Confederate Motorcycles Launches X132 Hellcat Speedster

Combining a supremely torque-rich engine, displacing 2,163 cubic centimeters (132 cubic inches) and making 121 horsepower and 140 pound-feet of torque, with a minimalist steel backbone chassis, 18-inch carbon fiber wheels and a leather tractor-style solo seat, the X132 Hellcat Speester is the latest creation flowing from the shop's confines. Based on the previous Hellcat but restyled and reworked by legendary motorcycle designer Pierre Terblanche, it's a handmade work of art that, if nothing else, can be ridden on the street and shown off to the non-Confederate-riding masses when parked.

While nobody is going to confuse the Confederate Hellcat Speedster for a canyon-carving scalpel, the machine is rather adept at pushing certain performance envelopes. About a year ago, a modified version of the Hellcat, later sold in limited production and called the Combat, set a record at the BUB Motorcycle Speed Trials in 2013 when it hit 172.211 miles per hour with rider James Hoegh on board. Granted, this isn't quite the same bike, but it's very similar, and we have no doubt it's capable of setting a quarter-mile ablaze or hitting ludicrous speed given a long enough stretch of road. The fact that it's relatively low 500-pound curb weight looks to be kept low in the chassis ought to be a boon for riders who enjoy a nice set of twisty roads, too.

Want one? We don't blame you, but you'd better act fast. Only 65 of these machines will be produced, each one with a base price of $65,000. Reservations are currently being accepted.