Would You Ride These?
Let's face it, motorcycle design has never been limited to function. But some designers push engineering and aesthetics so far off the map that their creations barely resemble bikes at all. Here are 20 of the strangest, most outrageous motorcycles ever conceived—and the wild stories behind them.
yuichirock from Singapore on Wikimedia
1. Dodge Tomahawk
More concept sculpture than a motorcycle, the Dodge Tomahawk packs a V10 engine from a Dodge Viper. With four wheels and a claimed top speed of over 300 mph, it stirred debate about whether it was even street-legal. Only nine were ever sold, each costing around \$550,000.
2. Roadog
Wild Bill Gelbke built the Roadog in the 1960s, and he reportedly rode it cross-country. It weighs over 3,000 pounds, stretches 17 feet long, and uses a Chevy car engine and transmission. With dual headlights and car tires, it handles like a tank.
Can We Revive AND RIDE The World's Biggest Motorcycle? (17 feet long) by Wheels Through Time
3. Honda Riding Assist-e
This self-balancing electric concept defies logic by staying upright even when stopped. Honda introduced it at CES 2017 with no gyroscopes—just robotic steering. Capable of following its owners, this bike featured a technology derived from Honda’s humanoid robotics research.
4. Gunbus 410
Claiming the title of the world’s largest running motorcycle, the Gunbus 410 is 11.3 feet long and weighs over 1,400 pounds. Its 410-cubic-inch V-Twin engine is custom-built, and the tires are sourced from aircraft. The Gunbus is roadworthy and available for purchase.
5. Suzuki Biplane
Launched in 2007 at the Tokyo Motor Show, the Suzuki Biplane resembles an open-cockpit fighter plane more than a motorcycle. It uses a V4 engine and features a hub-center steering system. The yellow bodywork and floating seat add to its surreal profile.
yuichirock from Singapore on Wikimedia
6. Rokon Trail-Breaker
Forget speed—this two-wheel-drive motorcycle was built for unstoppable off-road utility. The Rokon Trail-Breaker can float, tow 2,000 pounds, and climb nearly vertical terrain. Hollow drum wheels store water or fuel, and the bike’s rugged design has made it a favorite among hunters and military forces.
AlfvanBeem derivative work: MagentaGreen on Wikimedia
7. MTT Y2K Turbine Superbike
The MTT Y2K Turbine Superbike proves that jet propulsion isn’t just for aircraft. This bike is powered by a 300-horsepower Rolls-Royce Allison 250-C18 turboshaft helicopter engine, and can hit 227 mph. Jay Leno owns one and describes the sound as “being chased by a fighter jet.”
Supermac1961 from CHAFFORD HUNDRED, England on Wikimedia
8. Lazareth LM 847
French builder Ludovic Lazareth equipped this beast with a 470-horsepower Maserati V8 engine. Weighing 880 pounds, the LM 847 uses a tilting quad-wheel setup to help it corner. The exposed mechanics and brutalist aesthetic make it a rolling piece of mechanical art.
Lazareth LM847 - Drive Test 2018 - V8 ENGINE POWERED MOTORCYCLE - HD by Lazareth Auto-Moto
9. Yamaha Y/AI Concept
Unveiled by Yamaha, this AI-powered motorcycle was inspired by the sci-fi anime series Tokyo Override. It combines elements from Yamaha's YZF-R1 and VMAX models, and features semi-transparent wheels that glow in the dark. The engine, concealed within the bridge connecting the wheels, gives it a minimalist appearance.
Yamaha Tokyo Override (Yamaha Concept Y/AI Tokyo Override) by D2C Motor Show
10. TMC Dumont
From Brazil comes a hubless motorcycle with aesthetics straight out of science fiction. Former Formula One driver Tarso Marques created the TMC Dumont, using a Rolls-Royce aircraft engine mounted low between giant 36-inch wheels. The Durmont has no visible drivetrain and is not street-legal.
TMC DUMONT - Motorcycle with an Airplane Engine by Wonder World
11. The Batpod
Inspired by the Dark Knight movie, the Batpod is one of the most iconic fictional motorcycles. Nathan Crowley designed it with 20-inch wheels and futuristic bodywork. The Batpod is powered by a Honda 750cc or CRF450R single and features a single exhaust.
12. V8 Chopper
The V8 Chopper takes custom bike building to the extreme. It’s powered by a 502 cubic inch V8 engine—an absolute rarity in the motorcycle world—and offers unparalleled torque and a unique sound. At 9 feet long, the motorbike requires incredible skill to ride.
13. Neiman Marcus Limited Edition Fighter
This motorbike is designed for the fashion-forward and wealthy. With a titanium frame, a 1,966cc engine, and a sculptural design, the Neiman Marcus Fighter is a piece of art. Each bike costs over $100,000, and only 45 were made.
NEIMAN MARCUS LIMITED EDITION FIGHTER THE MOST EXPENSIVE MOTORCYCLE IN THE WORLD by Habibi Lifestyle
14. Vyrus 987 C3 4V
Not for the faint of heart, the Vyrus 987 C3 4V is a high-performance bike that features hub-center steering. This rare Italian masterpiece makes cornering seem effortless. It is powered by a 1,198cc Ducati engine, capable of reaching speeds over 200 mph.
Vyrus 987 C3 4V test by Honza Chumlen
15. Lauge Jensen Gold Bike
A custom-built chopper from Denmark, this motorcycle is plated with 24-karat gold and adorned with 268 diamonds. It features a crocodile leather seat and a 90-horsepower 1,800cc V-twin engine delivering 3,200 rpm. This exotic bike was valued at approximately $880,000.
Lauge Jensen at Top Marques, Monaco by Lauge Jensen
16. Great Wall Motors Souo S2000
The Great Wall was unveiled at the Beijing International Motorcycle Exhibition in 2024. It promises a 2,000cc flat-eight engine paired with an eight-speed DCT transmission. Its design includes a cast aluminum frame and a Hossack-style girder fork.
GWM SOUO | 2000cc H8, Soul of Speed by GWM Global
17. Boss Hoss
Yet another monstrous custom bike, Boss Hoss defies expectations, featuring a 5,725cc engine in older models. Built by Hoss Motorcycle, it’s designed for serious power and performance. Despite its huge engine, the bike maintains a surprisingly smooth ride and has become a favorite among collectors.
18. Norton Nemesis V8
This British motorcycle was powered by a 1,500cc V8 engine and was developed as a prototype by Norton Motorcycles. Although it never entered mass production, the Nemesis V8 remains a significant example of engineering ambition in the motorcycle world. The only known surviving unit is currently undergoing restoration.
Tony Hisgett from Birmingham, UK on Wikimedia
19. Suzuki RE5
The Suzuki RE5 had a Wankel rotary 497cc single-rotor engine that delivered 62 horsepower. Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, it had unique styling elements, including a cylindrical instrument cluster. Despite its innovative engineering, the RE5 faced challenges in the market, leading to its short production run.
20. Confederate FA-13 Combat Bomber
Named after military aircraft, the Confederate FA-13 Combat Bomber offers an intimidating aesthetic. The frame is built from lightweight aluminum, while its V-Twin engine delivers 2,163cc power. It was priced at around $115,000, and its high-performance specs match its menacing design.
