What would you do if someone let you create a custom motorcycle without limitations on ideas, time and budget? JT Nesbitt gives you his answer with “The Bienville Legacy”, an experiment financed by Jim Jacoby through his ADMCI Foundation (American Design And Mastercraft Initiative) The program is to encourage innovation by giving master craftspeople full rein to create whatever they want and reigniting American craftsmanship and innovation in the process.
JT Nesbitt, the designer and builder, is best known for his collaboration with Confederate as Chief Designer on the Wraith and G2 Hellcat models, a company he left when Confederate moved from New Orleans to Birmingham, Alabama. He now works in his own Bienville Studios where – his words – “he explores ideas and concepts in an attempt to spark imagination and to externalize his creative impulses…” Jim Jacoby to add “Once you give someone that opportunity to just create with no boundaries, knowing they have a passion for it, only good things can come out of that”
I would agree that pressure for production efficiency, product marketability and other demands of a harried economy may undermine the pursuit and appreciation of lofty achievements in design. But is it always true and do you appreciate the final result featured here? I will not even try to explain all what was done, just mention the bow-like frame suspension in red, near the gas tank, the suspension damping from mountain bike parts, the identical design but operating differently front and rear girders, the custom carbon fiber wheels, the headlight incorporating the indicators cluster and months of painstakingly hand-crafted pieces with the help of external CAD designers and of many expert machinists and welders.
For sure, with The Bienville Legacy, JT Nesbitt escapes far away from market-driven conformity. Except that after building a total of 3 identical models, the duo Nesbitt/Jacoby states that they now need to sell one to finance them all and the couple of years of shop time it took to accomplish the whole project. Some will find it horrendously ridiculous, just a show stopper built to create enough buzz around its designer (mission accomplished!), while others will underscore the undeniable ingenuity and craftsmanship. I let you judge. The Bienville Studios.
Although not a beautiful bike it has many interesting design concepts. I went to the web site and could not find any reference as to what the engine is. Maybe a Honda ST 1300?
Engine is a Motus.
Great to use as a wall hanging in a barn..
JT Nesbit – The only original , authentic and creative iconoclast individual in the entire world of motorcycle design and engineering trying to take M/C’s out of the dark ages and into the 21st Century … acknowledging motorcycling’s roots while avoiding pretentious ‘ authentic ‘ nostalgia since the passing of John Britten .
As far as the looks are concerned … Cyril’s 1st language contains the phrase that says it best ; Jolie Laide [ Ugly/beautiful ]
FYI ; Jason Cormier on his Odd-Bike site has a very detailed article about the bike .
I CAN ONLY IMAGINE HAVING NO BUDGET OR TIME CONSTRAINTS….WHAT A DREAM OF EVERY BUILDER..INCREDIBLE MACHINE
just because you can doesn’t mean you should
Amazing design & workmanship. Forward thinker, congratulation. 👍👍👍
TJ – you are quite the fanboy
Probably the ugliest bike I have ever seen, but there are some interesting touches on it. What a shame they are spoiled by the styling, or lack of it. Ugly/beautiful? Nope, just ugly.
Interesting of course, but I am still waiting for JT to produce his “Ghost” inline 4 cylinder. It is pure beauty!
Its based on a Motus, which in of itself is a reflection on a resurgence of American manufacturing, design and engineering. http://motusmotorcycles.com/ Pretty much a V4 small block chevy in a motorcycle frame.
Thats said, this is an abomination.
go to the motus site linked in above post and listen to the 3000 rpm passby, i’m a fan of this engine, pure function but thebike here not near my cup of tea.
I like it, something different, not another Big Wheel bagger or café bike. Had to dig deep to find anybody actually sitting on it. That elevated geometry looks like you’re riding a bull in a rodeo.
Doug – Not a ‘ fanboy ‘ in the slightest . More like a hardline advocate for originality and innovation that has become sick and tired of SSDD bikes coming from both the manufactures as well as custom builders posing as something genuinely new and different .
So when it comes to JT as well as Britten … the only real question is when will the rest of the M/C world .. manufactures and consumers alike … finally catch up to those two and join the 21st century ?
