🤮

 

JT Nesbitt strikes again, and his design language is still gibberish. Everything he's ever had a part in, all the way back to the 90's and his Iron Horse Magazine articles about chopper design (that centered around his efforts to make a Moto Guzzi into a chopper), through the Confederate Wraith and others, has looked like a steampunk kid's bad acid trip. That's just my opinion, of course, and he keeps getting noticed by magazines even if he never actually produces anything realistic.

 

I had never heard of this guy, so I had to pull up a few articles.
The first thing I noticed was "master's degree in fine arts".
After some more reading, my opinion is in line with yours. He's an "artist" that produces nothing more than display pieces for the ultra rich. And ugly ones at that. They do say art is in the eye of the beholder.🤷‍♂️

 

It isn't for everyone. Looks are subjective. That is an ugly motorcycle.

 

They should be working on giving the Challenger a few more degrees of rake.

 

I’ve always thought that the in-line fours were gorgeous ~ particularly for their time. Different strokes for different folks, I s’pose… (no pun, eh?}

An updated four with all the modern improvements In suspension, reliability, etc? Winner!! Might even pry me off my RM!

 

Here you go: The Magnolia Four – a 100 Year Motorcycle | The Vintagent

 

I guess so. I read the entire article, but was still left feeling flat about the whole idea. It reminds me of the company that made replica Duesenberg ll automobiles. They were very well made. They were very expensive.

 

Agreed. The price will put it out of reach for anyone that would actually ride it, too.

This sums up the cost:

“Our pricing structure is based on the value of original American four-cylinder motorcycles: original examples of the genre – an exceptional Henderson, Ace, or Indian Four – will cost you $200,000 or more.”

 

Here’s another thread about the 4 …

https://www.indianmotorcycles.net/threads/new-indian-4-%E2%80%A6-ok-just-wishful-thinking-%E2%80%A6-%F0%9F%98%AC-the-magnolia-4-%E2%80%A6.364629/

 

It seems less a motorcycle, but more of a conversation piece.
I could probably qualify for a loan to buy one of these bikes. I just have to come up with a plan on how after I immediately stop making payments on the loan, that I can get the government to come in and forgive the loan for me. 🤠

 

Just my opinion, but the main problem I see (besides price) is that most people aren't into the vintage look anymore. Just look at what Indian is doing, moving away from vintage towards a more modern look... there's a reason for it.

 

Car companies have tried it in the not too distant past. After a relatively brief period of popularity the PT Cruiser fell off the map with sales. Chevrolet tried it with their HHR and SSR retro pickup truck. The Plymouth Prowler was a failure from the get go.

 

Although I think it's a beautiful design, I see it as nothing more than an extremely limited model for wealthy collectors. Not intended for the masses.

 

Although I think it's a beautiful design, I see it as nothing more than an extremely limited model for wealthy collectors. Not intended for the masses.

Yep.

I had never heard of this guy, so I had to pull up a few articles.
The first thing I noticed was "master's degree in fine arts".
After some more reading, my opinion is in line with yours. He's an "artist" that produces nothing more than display pieces for the ultra rich. And ugly ones at that. They do say art is in the eye of the beholder.🤷‍♂️

 

So many things wrong with this I don't know where to start but here's a big one:

No way will the finned sump provide adequate cooling for that engine.
Cylinder 3 will be a huge problem.
Without liquid cooling this will seize or wear itself out in no time.

and its ugly.
more, is not more!

 

That 3-speed tranny, though.

 

On the other hand, who went out an bought a new Indian in 2009 for $35k?

https://www.motorcycle.com/specs/indian/touring/2009/chief/vintage/detail.html

That $35k in 2009 converts to $52,000 in 2024 dollars.