminium bridge frame, a single-sided swingarm and adjustable monoshock at the rear, and fixed 50mm upside down forks.

Stopping power is provided by radial-mount four-piston calipers on twin discs at the front, and a single rear disc with a twin-pot caliper at the rear, and ABS comes as standard.

The 2011 Horex VR6 has been speed limited to 250km/h (155 mph), and will be priced at some EUR20,000 (US$26,650 at the current exchange rate).