Photo: Vimeo capture
Walter Tosto created Walter Tosto Motorbike, a subsidiary aimed at bringing a breath of fresh air to the Russian motorcycle industry. One of the strongest such branches once, the motorbike industry of the former Soviet Union gradually decayed after the communist block came to an end. Some wealthy fellows are trying to do their utmost best to prevent whatever there is still left of the old glory from fading into total oblivion.
If you think that the Russians have assembled a thinktank that is now examining the best path to follow to achieve the former glory, you're wrong. Nobody has the time or the financial power to create a new, competitive bike from scrap these days in Russia.
Still, money can buy some technology from the West. Whereas in the post-WWII era, the communist regime stole technology from wherever it was possible, the new era sort of makes this impossible. And that's how Walter Tosto managed to have a massive involvement from the Italian scene in the Lupus Alpha project.
A powercruiser frame was conceived by Filippo Barbacane of Officine Rossopuro fame and it looks like the final build will surely look like one of his best works to date. A neo-retro girder fork was used for a massive-looking front end and complements a swingarm and subframe with a similar design.
The build apparently makes extensive use of carbon fiber elements and will include perimeter brake discs like those used by EBR machines. No price or availability were mentioned, but it looks like the Lupus Alpha will be unveiled in the flesh at the Sevastopol Bike Show this year.
Since that's on the Crimean Peninsula, we have our doubts as to how much exposure will it have. Anyway, the machine looks nice, especially with the drilled rims, and we do hope it will make it in the main European shows, too. Even so, if Walter Tosto Motorbike keeps on mixing the Lupus Alpha with the Night Wolves too much, it might remain at home for good.
Still, money can buy some technology from the West. Whereas in the post-WWII era, the communist regime stole technology from wherever it was possible, the new era sort of makes this impossible. And that's how Walter Tosto managed to have a massive involvement from the Italian scene in the Lupus Alpha project.
Moto Guzzi's California 1400 engine in an Officine Rossopuro frame
Lupus Alpha, even though advertised as a Russin bike, is an all-Italian effort. The power plant is the one motivating the Moto Guzzi California 1400 platform that also includes the El Dorado and Audace.A powercruiser frame was conceived by Filippo Barbacane of Officine Rossopuro fame and it looks like the final build will surely look like one of his best works to date. A neo-retro girder fork was used for a massive-looking front end and complements a swingarm and subframe with a similar design.
The build apparently makes extensive use of carbon fiber elements and will include perimeter brake discs like those used by EBR machines. No price or availability were mentioned, but it looks like the Lupus Alpha will be unveiled in the flesh at the Sevastopol Bike Show this year.
Since that's on the Crimean Peninsula, we have our doubts as to how much exposure will it have. Anyway, the machine looks nice, especially with the drilled rims, and we do hope it will make it in the main European shows, too. Even so, if Walter Tosto Motorbike keeps on mixing the Lupus Alpha with the Night Wolves too much, it might remain at home for good.
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