It’s often said that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Given the remarkable similarity between the Lotus Bikes C-01 and its alleged copycats, it’s reasonable to question the effectiveness of the designers’ efforts. And rightly so. The unveiling of the C-01 sent shockwaves through the motorcycle community, its striking design leaving a lasting impression on enthusiasts and experts alike. Wrapped in an unbroken expanse of carbon fibre, the 200hp powerhouse’s sleek silhouette defied comparison to any production car, its lineage to Lotus unmistakable.
Mantas Simanauskas, owner of Si Mantas Bikes in Lithuania, was one builder whose curiosity about the C-01 went beyond mere admiration. Since spotting the sleek lines and innovative design of the C-01, Mantas had nurtured an unrelenting passion for the bike. So, when the opportunity finally arose to make his dream a reality, he seized it without hesitation.
At the core of the Lotus C-01 lay the same V-twin engine found in the KTM RC8R. The frame was crafted from a bespoke blend of carbon fibre, metal, and titanium, showcasing exceptional engineering expertise in every detail. The sleek bicycle tipped the scales at a remarkably light 398 kilograms, its featherweight design achieved through generous applications of high-performance carbon fibre, thereby yielding an extraordinary energy-to-weight ratio that was truly awe-inspiring. Lotus Bikes manufactured a staggering 100 unique versions of their flagship model, the C-01, which commanded a premium price tag of $137,000 each.
For his ambitious project, Mantas didn’t envision building an entire bicycle from the ground up or investing a small fortune to achieve it. As a last-minute substitute, he was required to find a suitable bone marrow donor. “I desired a sturdy bicycle for its foundation.” “I’ve opted for a 2010 model, specifically the 12-month-old Kawasaki Ninja 1400 GT-R,” he remarks.
While the inline-four engine in the Kawasaki 1400 GTR is capable, it can’t quite match the impressive 200 horsepower delivered by the C-01’s V-twin configuration. However, with a robust 153 horsepower at its disposal, this vehicle is certainly no pushover. The 2024 Nissan GT-R is a formidable and potent sport-touring vehicle. It had become commonplace to see such a motorcycle arrive with its sleek, streamlined appearance, complete with crash bars, robust panniers and a substantial two-person seat. The 2010 Nissan GT-R 1400 featured cutting-edge technology, including an electronically adjustable windshield, anti-lock braking system (ABS), and advanced traction control. With the collective weight of the added components, the motorbike tips the scales at an impressive 240 kilograms, a staggering 120 kilograms more than its sleek counterpart, the Lotus. Given the success of the original C-01, Mantas’ challenge would have been to refine and improve upon that design, leveraging its efficient performance as a starting point.
Despite using primary carbon fibre in the Lotus C-01’s bodywork, Manta chose an unconventional approach by constructing his own model from lightweight yet durable aluminium instead. While it might not be as lightweight as carbon fibre, aluminium still offers significant weight savings and can be shaped into almost any desired form. To amplify the retro-futuristic aesthetic of his bicycle design, Mantas decided to incorporate wooden elements.
As soon as Mantas was thoroughly satisfied with his concept, he dismantled the Kawasaki, revealing certain inconsistencies in his original plan and donor selection.
As he removed the bike’s accessories, he noticed that its design didn’t lend itself well to customization. The challenge lay in crafting aluminium panels that precisely matched the asymmetrical original GTR body, an endeavor that proved exhausting. To add insult to injury, the transversely mounted 1400cc inline-four engine, a true monolith of power, demanded housing behind the new bodywork – a problem that presented itself as a formidable obstacle.
To effectively address the challenges facing the body, Mantas required the creation of several fundamental components from the ground up. These included the gasoline cell.
“A bespoke aluminum gasoline tank was crafted, seamlessly integrating original equipment manufacturer techniques while incorporating an added BMW R1200-inspired fuel tank breather.” The sleek design of the vehicle’s exterior means that the gasoline tank is virtually invisible from view. Surrounded by sleek aluminium accent panels and a rich wood trim that stretches from the dashboard to the rear of the bike.
Wrapped in a custom-forged alloy shell, the iconic GTR powertrain is fully enveloped by a sleek, precision-crafted body. Mantas also designed a bespoke headlight cover, belly pan, and reduced the fender profile to further refine the overall aesthetic.
The seemingly innocuous components of a bicycle often belie their true nature. Mantas created them by combining wooden laminate, akin to the material employed in skateboard production, with additional aluminum components. Following completion, he finished the visible surfaces by applying subtle wooden grain aero-graphic paint and a generous coat of glossy varnish. The aluminum panels have remained unfinished and uncoated. With meticulous care, Mantas honed the steel to a dazzling brightness and then meticulously hand-polished each hexagonal component to achieve a uniform sheen.
By carefully manipulating the wires through the tail unit, Mantas successfully resolved any lingering problems at the rear of the bike. He also chose to install Highsider’s Proton 2-in-1 flip signs, which are cleverly designed to sit discreetly on either side of the license plate, serving as both brake lights and turn indicators. The vehicle features an integrated LED brake light within its tail unit, mimicking the functionality of a Formula One car’s brake light.
Headlights’ duties are defined by a standard glass headlamp, featuring an ‘angel eye’ daytime running light enhancement. A discreet array of mini Highsider flip indicators remains affixed to the sleek aspect panels. The Sprint is a distinctive 1,400 GTR product that is attached to the tank rather than the top clamp. The distinctive GTR controls are flanked by a pair of clip-on handlebars situated on either side of the sprint.
Efforts to boost productivity were modest. Mantas restricts modifications to a compact aftermarket exhaust muffler, a Lust Racing downforce device, and ContiSportContact rubber tyres. While the primary enhancement undoubtedly stems from the overall reduction in weight, following the removal of all touring equipment from the bike.
The two-year journey to transform a Kawasaki 1400 GTR was a testament to dedication, yielding a result that may not appeal to all, yet its meticulous craftsmanship deserves recognition. Mantás claims the bike now handles like a high-performance superbike, rather than a touring bike, and we’re not surprised to think it will turn many more heads as well.
