Photo: Frank Stephenson Design
In some respects, the designers of the automotive world are like the superstars of the industry. Granted, most of them go pretty much unnoticed by the larger public, but there are a few that have made a real name for themselves, and are now regarded as the best at what they do.
One guy who managed to reach this status is Frank Stephenson. During his long-lived career, he worked for the biggest car companies in the world, including BMW, Ferrari, and McLaren. While on their payroll, he was responsible for the creation of vehicles like the BMW X5, Ferrari F430, or the McLaren MP4-12C.
As most of his kind do when they reach a certain age (Stephenson is 64 years old), the man is no longer involved to a very large degree in automotive design, but he is by no means retired.
Over the past few years, we've come across his name when discussing the new stars of the transportation industry, the electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (more specifically the AutoFlight Prosperity). And he also had a hand in bringing to light space capsules and baby seats – you know, just to give you a taste of how versatile the guy is.
This time the name Frank Stephenson comes under the spotlight thanks to a motorcycle concept that it is being shown this week on the floor of the Geneva Motor Show. And given how motorcycle concepts are not that easy to come across, we thought we would give it a closer look.
The bike is called FSD 59, where FSD stands for Frank Stephenson Desing and the 59 part remains a mystery for now. The bike is described as a "futuristic motorbike that combines advanced technology, radical design elements, and unparalleled functionality."
Visually speaking, the FSD 59 is true insanity. Still recognizable as a two-wheeler of our time, it boasts a new interpretation of what the body of a motorcycle should look like, with the handlebar surrounded by an extension of the monoblock fairing that flows over it from the front to where the seat is positioned.
The idea was to make the motorcycle adaptable so as to become a different bike to serve whatever needs the rider would have. In essence, we're told, the FSD 59 could very well be a sportbike, a supersport, or a cruiser.
The thing has adjustable handlebars, footpegs, and seat, and the windscreen (yes, there is one) comes with an adjustable angle. Above it sits a head-up display running augmented reality that can be used to relay important information to the rider.
As far as what powers the ride goes, Stephenson says this is a vehicle meant for the "domain of electric and hydrogen propulsion bikes." That means it doesn't actually have a powertrain in the form it is shown over in Geneva, but it could very well accommodate an electric motor and a modular battery system.
Despite it being for now just a concept, there are indications Stephenson has bigger plans for it, as he says, "we look forward to announcing more news on this in the future."
As most of his kind do when they reach a certain age (Stephenson is 64 years old), the man is no longer involved to a very large degree in automotive design, but he is by no means retired.
Over the past few years, we've come across his name when discussing the new stars of the transportation industry, the electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (more specifically the AutoFlight Prosperity). And he also had a hand in bringing to light space capsules and baby seats – you know, just to give you a taste of how versatile the guy is.
This time the name Frank Stephenson comes under the spotlight thanks to a motorcycle concept that it is being shown this week on the floor of the Geneva Motor Show. And given how motorcycle concepts are not that easy to come across, we thought we would give it a closer look.
The bike is called FSD 59, where FSD stands for Frank Stephenson Desing and the 59 part remains a mystery for now. The bike is described as a "futuristic motorbike that combines advanced technology, radical design elements, and unparalleled functionality."
Visually speaking, the FSD 59 is true insanity. Still recognizable as a two-wheeler of our time, it boasts a new interpretation of what the body of a motorcycle should look like, with the handlebar surrounded by an extension of the monoblock fairing that flows over it from the front to where the seat is positioned.
The idea was to make the motorcycle adaptable so as to become a different bike to serve whatever needs the rider would have. In essence, we're told, the FSD 59 could very well be a sportbike, a supersport, or a cruiser.
The thing has adjustable handlebars, footpegs, and seat, and the windscreen (yes, there is one) comes with an adjustable angle. Above it sits a head-up display running augmented reality that can be used to relay important information to the rider.
As far as what powers the ride goes, Stephenson says this is a vehicle meant for the "domain of electric and hydrogen propulsion bikes." That means it doesn't actually have a powertrain in the form it is shown over in Geneva, but it could very well accommodate an electric motor and a modular battery system.
Despite it being for now just a concept, there are indications Stephenson has bigger plans for it, as he says, "we look forward to announcing more news on this in the future."
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