AK-47 concept bike?

[Batman]

A young Russian designer has decided to combine the Izhevsk Mechanical Works factory’s most famous products: The AK-47 assault rifle and the Izh-1 bike.

The AK-47 assault rifle is undoubtedly the Izhevsk Mechanical Works most famous (and notorious) creation. But back in 1928 the company also produced a formidable range of motorcycles which included Izh-1, a 1200cc V-twin.

Now a young Russian designer has given this classic motorcycle a thoroughly fresh interpretation with his 2012 Izh Hybrid Concept.

Apart from sharing its name, the concept only bares very limited resemblance to its 1928 namesake with the exception of the exhaust’s positioning and the open space under the saddle. But there are several other reasons that warrant mentioning the Izh concept.

Most notably is its approach to safety. Chak has kitted the concept with dual airbags – the front airbag acts like a crumple zone would on a car, while the main second airbag protects the rider from an impact with the handlebars. This main airbag also has pointed sides which act like arms catching the rider.

The bike is also fitted with a proximity regulating radar system which works in tandem with a front-facing onboard camera. In short you set your following distance and if the car infront of you suddenly slows down, the bike responds by also reducing its speed to maintain the set distance.

If the bike’s computer detects a possible collision, such as a car in the rider’s blindspot when changing lanes, the handlebars will vibrate. Chak’s concept is also kitted out with advanced traction control which automatically adjusts to road conditions, ABS and stabilisers.

Power comes courtesy of 103kW 850cc V-twin which is complemented by a two-speed 60kW electric motor which is linked to a lithium-sulphide battery. Chak reckons his hybrid concept can easily manage a fuel economy of 3.43litre/100km.

Nothing more than a pipe dream? Perhaps. But then again, isn’t that how most great ideas start their lives?

[Mybowlcut]

Yuck. Top looks alright and then you see those weirdly isolated fairings over the forks and the lower fairing.

[Magilla]

I'd have one.

[Cap'n James086]

I don't see how the ak47 has been involved in that design but the bike is interesting enough that I would like to try it.

[Mr John]

Where do I sign?

[Sigma]

Yuck. Top looks alright and then you see those weirdly isolated fairings over the forks and the lower fairing.

I'd say they are for the airbags?

[andymac]

Shame it doesn't incorporate actual AK47s, one front facing & one rear facing.

[likefry]

there not forks. The suspension is in the headstem like some bmw's.

Looks cool but sounds like it would be heavy

[melshot]

looks dope

[pacman]

In for one.

[fincl]

Not sure if I like the bike doing things (e.g slowing down) uncommanded. Does look nice though


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[TheMenace]

I like it.

[Xuaxace]

the one in flesh would look nothing like that... fitting that motor and electric + batteries... highly doubt it could look so empy/clean.

I like the concept though

[M|ke]

I'd hit it. Haha, looks pretty cool. I hope that all those 'futureistic' bikes take this approach to a extent, weird fairings & frame design. I don't want a fucking hover bike lol...

[Sentry]

I guess he failed basic aerodynamics, asthetics and ergonomics.

[Captain Starfish]

Interesting that he's gone for dual shocks. Looks interesting, except for the handlebars. They look boring.