Kodewa and Lotus Unleash the C-01

Following two years of careful planning and intense development, Kodewa has announced that the prototype of the world’s first motorcycle to bear the legendary Lotus marque is now road registered and ready for action.

Kodewa has been granted a license to produce the motorcycle by Group Lotus plc, the world renowned sportscar manufacturer and engineering consultancy. The C-01 combines ample power via a V-twin engine with a distinctive body designed by Daniel Simon, integrating carbon fiber, titanium and aerospace quality steel.

“The design process of the C-01 was a labour of love, there were many challenges ensuring that the bike not only touches your visual senses with its timeless blend of classic appeal and modern execution, but that it is safe and ergonomically sound was critical to me," said designer Daniel Simon. "We have worked hard to create a motorcycle with very distinctive features such as a clean main body, an extremely low side profile, a bold stance, a unique air intake, logical partline solutions and clean graphics.”

The C-01 motorcycle is not designed, engineered or produced by Group Lotus plc, but is the result of a collaboration between motorsport veterans under the leadership of Kodewa, lead by Dr. Colin Kolles. The development on the C-01 was carried out with the support of Holzer Group and design guru Daniel Simon. Drawing on their wealth of motorsport experience, the team of engineers has designed a unique high-performance superbike.

“We set out to create a bike that isn’t just great to ride but also represents a piece of art in motion," Dr. Colin Kolles said. "Over the years I have seen my fair share of style over substance, what this bike brings to the market is a unique combination of both: state of the art technology with a truly jaw-dropping aesthetic.”

The C-01 will be available in a range of colors some of which pay homage to Lotus’ sporting pedigree. A customization service is also available, limited only by the imagination of the client.

“I was one of the first people to ride it and I have to say I was very impressed," said Güther Holzer, CEO of Holzer Group. "Together we have found that delicate balance between raw, aggressive power and breath-taking handling. The team has created something very special, it looks incredible, it sounds fantastic, but above all, the ride is sensational.”

With an exclusive production run of just 100 units, superbike collectors and fans of the Lotus brand will need to move fast to secure one.

LOTUS C-01 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

Engine:

Construction 2-cylinder 4-stroke engine, 75° V-style

Capacity 1.195 cm³

Bore 105 mm

Stroke 69 mm

Power Approx. 200 HP

Transmission 6-gear jaw-type shift transmission

Lubrication Dry sump lubrication

Main shaft ratio 40:76

Lay shaft ratio 15:41

Cooling Water cooling

Clutch Hydraulic anti-hopping clutch

Chassis:

Frame Aero tech steel/Titanium/Carbon fibre frame

Fork Upside down

Suspension strut Twin suspension strut

Spring travel front 80 mm

Spring travel rear 70 mm

Brake system front Twin brake disc, 320mm, four piston calipers

Brake system rear One brake disc, 220mm, two piston calipers

Chain X-Ring resp. O-Ring

Head tube ang 59°

Fork ang 54°

Wheel base 1.645±15 mm

Ride height 90 mm

Height of seat 710 mm

Fuel capacity 10,5 l

Dry weight 181 kg

Wheel front 3,00×19; 120/70 ZR19

Wheel rear 6,00×17; 190/55 ZR17

The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame recently named Marilyn Stemp and Steve Piehl to its board of directors.

Stemp is a pioneering figure in the motorcycle industry, founding IronWorks Magazine with her late husband, Dennis, and becoming the first female editor of a nationally circulated, mainstream motorcycle magazine. She also revived their trade magazine, Iron Trader News; edits the monthly Kiwi Indian News; contributes to several powersports media outlets; and is the founding editor of Sturgis Rider Daily. Stemp is a noted editor and writer of several motorcycle-focused books. Her consistent support for charitable efforts in the industry include the annual Biker Belles Celebration, Las Vegas BikeFest and as campaign chair for the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum’s development plan in 2014. She co-founded the Flying Piston charity events taking place in Daytona and Sturgis each year and is a National Ambassador for All Kids Bike. Stemp was inducted into both the Las Vegas Motorcycle Hall of Fame and the Sturgis Museum's Hall of Fame in 2018, and in 2022 she was recognized as one of the Top 100 Women in Powersports by DealerNews.