FYI et al ; This bike like All of JT’s bikes is first and foremost a rider . As a little reading and research would show .. Hmmn .. reading before posting … what a concept … 😉
To me, this bike just doesn’t have any flow to it. The frame around the gas tank area could be tighter and use larger diameter tubing (V-Rod style or double tubing) because of the overall size of the bike. The seat needs lots of work(and could be lower), and the gauge/headlight combo could be lower and angled back more too. Also, that gas tank projection under the seat kind of takes away from the total flow of the design. I’d like to see shorter one piece carbon fiber front and rear fenders and integrated braces too. The Moped style of mirrors should also be replaced by custom ones. Lastly, I’m also wondering how the bike would look if you flipped the front girder around and tried various styles of slots/windows or recesses in them?
What a freaking waste.
What a mess. It hurts my eyes. Want to disassemble it!
Monstrosity. The opposite of good design. Tacky, vulgar, ugly.
Indeed, what a waste of high dollars and talent. Sometimes their need to be restraints, just like in gummint. because I can” is a terrible gameplan.
Roy Rogers called and wants his saddle back.
It’s craptacular.
Just because I don;t like doesn’t mean somebody else won’t
Not going to get on here to slam a man’s work
(A company, yes, all day, but an individual, nope!)
“What is one man’s garbage, is another man’s desert” !!!!
A brilliant concept and first-rate execution, especially the bow-spring idea.
It just doesn’t look inviting to actually ride.
WTF is that ?? Looks like an elephant thats falling down forward… Id hate to take that thing on the Peak To Peak Highway at a good competitive clip with my buddies…yikes..guaranteed Id never survive..
JT Nesbitt – never heard this name before – got all the money he wanted for an act of professional destruction. Congrats.
Somebody is going to buy this???
If you don’t like it say you don’t like it. You’re not intelligent enough to be insulting.
@TJ Martin
John Britten is galaxies beyond this guy. You might want to ease off from combining them in such an exclusive way, else your credibility will be completely shot to hell, regardless if the above bike is worthy of merit or not. There are profound differences that are indisputable…
e.g. John Britten designed and built his own motor in addition to his own wheels & complete chassis. Then, his bike took on the factory-backed motorcycle racing world and spanked them. He didn’t farm out components to companies.
“The building of the bike is…possibly the most interesting part of it. But, I suppose, unless you’re prepared to go through with putting it against …the racing world, well, then, you’ve really proved nothing.” – John Britten from “One Man’s Dream”
The bow suspension is also not new. Motorcyclist magazine, (imagine that! a mainstream mag representing the 21st century) published a sketch of a “future-think” sportbike that had a cf bow that suspended both ends. That sketch pre-dates the sketches for the above bike.
You seem so bent on praising nesbitt for his contributions above the entire m/c world & that he has revolutionized matters. Name the areas he has done so to warrant such praise
Doug-
A couple of thoughts on John Britten-
It is my opinion that the film “One Man’s Dream – The John Britten Story” is a trite and obfuscating pile of dribble that actually does a disservice to motorcyclists the world over by perpetuating the myth that one guy, working alone, in a garage built an entire motorcycle single handedly, then proceeded to dominate the world of motorcycle racing. Let us begin at the beginning-
When John’s father died he left his son one of the largest estates ever inherited in New Zealand. (not that there is anything wrong with that, I am merely pointing out the fact that financially- John had no worries and a steady stream of income from the vast land holdings accrued by his father). As I have said may times, the purpose of money should be merely a tool in service of passion and it is my position that John certainly knew HOW to spend it propperly. It was spent on his vendors -to wit-
Anyone who knows anything about casting motorcycle engine cases knows that it takes a lifetime of skill, engineering, metallurgy, an attainment of master craftsmanship in pattern making, and a FOUNDRY. There is no foundry in John’s home garage….He had people for that. As well as trained engineers to source the internals for that engine that was in fact a mixture of parts from automotive and motorcycling- The Britten uses a Suzuki gearset, Formula 1 sourced pistons, rods, valves, etc. As motorcycle tinkerers and dreamers- All of us know the tremendous costs and complexities of this proposition, and I think that the crummy film never even touched on the TEAM effort associated with this undertaking, John being formally trained as an architect after all.
