ROAD NEWS
Christofer ’ s inspiration for his new 250cc limited production Two Stroke has been to create a pure , performance-orientated twostroke machine in the best café racer traditions . Unlike traditional performance two-stroke motorcycles of the past however , the Langen Two Stroke cleverly combines modern technology and inherent power / performance advantages with an environmentally considerate V-Twin engine with a modern fuel injection system , ECUcontrolled oil injection and electronic exhaust valves , yet also passing the all-important twostroke ‘ sniff test ’. The result is a healthy 75hp backed up with 45Nm of torque , courtesy of Langen ’ s tailored Vins injected 250cc V-twin lightweight motor . This engine is housed in a bespoke and painstakingly-built tubular aluminium space frame with high-specification motorcycle parts , including Öhlins front forks , K-Tech twin shocks suspending the rear , Hel Performance brakes and Dunlop tyres to ensure the Langen Twin Stroke stops and turns as well as it pulls . To help achieve the Langen ’ s weight of just 114kg ( including oil and water ) the Two Stroke ’ s bodywork and fuel tank are produced in handlaid carbon-fibre , complete with hand-finished gold leaf detailing , although a range of customisation options are also available . A 1990s Grand Prix racer-style dual-exit exhaust system , complete with right-hand-side and under seat pipes , emits the pleasingly smoky sights and smells that bike enthusiasts relish with two-stroke motorcycles . Speaking of the enthusiastic response to the Two Stroke ’ s debut at Blenheim Palace , Langen Motorcycles founder , Christofer Ratcliffe , said : “ My dream has always been to create a small piece of British motorcycling history . To be able to launch this special motorcycle under a completely new brand really is a hugely rewarding realisation of this dream . I just want to create some interesting bikes and my aim is to continue to push boundaries , which I hope will really please people .” Ratcliffe is under no illusions that the heyday of the two-stroke is long since in the past , and while the limited production Two Stroke is road legal the future of the two-stroke engine remains bleak . “ For me , with all these electric bikes now launching , the first Langen is a final swansong for the two-stroke ; an intriguing modern twist on a proud performance café racer tradition .”
96 KIWI RIDER