EICMA 2013: Caterham motorcycle division

Caterham Group has launched its first ever motorcycle division -- Caterham Bikes -- at the International Motorcycle Exhibition (EICMA) in Milan.

Three prototype products -- the Brutus 750 (dubbed the ‘SUV of motorcycles’), Classic E-Bike (an all-electric, bike with retro styling) and the Carbon E-Bike (a premium electric bike inspired by F1 technology) -- have been unveiled for launch throughout 2014 as part of the Group’s strategy of growth through  partnerships.

Caterham says the arrival of Caterham Bikes is a natural extension to the expanding Caterham Group since the purchase of the historic Caterham Cars brand in April 2011 by Tony Fernandes and Dato’ Kamarudin Meranun.

The two-wheeled division joins Caterham F1 Team, Caterham Racing (GP2), Caterham Technology & Innovation, Caterham Composites and the latest arm, Caterham Moto Racing Team, in the rapidly-growing Caterham family.

The iconic Caterham Seven sportscar is fondly referred to as the closest experience to motorcycle riding on four wheels so this move, the brand’s first foray into road bikes, is a natural step and follows the launch last month of the Caterham Moto2 race team.

Mirroring the business experience and strategy employed successfully by Tony Fernandes and Dato’ Kamarudin to make budget airline AirAsia the most profitable in the world, Caterham Bikes has allied itself with some of the brightest motorcycle entrepreneurs in Europe and Asia.

Production of the three launch bikes -- all priced affordably, we're told -- will begin as early as (European) Spring 2014, with the Brutus 750 the first to be built, followed by the two electric bikes later in the year.

Tony Fernandes, Co-Chairman of Caterham Group, said: “Our vision for Caterham Group has taken another step forward with the launch of Caterham Bikes. Expanding our interests into the two-wheeled market is another natural progression for us and is a good opportunity to showcase the breadth of knowledge, experience and creativity we have at our disposal across the Group, now in the two-wheeled world in addition to all of our other automotive, technology and innovation interests.”

“Just as the Caterham Seven is a motoring icon because of its unique design and engineering credibility, Caterham Bikes’ products will be aimed at a niche audience seeking exceptional quality, bespoke design flare and bikes easy enough for anyone to ride.”