The Lotus C-01 was revealed as a 3D computer mockup in 2013, and the world was stunned by its combination of a radical body shape with the legendary Lotus name, never previously associated with motorcycles. The concept was sketched out by former Bugatti designer Daniel Simon, who is best known in the 2-wheel world for the Tron Legacy Lightcycle. Press and Internet observers were further stunned in 2014 to see the computer model had actually been built in a form very close to the fantasy—a rare occurrence with computer concepts. The original carbon fiber monocoque idea was swapped for a far more practical chromoly trellis tube frame, built by Kalex, which is partly owned by the Holzer Group, who put this Lotus motorcycle project together. The swingarm is an aluminum casting, fully capable of handling all that power, and road tests of the Lotus have been resoundingly positive. It was projected the Lotus C-01 would have 200hp, but the production model uses a 175hp KTM 1195cc V-twin from the RC8R superbike. The chassis is state of the art, with 320mm Brembo racing brakes, twin Ohlins rear suspension, upside-down Sachs forks, and a carbon-fiber shell built of 12 sections. The wheels are carbon-fiber, built by the South African specialists BST, and are bespoke to the Lotus, being 19-inch diameter at the front, and 17-inch at the rear, to suit the original concept’s silhouette. The C-01 follows the computer model so closely that it’s difficult to tell them apart on a screen, but this Lotus motorcycle is very real, and has perfect craftsmanship to complement its 100 percent hypersports specification. This stunning, 2-mile 2014 Lotus C-01 is one of only 100 ever to be built, believed to be the only example in North America of this stunning machine as well as one of the most compelling motorcycles ever built.