Images: Extravagant timepiece craftsmanship fuses with motorbike engineering in the latest high-performance 130 hp superbike
The RMB01 motorcycle, a remarkable collaboration between Swiss luxury watchmaker Richard Mille and iconic French motorcycle manufacturer Brough Superior, is set to redefine the boundaries of high-performance motorcycling. This unique, limited-edition machine is more than just a motorcycle – it is a true work of art designed to push the limits of excellence and emotion on the track.
### Unique Features and Highlights of the RMB01:
- Design Inspiration and Aesthetics: The RMB01 draws inspiration from early 20th-century Board Tracker racing motorcycles, renowned for their minimal weight and pure performance. Its design is bold, sculptural, and sensual, featuring an elongated tank, a minimalist seat, and a fully visible engine, all contributing to a dynamic and feline-like silhouette.
- Construction and Materials: Unlike most Brough Superior motorcycles that use titanium frames, the RMB01’s frame is machined from aluminum and includes a self-supporting forged carbon rear frame, combining lightness with strength. The body panels and aerodynamic parts include forged carbon components with matte and frosted finishes, highlighting sophistication and a modern racing aesthetic.
- Engine and Performance: The motorcycle is powered by a 997cc, 88° V-twin, 4-stroke engine producing approximately 130 horsepower. The engine is crafted from solid blocks of high-quality aluminum alloy (series 5000 with high magnesium), showcasing a sculptural and high-precision build typical of Richard Mille’s engineering ethos.
- Mechanical Innovations and Parallels with Watchmaking: The RMB01 integrates mechanical elements and design cues reminiscent of watch movements. The visible mechanical speedometer and layered rims mimic the complexity of watch gears. Custom wheels inspired by watch gears feature lightweight alloy hoops and bolted hubs for enhanced stiffness and maneuverability. The innovative Fior-type fork with a double wishbone geometry separates steering and braking functions, providing improved stability and anti-dive braking performance – a sophisticated mechanical system akin to a watch’s intricate moving parts.
- Technical Specifications: - Chassis: Machined aluminum frame coupled with forged carbon components. - Suspension: Front and rear suspensions with preload and rebound adjustments, including a monoshock rear setup. - Brakes: High-performance radial-mounted 320 mm front discs with 4-piston calipers and a rear disc with a single-piston caliper. - Transmission: 6-speed manual gearbox with chain drive.
- Exclusivity and Craftsmanship: The RMB01 is a limited series, with only 150 units produced, each hand-assembled and bench-tested in France for optimal performance and quality control.
In summary, the RMB01 motorcycle is an exclusive, high-performance machine that combines Richard Mille’s watchmaking precision and innovative materials with Brough Superior’s legacy of motorcycle excellence. Its unique design, use of advanced materials like forged carbon, and mechanical sophistication set it apart as a true masterpiece at the intersection of horology and motorcycling. The RMB01 is set for release at the end of 2025 and will be available in three distinct finishes: Nocturnal Sapphire, Selene, and Pearl of Speed.
The RMB01 motorcycle, a collaboration between Richard Mille and Brough Superior, is not only a motorcycle but also a work of art, merging innovative design with cutting-edge mechanics. Its engineering innovations, reminiscent of watch movements, are a testament to the fusion of science and industry in finance, promising a remarkable riding experience in the realm of transportation.
