The F-131 Hellcat

Like the Wraith, this Hellcat is powered by a 45-degree v-twin engine (a ‘radial twin’) that uses a balancer shaft to reduce vibration to the level of a 90-degree v-twin engine. Displacing 131ci (2,147cc), the Hellcat power plant delivers 137bhp at the rear wheel via belt primary drive and a five-speed gearbox.

Unlike the ultra-radical Wraith however, the Hellcat models utilise a conventional welded tubular frame, albeit one optimised for torsional stiffness with the aim of keeping the steering head properly aligned with the swinging arm pivot at all times. Unusually, Confederate chose to make the engine a stressed part of the chassis structure and were awarded an engineering patent for the mounting design. The swinging arm pivot is concentric with the gearbox output shaft, while – uniquely – the exhaust system is routed through the arm’s right-hand leg. Confederate’s reputation for ‘no-expense-spared’ approach to motorcycle design is reflected in the choice of running gear: Marzocchi usd forks, Penske shocks, ISR six-pot radial front brake calipers and Blackstone carbon fiber wheels all being part of the package.

The “F” architecture of this Hellcat is very simple, yet incredibly rigid and light. It is the only backbone downtube, cradle based chassis to utilize the powerplant as a stressed member. It is also the last architecture for a crafted series built machine designed entirely by analogue methodology. to a monocoque frame made from 100 percent military-spec billet and a stealth-matte anodized finish.