PICTURES: The MotoCzysz C1.

Last weekend's US Grand Prix at Laguna Seca saw ambitious new American constructor MotoCzysz launch its $100,000, 200 horsepower, C1 race replica (pictured).

The company, owned by Hollywood architect and motorcycle entrepreneur Michael Czysz, made headlines last year when it announced it was building a revolutionary high-performance motorcycle - featuring numerous innovative design features - which they hoped to race in MotoGP.

Members of MotoCzysz subsequently visited MotoGP rights holders Dorna at the 2005 Chinese Grand Prix to discuss their intentions but, while the MotoGP dream appears to have been put on hold, the company has refined its C1 to the point where they are now taking orders for a limited production run of 50 track machines.

The C1's most significant feature is its counter rotating, twin crank, four-cylinder engine - for which it has been awarded a patent. The engine is mounted along (rather than across) the frame, making the bike very narrow, while the two cranks (turning in opposite directions) virtually eliminate gyroscopic and torque forces.

Other components of interest include a monoshock front suspension system - which features forks designed to flex during cornering, while retaining their stiffness during braking - plus a carbon fibre frame, a patent pending slipper clutch design and twin spring single-damper rear suspension. The cooling system consists of twin front radiators plus an additional radiator above the rear wheel.

In terms of performance, MotoCzysz says the 1000cc engine will deliver over 200hp at 15,000 rpm, torque of over 108Nm and all for a machine weight of around 160 kg.