Grand Prix ALLIGATORS by Dan
Gurney ALLIGATOR Motorcycles
.
When the first handmade production ALLIGATOR
motorcycles hit the streets, they will include elements of a true American
heritage. Dan Gurney ALLIGATOR Motorcycles Inc. plans to build 36 Limited
Edition ‘Grand Prix’ ALLIGATORS to sell to the public as they introduce a unique
concept to the industry; combining nostalgia with 21st century technology.
The number 36 is significant as it was the number that donned the Formula 1
Eagle which won the 1967 Belgian Grand Prix at Spa, a first for an American
built car and driver/constructor and an achievement that has not been duplicated
yet. Now the first 36 ALLIGATORS will commemorate and bear the color of the car
that made F1 history. With the ALLIGATOR motorcycles being designed and built in
the very same facility as the Formula 1 car, Dan Gurney hopes that the ALLIGATOR
can make history on an entirely different front.
This exclusive modified Honda single cylinder
niche motorcycle has a look unique to anything on the road. It has a very low
center of gravity. Unlike other motorcycles, the rider sits below the top of the
tires with the feet in a forward position. The fuel tank is mounted below the
seat and behind the engine. Gurney originally moved in this design direction
because he is tall and many bikes made him feel as if he were pitching forward
when going downhill. The Alligator is this concept taken to its logical extreme.
What works so well for tall people works equally well for people with shorter
legs. They do not have any trouble getting on or off the bike, and are no longer
worried about falling over at a standstill. Being closer to the ground, they
feel much more comfortable and safe. This low CG concept has been developed and
refined over the years into something quite extraordinary: A motorcycle with a
comfortable riding position, an overall safer, confidence-inspiring riding feel,
obvious and significant aerodynamic benefits, and most important of all, a fun
factor to match
Bodywork/chassis: All carbon fiber
bodywork/chromoly frame
Front Suspension: 43mm inverted cartridge fork, 4.3 in. travel
Rear Suspension: Dual Shock absorbers, 4.5 in travel
Front Tire: 120/70
Rear Tire: 180/55
Wheels: Magnesium Dymag 17"
Brakes: 330mm dual front rotors, 220mm rear rotor
Wheelbase: 60in.
Weight: 320 lbs. dry
Fuel Capacity: 3.3 gal
Top Speed: Approx. 140 MPH
Performance: (Cycle World tested - November 2002)
0-30mph - 1.1 sec. ("Quicker than any other street bike Cycle World has ever
tested")
0-60mph - 3.1 sec.