A Kalashnikov-designed motorcycle, sleek and all in black, will join Russian President Vladimir Putin’s official motorcade next year, The Drive reported. Just a low rev from the sinister-looking bike would probably scare off the chunky local police Harleys that escort U.S. presidents.
The Russian concept bike, labeled ‘Izh,’ was designed by the leading firearm manufacturer responsible for producing the AK-47 and AK-74 assault rifles, and is being built by the Russian firm Rostec, which was charged with manufacturing Putin’s new limo that debuted at his 2018 swearing-in ceremony.
The bike will form part of the Kortezh line, which includes Putin’s luxurious bulletproof limo and may also feature mini-vans, sedans and SUV’s, all created for top state officials, RT reported.
The Izh motorcycle can reportedly make 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque and can go from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds, The Drive said.
Recent testing at the Sochi Formula 1 track saw the bike, which weighs 1,124 pounds, achieve a top speed of 155 mph, which is a necessity if it is going to escort the Russian president.
CEO of the Rostec state corporation, Sergey Chemezov, said a prototype had already been ordered and the next task would be to “create a really innovative product in line with all the safety demands,” Sputnik News reported.
The bike is technically still in production, and will only join Putin’s motorcade next year, but there’s word that manufacturers are considering producing a civilian version, The Drive reported.
If so, News18.com reported, it would likely be available in the U.S. market.
There's no word yet on a price.
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