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If there was a time to introduce a new motorcycle into the American market, the spring of 2010 might have been the worst. Sales are still very sluggish, people are trying to verify that their employer is going to keep them, and worst of all, Travertson’s business partner Bruce Rossmeyer died in July 2009 in a motorcycle accident. All this did not bother Travertson, who was already deep into the development of his new project – and “impressive” is just not a strong enough word for what he is trying to pull off here. The premiere of the new bike took place at Rossmeyer’s Harley-Davidson store in a rather unspectacular fashion. But with those in the know could see that this project has great potential.

“What you are looking at is actually the first rolling prototype,” says Christian who had been commissioned to develop the bike by the late Rossmeyer who was planning to go into manufacturing motorcycles. “It is fully functional with all the equipment as the stock version will have,” he adds, “and we are using it as a rolling test bed.”

The goal of this project is nothing less than to fill the gap between Harley-Davidson’s V-Twins and Boss Hoss’s heavyweights which can boast some 350 to 500 horsepower but weigh over 1100 pounds. At a weight of 693 lbs, approximately the same as a Fat Boy and less than an Electra Glide in full dress, the V4 engine produces no less than 250 horsepower and an equally impressive amount of torque. “All dimensions are scaled for the average Harley-Davidson rider, and the bike handles similar to any hog,” says Travertson. The overall concept would also target Harley-Davidson dealerships as the main point of sale for the bike. Not the best time to try, as US dealerships have trouble to sell their own brands at this point.

The V4 was designed to use as many common V-Twin parts as possible. That is easier said than done. The water-cooled V-4 is a completely new engine and displaces 163 cubic inches (about 2700 cc), has a 90° cylinder angle, 2-valve design, 4” x 3 ¼” bore x stroke ratio, and a 10:1 compression ratio. Working with a Who’s Who of automotive manufacturers, Brodix designed the fuel injected heads, Scat manufactures the crankshaft and Compcams makes the cam. Harley aftermarket specialist Baker is responsible for the 5-speed gearbox. The V4 has been turned in the frame Moto Guzzi style but still it allows the mounting of a Harley-type primary drive.

The Softail-style tube frame, upside-down fork and very reasonable tire sizes make this look like a perfectly rideable motorcycle. The styling will be refined for production, the huge radiator may get some covers. Realistically, in terms of production numbers, Travertson declares a limited production run of 200 examples. “This is a “Muscle Bike” in the best American tradition,” he says, “and everybody who rides it will love it.” Unquestionably, the V4 has one of the best power-to-weight ratios on the motorcycle market.

Travertson Motorcycles
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
1-954-763-2283
www.Travertson.com