A new 186mph motorbike created in a collaboration between two Norfolk firms is set for sale around the world.
The 1,300cc Manley Trident, based on the Suzuki B-King, has been designed to be faster, lighter and more attractive than the original version, and has already received rave reviews from motorcycle magazines.
The bike has been created in a partnership between Neville Manley, owner of Weasenham-based Manley Engineering, and Phil Bevan, of fuel-efficient vehicle specialist Trident, based in Beeston, near Dereham.
Manley Engineering, which makes a broad range of products, was originally commissioned to work on the project by a US firm which later folded, but Mr Manley and Mr Bevan - both lifelong motorcycle enthusiasts - decided to work together to carry it through to completion.
Manley worked on the mechanical side and Trident on the bodywork, with wind tunnel tests showing significantly reduced drag, while the vehicle has been made 24kg lighter.
The first bike has been built and the first four orders received, and following inquiries from across the world it is hoped the vehicle will prove popular in the US, Australia and Europe.
The Manley Trident venture is also set to move into a new base, the three- acre former M&C Agricultural site in Swaffham, which will include a factory and showroom. Once orders pick up, the company is set to take on additional staff to meet demand.
Mr Bevan said: “We have had emails from all over the world about the bike. It is very desirable, very powerful and very fast, with less CO2 emissions and fuel consumption because it has less weight and is more aerodynamic.
“It is very early days, but we have had three orders over the weekend and Suzuki dealers are also interested. As orders keep coming in we will be looking to take on more staff.”
Neville Manley added: “It is very early but I hope this can create new jobs in Norfolk. I hope we receive orders for 1,000-plus.
“It is a much lighter, more aerodynamic and better looking bike than the B-King and people love it.”