In fact- high on the list of team members responsible for the Bienville Legacy project is the guy who helped to develop the composites for the V-1000, and actually owns Britten #9. His expertise and top-notch consultation has yielded the majority of the composite work you see pictured. And what of the amazing man who financed this project! No credit was given to the guy who took a huge risk on a chump in a garage in New Orleans who had all but resigned to a future of waiting tables and cleaning bathrooms…..This should resonate with anyone who actually builds things in 21st century America.
From personal experience I can tell you that this is the way of the entertainment industry. In the press release for this motorcycle was a list on names of those that contributed mightily to this project and without whom, none of this would have been possible. They were not listed here, or anywhere else and while beyond my control, I nevertheless feel great shame.
Moving along to my next point…The film also glosses over the very astute strategic decision of WHERE to race. John – smart man that he was – did NOT attempt to take on the might of Suzuki, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Honda, in GP, but rather chose wisely in picking out the weakest kid in the schoolyard to sucker-punch. Ducati’s “works racing” in the early 90’s was slap-dash at best, the factory itself constantly teetering on the precipice of insolvency. The secret to the races that he did win….He OUT SPENT THEM with a dedicated racebike of entirely new construction utilizing materials that the Ducati Factory team could only dream of possessing because – they couldn’t afford it.
The ultimate purpose of the motorcycles you see pictured above is speed. Strategically, I am ripping a page from John’s book, and choosing my battles wisely. This motorcycle (because of its push rod valve actuation via Motus MV4R) is classified, and approved to compete against, air cooled pushrod engined motorcycles (HD and clones) by the SCTA. (I think that I can hear a few light bulbs clicking on above geared heads all of a sudden)
Next up is patents- There are none for the Britten V-1000. The extensive use of composites, while revolutionary, replace steel and aluminum components that have been used in the same place, and for the same reason, for many years (decades) prior. On close inspection and after many hours of first-hand study and contemplation, It is my belief that only the placement of the rear shock ahead of the engine and below the front cylinder, with a rocking arm actuation is truly a new idea (and a very good one at that). The documentary “One Mans Dream” never even attempts to explain the nature of this innovation or that the front suspension was actually developed in the 70’s by Norman Hossack… again a disservice to motorcycle designers and acolytes both.
Please forgive me while I indulge in a little self aggrandizement…. Patent submission for the suspension design of the Bienville Legacy has been accepted by the US Patent and Trademark Office with the issuance of multiple patent numbers for both domestic and international, before the end of the year.
But back to the Britten, and it’s role in my life. I do not point out these facts to belittle John Britten’s work. Quite the opposite. I would not be meddling with motorcycle design without the Britten and find it infuriating that the most advanced motorcycle in 2014 was built in 1994! But my point is that it should serve as inspiration, not worship. When I am in the presence of that motorcycle, a strange thing happens to me. I get antsy, flustered, I cannot be in it’s presence for too long because it compels me to ACTION. I do not revere it as a totem, or it’s creator as a god. It compels me to do the very best that I can with the tools available… and the mantra repeated every morning while lacing up my boots – “today I will not be afraid of the work, today I will not be afraid of the work “-
I think that John would like that. — JT
TJ Martin,
You threw down the gauntlet…
I would say there are many others to consider – eg the man that effectively took his place, namely Pierre Tereblanche, for one.
Pushing the envelope is not simply make things look busier. I am somewhat disappointed with the Nesbitt bit here – it has certain merits (albeit I am NOT a fan – pun intended – of bikes that may serve a second term as a X-mas tree decoration), however it flies in the face of a number of the things Nesbitt claimed to be his ethos, when he still worked for Confederate.
I suspect Mr Nesbitt is playing for the audience a bit.
I thinks the American Design And Mastercraft Initiative” is a great idea though – wish them best of luck.
I can’t remember seeing a busier bike in my time. There is just so much going on everywhere. I haven’t seen chrome, or are these polished stainless, fenders since the 80’s which isn’t a bad thing; just dated. The combination of near prehistoric and modern design is very interesting like the leaf spring across the top and then a new design of a radiator on the bottom.
I had to look at it for a while but I think I like it. I wouldn’t want to clean it. Too many nooks and cranny’s. I’d really like to take it for a ride. I wonder if the ankle pads were necessary or a part of the look the builder wanted. The seat really does look like a real horse saddle which looks to be intentional.
