The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

Carroll Shelby and Rucker Performance Create the Ultimate American Performance Motorcycle


PHOTO (select to view enlarged photo)

LAS VEGAS--Shelby Automobiles, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Carroll Shelby International Inc., (Pink Sheets:CSBI) and Rucker Performance unveiled a limited production Shelby motorcycle at the Cincinnati V-Twin Expo in Cincinnati, Ohio, on February 2, 2007. This incredible high performance American motorcycle, which rivals the power to weight ratio of the famed Shelby Cobra 427 S/C, was developed in partnership between the two companies and will be built by Rucker Performance, under license by Carroll Shelby Licensing, Inc. Shelby Automobiles Inc., manufactures high performance Shelby vehicles, including the new 2007 Ford Shelby GT, under the guidance of the legendary Carroll Shelby. Rucker Performance is a leading designer and manufacturer of custom American muscle production motorcycles.

Its no secret that stuffing a powerful American motor into a lightweight chassis has been my formula for success, noted Carroll Shelby, CEO of Shelby Automobiles. Working with Bill Rucker and his team, weve taken this same approach on the new Shelby motorcycle. My team at Shelby Automobiles has worked closely with Rucker Performance to create a motorcycle that offers the same thrill as driving my Cobra.

Fellow Texan Bill Rucker is famous for building spectacular two wheeled motorcycles that are among the most exciting vehicles in the world. He is Founder and CEO of Rucker Performance, a manufacturer of high performance American muscle and chopper motorcycles. Rucker is a designer, builder and fabricator, bringing entrepreneurial experience and more than 30 years of management success in motorcycle manufacturing, drag racing and hot rods to the company. Over the years, the Rucker name became synonymous with quality, technological innovation and extensive customization.

We built the ultimate American high performance motorcycle, said Bill Rucker, President of Rucker Performance. From the initial design to the innovation of new parts, every aspect of this motorcycle was created with that goal in mind. Its a lightweight, fire-breathing ride thats as inspiring as the four wheeled vehicles that wear the Shelby name.

The specs of this pro-stock style bike make any enthusiasts heart beat faster. Racing-style front forks and a high performance braking system with ceramic brake rotors make it nimble, while the Pingel 1-6 electric shifting system and air ride suspension make it comfortable. To keep the bike svelte, the upper body and wheels were built of carbon fiber while Superform create the aluminum body panels.

The heart of the powerhouse is a new S&S X-Wedge 128 c.i.d. engine with closed loop VFI fuel injection that churns out an astounding 150 HP. Rucker Performance is one of only five manufacturers to have access to the powerful new engine and one of the first applications is in the new Shelby motorcycle.

Each Shelby motorcycle can be custom painted according to the owners personal tastes and includes a special edition logo. In addition, a complete line of Shelby merchandise including apparel, accessories and limited edition collectors items will be available. Production of the Shelby will include up to 25 motorcycles that will be available for purchase by the third quarter of this year. Production of a second round of bikes will begin in the fall of 2007.

While Porsche has designed bicycles and BMW snowboards, Carrolls been looking for an opportunity to apply our 40 years of experience to a world class motorcycle program, added Amy Boylan, Shelby Automobiles Inc., president. Hes ridden motorcycles most of his life, so we created a partnership with a manufacturer that meets the high performance standards associated with the Shelby name. This project demonstrates the potential for design and engineering innovation available at Shelby Automobiles. Were excited to launch this motorcycle and watch yet another Shelby product move to the front of the pack.

About Shelby Automobiles, Inc.

Founded by legend Carroll Shelby, Shelby Automobiles, Inc., (www.shelbyautos.com) manufactures and markets performance vehicles and related products. Based in Las Vegas, the company manufactures authentic continuation Cobras, including the 427 S/C, 289 FIA and 289 street car component vehicles. In 2007, the company partnered with Ford Motor Company to launch the new Shelby GT, which is based on the Mustang.

Shelby Automobiles is a division of Carroll Shelby International, Inc. (CSBI.PK). Carroll Shelby Licensing Inc., also a wholly owned division, is the exclusive holder of manufacturer and entrepreneur Carroll Shelby's trademarks and vehicle design rights, which include some of the worlds most famous muscle cars and high-performance vehicles, including the famous Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe. It also holds trademark rights for Shelby-branded apparel, accessories and collectibles. For information about the company or licensing opportunities visit www.carrollshelbyinternational.com.

About Rucker Performance

Rucker Performance Motorcycle Company began production in 2004 and has become a leading designer and certified EPA manufacturer of custom American Muscle motorcycles. Rucker Performance is known for ground-shaking performance with fabrication sheet metal work and a fit and finish that competes with the top one-off custom bikes in the motorcycle industry. Rucker Performance has an in house design department that has the capability to complete the ultimate in extreme, signature graphics and paint selection. Additional information is available at www.ruckerperformance.com.