When most folks think about electric motorcycles, a reliable, eco-friendly method of transportation typically comes to mind. An art form doesn’t. The Guido EV motorcycle concept is looking to change all of that. Inspired by the Rolls Royce 130EX concept with fully-covered fenders and named after the 17th-century Italian Baroque painter Guido Reni, the Guido puts form and aesthetics above everything else. Vlad Belyakov of Box39, a custom motorcycle workshop in Moscow, is the main designer and fabricator behind the Guido. He has drawn worldwide recognition for his heavily modified Harley-Davidsons, which feature parts milled on modern Haas 5-axis machinery. The Guido concept was originally built by request for a Haas machinery dealer located in eastern Europe, for the purpose of showcasing what the machinery can do.The machinery in question at the Box39 the workshop in Moscow. [Box39]“The Guido motorcycle is a concept of design,” said Stan Pavlov from Henne Co., a Fort Lauderdale-based company that sells finished custom bikes milled on Box39’s machines and is representing them in North and South America. “This motorcycle is not about mile range. It is nothing but form. In five years, the Guido may be in a museum of art.” The Guido’s massive front wheel, which has a diameter of 30 inches, took 200 machine hours to manufacturer. This, along with the handcrafted aluminum body, is a true testament to the painstaking detail Belyakov has invested in the design.200 hours were required to make this one-off 30″ diameter wheel. [Box39]Despite the proclamations that Guido is all about form, it is a rideable work of art, just not on the streets. Other specifications include a 17-inch front wheel tucked underneath the bodywork, a front end Girder suspension, hydraulic rear brakes, and a battery-powered motor. A unique feature about the Guido EV concept is its customizable suspension for both wheels. The rider simply straddles the bike, scans their fingerprints, and the electric motor raises its rear suspension and raises the body against the front wheels for a precise and perfect fit.The handlebars are a masterpiece of minimalism, made a bit easier by the electric powertrain. [Box39]According to Pavlov, Belyakov represents a new school of motorcycle customizing. Box39 has been in operation for over nine years. Pavlov is a two-wheel junky himself, being a Bonneville racer and bike and hot rod builder. “I believe that we are living in a fast-paced world,” Pavlov commented in regards to the future of e-bikes. “Information and technology are both so swift. If I say that in 10 years we’ll only be riding EV vehicles, it may happen in just five. The EV revolution era already exists. It’s just a matter of time until the world catches on. When we do have the same batteries in all of our vehicles, car and bike brands will start a design war. Modern day is not about design. However, down the road, all concerns will center around the customer’s choice for vehicle forms only. This is why the Guido concept is so revolutionary.”It was all worked out in a sketch first, then plugged into a CAD program for the 5-axis milling machine to get to work. [Box39]Amazingly well finished and minimalist details set Guido apart. [Box39]The headlamp and grille, reminiscent of 1920s Art Deco automobiles. [Box39]Guido in his elegance. A unique motorcycle design, made especially unusual in being an EV. [Box39]
Stephanie Weaver is a Philadelphia-based freelance writer. When she’s not locked to her laptop, she can be found riding horses and motorcycles.
Hmmm .. so we go from EV’d dinosaurs … to pie in the sky ain’t never gonna work space age lunacy .. with all the aerodynamics of a box . Hmm ..
Sure … I get it … it was created as a promotion piece … but …
Seriously folks … somewhere in between please . Using the adage of the Shakers ;
” First and foremost .. make it work fulfilling the function it was created for ” … in this case .. a motorcycle which this … in the REAL world .. does not
Its an interesting take away; a design exercise that they know it could end up in a museum, using it to showcase the Haas 5axis machinery capability, a scanning ride height technology to fit the machine exactly.
It looks from the pictures that almost all of the design hinges on the front wheel engineering; almost a modern Megola if you will.
Power from a single wheel, pulling man forward into the future? reminds me of the statues at the Barber Museum. Interesting comment of the technology and speed of development. I’d be curious what their true agenda is…
There is no agenda. Just our ideas and design. This is a freestyle work. You should see it in person =)
I would love too, it must be quite stunning.
Not my cup of tea, but it’s well known that materializing bold ideas like this one is a good way to boost the definite advent of electric motorcycles. So, good for us all! Cheers and congratulation on your accomplishment!