Brand new American sportsbike on the way

A new American sportsbike aims to compete with the biggest names in motorcycling.

With Buell showing that cruisers are not the only bikes to be made in the US, former racer Dan Fischer has announced plans for the Fischer MR1000.

The bike uses the Rotax V-997cc engine, the same engine used in the Aprilia Mille. Coincidentally Dan Fischer raced in an Aprilia series in the US, so he should know exactly what the engine is capable of.

Both the chassis engineering and styling are at an advanced stage. The chassis has been developed by Americans Gemini Technology Systems, whose previous efforts include the Harley VR1000. Fischer have aimed for " razor sharp handling, along with responsive yet forgiving ride quality " utilising an aluminium twin spar frame.

For styling, Fischer have moved outside the US to hire top designer Glynn Kerr. Kerr is based in France but has been working at Fischer’s R&D facility, directly supervising the modelling and design of the bike.

Although the planning stage lasted almost a year, test bikes are already being assembled, and the bike is on schedule to go into production in 2004.

Do you think this is a bike that could rival Buell? Or even Honda or Ducati? Post your thoughts on the News board by clicking on the link on the right.