AESTHETICALLY SPEAKING

Your May feature Naked Ambition on the Indian FTR and Ducati Monster highlighted what I feel is a core value requirement missed by most manufacturers currently. Undeniably bikes are well designed and refined now, but too often little attention is paid to the look of the engines. After all, the motor is the primary part of any bike, a bike at its core being just an engine and two wheels. The two pictures of the FTR on page 54 perfectly illustrate the point, showing the clean lines and lithe look of the beautiful factory racer, pictured over the street FTR that’s festooned with enormous twin (heavy) silencers and an engine largely obscured. The Monster and FTR are typical of many, where a beautiful looking engine has had radiators, water cooling, oil feed tubing and unfortunately routed exhaust pipes almost thrown on as an afterthought. The engine becomes hidden behind obscure, unidentifiable boxes and pipes. Apart from the aesthetics, this makes them a whatsit to clean, if a blatantly practical point!

So manufacturers, please remember that the engines are

the literal heart of the bike and many are beautiful to see, so apply some of that undoubted design talent to the engine looks too. Perhaps this in small part explains why the newer Enfields are doing rather well. Beyond the obvious retro point, they all have a clean, simple look to them, especially the engines.

Simon Rixon

I know what you mean, Simon. Naturally it’s tricky for manufacturers to meet emissions targets, keep the components light and economical, and still maintain pleasing aesthetics, but it can be done. The new BMW R18 is a prime example. The trouble is that in many cases the looks come with a sizeable price tag. Mikko Nieminen