Caterham Bikes launched

Caterham's brand stretching continues. To go with its recently-announced Moto2 race team, a range of road-going motorcycles has just been unveiled at the EICMA show in Milan.

However, anyone who was expecting two-wheeled versions of the lightweight Seven is going to be disappointed. Instead the new division, called Caterham Bikes, has released three prototype machines that conceptually are miles away from the firm's respected sports car.

The most shocking is undoubtedly the Brutus 750, which Caterham reckons will become the 'SUV of motorcycles'. Equipped with huge balloon tyres and an automatic transmission, it can be transformed into a snowmobile in about four hours. Only time will tell if there's going to be much demand for such an odd product.

Caterham Brutus 750 Prototype (2014) Side

Slightly more mainstream is the electric-powered Classic E-Bike. Based around what appears to be a glorified bicycle frame, it features ultra-retro styling that even includes a very kitsch (and fake) V-twin engine. There's no word yet on likely performance, but battery range is expected to be around 25 – 50 miles (40 – 80 kilometres).

Caterham Classic E-Bike Prototype (2014) Rear Side

Finally, the Carbon E-Bike is described as a premium limited edition. It takes advantage of one of Caterham's other activities by incorporating Formula One-inspired technology, so the use of knobbly off-road tyres makes for a strange juxtaposition.

Caterham Carbon E-Bike Prototype (2014) Front Side

Caterham Bikes says manufacturing will begin in spring 2014, with the Brutus 750 the first model due. Initially, the line-up is going to be available in Europe, North America and South America. Market launches across Asia are then scheduled to follow.

Related posts:
Caterham Seven 160 prices announced
Caterham AeroSeven Concept

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