It’s a near fact that electric motorcycles can’t be as powerful and as cheap as their gas burning counterparts, but at least they can look hot, right? At least that’s what Delft design graduate Maarteen Timmer has been trying to do with his latest VertiGO, a rubber burning electric bike. AlthoughVertiGO looks like a classic superbike, the slightly futuristic design is anything but regular, yet totally realizable. With a faux tank for the biker to rest his knees on, an electric engine, batteries and a suspended seat, the VertiGO has what it takes to get stuck into our hearts — only if someone would take it to the production lines … [via HFLM]

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For those who appreciated the military-inspired Gear Up Sahara that we showed a few months ago, the Russian designers from Ural Motorcycles have a new proposal. Although it looks unchanged despite decades of production, the new Ural-T is one of those nostalgically evocative rides on three wheels. With an old school exterior, the sidecar motorcycle cruises through country roads (or dirt roads just as well) covered with a stylish matte black paint scheme. It’s powered by a 40-horsepower air-cooled 750cc Boxer-twin engine and features a 4-forward/1-reverse transmission. Priced at $10,000 and looking a lot like those WWII gunners, the new Ural T sure keeps the boring away. We’re sold! [Ural Motorcycles]

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The 2010 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 has just been launched at the INTERMOT Cologne Show 2009. A radical departure from its 60-year-old ancestor, the new Thunderbird is a modern day cruiser that promises to live up to its legacy. Aimed mainly at the custom cruiser market, the bike sends 86 horses to the rear wheel from a 1600cc DOHC parallel twin engine, mated to a six-speed transmission. With cast aluminum five-spoke wheels and a tubular steel frame and swingarm, the $12,999 Thunderbird is a direct competitor for a classic Harley cruiser. One that we already love … [via HFLM]

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If fancy cars don’t do it for you, perhaps a two-wheeled alternative will do. Ducati’s Desmosedici GP9 has a lightweight carbon-fiber frame that houses a 90-degree V4 four-stroke engine, generating over 200 horsepower from under 800cc. Shell brings the motor oil and fuel efficiency, lubricating the engine and ensuring an entire race without a pit stop, thanks to a 21-liter tank with V-Power racing fuel. Of course, it takes more than wealth to get a ride in this motorbike. It’s reserved for Nicky Hayden, who plans to race it in this year’s MotoGP. Word is that he digs the chassis and the engine, so here’s hoping it works out. [via Shell]

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Last year, BMW managed to stun motorsport fans with their official announcement for a S1000RR ultra-sport literbike that was supposed to take on established Japanese competitors. This year, all the hype is around the 2010 BMW S1000RR model. Dictated by aerodynamics rather than a designer’s pen, the new superbike follows an asymmetrical theme with a large, fox-eye headlamp on the left side paired with a smaller circle-shaped right-hand unit. Tailored with a four-mode ABS system and a Dynamic Traction Control system, the new S1000RR is light at only 189kg and fast thanks to an inline-four engine that outputs a good 182 bhp. What a beast! [via HFLM]

Designed by Igor Chak, here’s a futuristic motorcycle concept that adds a tinge of modern to the famous 1970s-80s Honda CB series. An eco-ride that definitely knows how to grab attention, his 2015 Honda CB 750 features more computers than our office and packs a 5-inch OLED multi-touch display that controls whatever needs to be controlled— from GPS to driving modes or diagnostics. The CB 750 concept features a carbon fiber, aluminum, and titanium unibody construction powered by a four-cylinder liquid hydrogen engine.  This powerhouse is mated to a six-speed dual-clutch transmission with electronic lurch and traction control– enough to force one hell of an adrenaline rush when getting this little monster roaring.  Anyone at Honda reading this?  We hope so, we’d love to see this one get the greenlight… [via YankoDesign]

Announced late last year in Milan, Ducati’s superbike— the Streetfighter, is finally hitting the roads. Effectively a monster in itself with a claimed 155bhp, it’s actually the most powerful naked motorcycle the Italians have ever built. Created for the race-minded, it’s just been revealed that the 2009 Streetfighter will feature racing silencers, undertank side panels, a swingarm guard, a passenger seat cover and a rear hugger all made of carbon. As for what helps that beast burn rubber, there’s a slipper clutch that prevents the rear wheel lock-up under aggressive downshifting and an electronic shifter that helps shifting faster. With traction control, Marchesini wheels and an Öhlins suspension, Ducati Streetfighter S is scheduled to hit US dealerships in May for a good $19,000 while the non-S version will be available in August for $15,000. That’s pure adrenaline … [via HFLM]

Inspired by the famous Pustinja motorcycle and the sandy dunes of the desert, the Gear Up Sahara is a unique three-wheeled vehicle with a military past. Produced by the Russians from Ural Motorcycles, it features an on-demand sidecar drive that certainly adds to its ability of blazing through mud, sand and snow. Packing everything under an elegant light-brown finishing, Gear Up Sahara is a reborn classic that loves harsh conditions. Only 18 units will cross the ocean to the US and the price for owning an adrenaline pumping machine is $13,949 (MSRP, excluding taxes). Anyone for a fishing trip? [via imz-ural]

After 46 years since his epic jump in The Great Escape, Hollywood legend Steve McQueen’s Desert Racer motorcycle is making an exciting comeback. With full endorsement from the McQueen estate, Oxfordshire-based Metisse Motorcycle are working on a limited edition run of replicas of the bike. Recreating as many details as possible, just like the original the new Metisse Desert Racer will use a  reconditioned period Triumph TR6 engine complete with a single Amal carburetor. With a chrome-moly, nickel plated, oil bearing frame, two chromed steel wheel rims, period chromed exhausts and a scramble rear tyre, the new Desert Racer looks more like a collector’s favorite rather than a dirt eater. Yours for £13,000 (some $18,500 at today’s rate) only 300 units will be built. [via HFLM]