When Akrapovič introduced the stunning Morsus motorcycle in 2011, it blew away the European custom world and now this one-off creation is coming to America. Slovenia-based Dreamachine Motorcycles itself a renowned European custom bike builder built the Morsus exactly to the design first sketched out by its designer Tomaž Capuder and the Akrapovič team. The end result being a creation combining modern materials of carbon fibre and titanium, with head-turning design flair. In a word: Morsus. From February to July 2012, Morsus will be undertake a comprehensive American tour, offering US Akrapovič fans the chance to see Morsus ‘in the flesh’. Appearances at major shows, bike dealerships and rounds of MotoGP and WSBK, are ideal opportunities to see this breathtaking machine. Following its launch last year, the Morsus immediately received widespread acclaim within Europe, winning prizes at Biograd, Faaker See, Barcelona and Morzine custom events before capturing a credible 11th place in the Freestyle class at Sturgis. The showcase machine’s styling was created to echo the brand’s scorpion emblem in a number of subtle ways. It starts with the name Morsus, which is Latin for sting or bite. Clip-on style handlebars mimic a scorpion’s claws; the bike’s mid-section curves in the same way a scorpion’s body arches; and the sweeping tail section mimics the muscular and assertive sting. Neil Morley, Akrapovic Marketing Director, says: “We built the Morsus with our partners, Dreamachine Motorcycles, to demonstrate that while we are known for our racing prowess, we have such a breadth and depth of in-house talent that entering the competitive world of custom bikes is a natural extension of what we do. “With the Morsus, we achieved the look, sound and performance that people associate with Akrapovič products, while pushing design boundaries to the limit. Morsus has had an incredible reception everywhere it’s been, including Sturgis, so we’re very excited to see Morsus embarking on a US tour.” Tomaž Capuder of Dreamachine Motorcycles adds: “This project was a big challenge for me. I admire the work of Igor Akrapovič very much and I wanted to bring together two motorcycle worlds: racing and custom. Building the bike on 26-inch wheels was quite challenging, but I’m happy with the final result. “The body of Morsus represents a scorpion from many angles, while incorporated in the build are some interesting details that reflect the nature and quality of Akrapovič. We also managed build in Akrapovič founder Igor Akrapovič’s birth date but you will have to find that for yourself!” Date Location 20 25 Feb Key east-coast Harley-Davidson dealer visits 27 Feb 3 March Further key east-coast Harley-Davidson dealer visits 9 18 March Daytona Bike Week 2 7 April Key west-coast Harley-Davidson dealer visits 9 14 April Key west-coast metric dealer visits 16 21 April Key west-coast Harley-Davidson dealer visits 25 29 April Laughlin River Run, Nevada 26 29 May World Superbikes, Utah 5 9 June Americade, Lake George, New York 27 29 July MotoGP, Laguna Seca FURTHER DATES AND LOCATIONS TO BE CONFIRMED What makes the Morsus? Technical detail: – Frame: by Dreamachine Motorcycles – Engine: S&S 113 CI (1852 ccm), 114BHP – Transmission: Ecoline six-gears, hydraulic clutch – Primary: Zodiac 3-inch open belt with support plate – Wheels: Alu-carbon by Dreamachine motorcycles (26 x 3.5in front and rear) – Suspension: Showa radial forks, with Dreamachine Motorcycles 3D triple trees. Single rear Fox air-shock – Handlebar controls: PT Radial – Brakes: Front four-piston radial calipers, Wave disc rotors. Rear brake sprocket by Custom tech – Air filter: Akrapovič carbon end cap, modified by Dreamachine Motorcycles – Exhaust: Akrapovič custom titanium, modified by Dreamachine Motorcycles – Color: Titanium – Seat-to-upper section: pre-preg autoclave moulded carbon-fibre Custom Range Akrapovič burst into the custom market in 2011, with a range of premium after-market exhausts for Harley-Davidson motorcycles. The exhaust systems deliver unique design, performance and that famous Akrapovič sound for four Harley-Davidson families: Sportster, Dyna, Softail and Touring. For full details on the expanding Custom range of exhausts, and to hear how a Harley-Davidson sounds with an Akrapovič exhaust, visit: www.akrapovic-custom.com. Akrapovič is the leading manufacturer of premium exhaust systems for motorcycles and performance cars. It is also a leader in carbon parts and the innovative use of titanium. Akrapovič exhaust systems are known for their impact on performance, and their lightness, durability and sound. Founded in Slovenia 20 years ago, by former motorcycle racer Igor Akrapovič, the brand has grown to international prominence through the successful support of leading racing teams. To date, 63 world champions have achieved their success with Akrapovič exhaust systems. The company operates from state-of-the-art factories in Slovenia, employing 500 people and distributing its products in more than 60 countries.