Hardcore Cycles Builds a Championship-Caliber Chopper for Sebastian Vettel

In case you weren’t tuning in this past weekend, Sebastian Vettel bludgeoned the Formula 1 field one last time for 2013 at the Interlagos circuit in Sao Paolo, Brazil. In doing so, the 26-year-old German phenom tied the records for the most grand prix wins in a single season (13) and the most grand prix wins in succession (nine, with a chance to set a new record if he can win the 2014 season opener). Not a bad way to end the season of your fourth consecutive world championship.

So, how does Infiniti Red Bull Racing’s superstar shoe plan to spend his off season? Well, we’d guess he’ll be spending some time with family and friends, and enjoying being able to sleep in on the weekends. But we also wouldn’t be surprised if the self-professed motorcycle nut spends at least a little time riding the sweet chopper you see here.

Built by Vettel’s countryman Marcus Walz and his team at Hardcore Cycles, this regal blue bike was actually built in 2011 to commemorate Seb’s first world championship in 2010. But other than the rear fender art denoting only the 2010 title and Vettel’s car number from that season – 5 – on the stylized lower leading edge of the frame, this proper chopper (based on Hardcore Cycles’ Dragstyle model) looks bang-up-to-date. The spokes of the one-off wheels incorporate Vettel’s personal logo, as does the embroidery on the Alcantara saddle. The heads of the rumbling V-twin engine feature carbon fiber detailing, and the swoopy airbox is also carbon fiber and is emblazoned with the German flag and “S. Vettel,” just like the champ’s office.

In addition to the deep blue paint that matches that of the Red Bull F1 cars, both sides of the gas tank features pinstriping that forms the outline of the energy drink conglomerate’s charging bull logo. And a list of the tracks that comprised the 2010 F1 schedule encircles the seat. Throw in all the other cool touches you expect to find on a Walz design (such as the lovingly machined, drilled gearshift and clutch arms and footpeg supports) and you have a bitchin’ belt-drive bike that any motorcycle enthusiast – super successful racecar driver or otherwise – would be proud to own.

Is this bike the reason Vettel keeps on winning? Don’t be silly; his prodigious talent, dedication to his craft, dedication from the team, and some truly kickass car designs from the fertile mind of Adrian Newey are the sources of the kid’s success. However, that’s not to say that wanting to finish races as quickly as possible so he can get home and go for a ride sooner doesn’t have anything to do with his dominance…

Source: Hardcore Cycles