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Vanguard is newest American motorcycle

Vanguard Roadster

This Vanguard Roadster was conceived, designed and built in New York City and represents the start of a new and distinct American motorcycle brand.

The working prototype will be unveiled at the International Motorcycle Show in New York City from December 9-11 and it is expected to go into production in 2018.

A spokesman confirms they expect to export the motorcycle to Australia.

“We’re beginning the process of identifying and accepting requests for consideration from importers and dealerships in Australia and around the world,” the spokesman says.Vanguard Roadster

Vanguard was founded by CEO Francois-Xavier Terny and designer Edward Jacobs as “a product without equivalent as well as a brand with the potential to bring new perspectives to the motorcycle industry”.

The Roadster is expected to cost $US30,000 (about $A40,000) and be a “strong alternative to current premium motorcycles”.

It is the first of three models – roadster, cruiser and racer – built on a common powertrain platform.Vanguard Roadster

Vanguard motorcycles will be assembled in New York City at the Brooklyn Navy Yard.

“The modular construction, based on large sub-assemblies, revisits traditional manufacturing methods,” the company release says.

“Combined with worldwide sourcing and the support of key motorcycle vendors, Vanguard will deliver exceptional value and quality.”

Key Vanguard vendors

‘One of the “key motorcycle vendors” is S&S who will supply the 117-cube (1917cc) V-twin engine that forms part of the bike’s structure, doing away with a separate main frame.

The innovative exhaust is integrated into the rear subframe and it features a tablet-size digital dashboard with rear-view camera. 

vanguard
The V-twin will be married to a six-speed transmission with shaft drive. Target weight for the bike is 250kg (550lb).

Ohlins will supply the suspension with 48mm fully adjustable forks ad a mono-shock rear.

Brembo supplies the brakes with four-piston callipers on twin 320mm floating discs up front and a two-piston calliper on a 245mm disc at the rear.

The Roadster sits on a choice of Metzler ME880 Marathon tyres 240/40 VR18 or 200/50 ZR18 at the rear and 130/60 VR18 at the front.

Seat height is 813mm (32”), wheelbase 1664mm (65.5”) and it will have a fuel tank capacity of 21 litres (5.5 gallons).