I can only imagine what something like this would cost. Must be North of $100k.
Great engineering and fabrication. Sometimes people have to look past their first impression. Nice job JT.
A real playground for the eyes. Looks more at home in a museum than a garage but is that really such a bad thing?
Pretty funky…. Where are the other patron saints (for the industry) ? Later Jay
Sigfreed – Gauntlet accepted and thrown right back at ya ! Seriously ? Tereblanche ? Sure the man is one of the greats when it comes to M/C Fashion & Style . But innovation ? I dare you to name one single innovation Tereblanche was ever responsible for . Just one ! Because in reality all Tereblanche has ever done like every body else other than JT and one more I forgot [ Vyrus ] is to redesign , stylize and fashion accessorize the Bicycle with a motor in it
So no … I’ll stick to my guns and dare anybody in a civil discussion to disagree . Britten … JT Nesbit .. and Vyrus [ by way of Bimota’s early efforts ] They are it . Period .
A pretty sad state of affairs when you think about it .
As to JT’s comments on Britten in response to Doug . Like I said … I aint no JT fanboy … but the man is absolutely accurate when it comes to the history of John Britten . Listen to the man [ JT ] gentlemen . Y’all might not be comfortable with what he has to say … and certainly he aint afraid to say what he wants .. but the mans message both in his words and his work Needs to be taken seriously !!! Cause that which does not evolve .. becomes extinct
Guys,
Seems you guys should be asking “why” about the design. What is the function? What makes the design revolutionary, patentable?
Have you negitve responders taken on the role of motorcycle fashion police?
If someone takes a factory bike, strips off components, changes the original parts, repaints and you post …nice bike…great job…?
The United States motorcycle history reflects inovation and creativity…..can’t you see it when it’s in your face or just shit on it because you are the fashion authority?
“when a true genius appears, you can know him by this sign: that all the dunces are in a confederacy against him” – Jonathan Swift
fhp Scott. You forget one important thing. Motorcycles are also about pleasure. Aesthetic is pleasure. The motorcycle experience is not only about how it work/rides but also about how it makes you feel. (ref: Steve Job at Apple) I would never feel good riding such an ugly bike. Put it in a vote by bikers or professionals. It would get a 99% disapproval on aesthetics. JT Nesbitt may be a mechanical engineer (I don’t know) but he is a terrible motorcycle designer.
FHP Scott. He is a genius? Give an unlimited budget to a handful of good motorcycle designers. And see the results and compare to JT Nesbitt. Yes, he created the buzz…but against himself. What a terrible mistake he made.
JT – The brief film did touch on the team component enough to know that it was not entirely John working by himself. The film also touches on the type of racing he raced against. BOTT is not the only success the VR1000 had.
Congratulations on the patent, but the idea of suspending both ends with a bow suspension is not new. Patents are also not the end all even though you seem to make that one of the focal points of your comment above. Moto Czysz has several patents. While they haven’t gone to market with any of them, they have had success in racing. Good luck racing bonneville against air-cooled competition.
TJ Martin –
you still have not named one innovation JT delivered. The bow suspension idea was not his based on the sketch that I saw nearly 7 years ago*. These comments are not against him, but against this bullshit hype. You will find numerous people that agree m/c design has been extremely slow. People have been saying this for decades. That does not mean there aren’t creative designers and engineers thinking & doing.
Judging by the comments here and elsewhere, the above bike isn’t changing much of that stagnant mindset, so what is being accomplished towards that end with this bike? Not much but a difference of aesthetic opinion & a probable record against air-cooled competition.
btw…the likes of Erik Buell & James Parker have done significant work towards moving m/c design along since Norman Hossack & John Britten. The former have also done so in the context of present day market demands (i.e. selling motorcycles to the masses). I just hope Parker is continuing to work with Mission Motors & apply his front end to the existing Mission bike. An alternative front suspension system that reduces weight for electric bikes and is aesthetically pleasing enough to sell to the masses will be a measure of moving m/c design along (assuming Mission prices their bike accordingly).
*Motorcyclist magazine – printed copy was in January 2008, pp. 56-57 showing a cf bow/leaf spring suspending both ends. Check it out at the library. Very cool bike.
Exactly, this bike, even with patents, doesn’t make the industry move 1/8″ forward. What’s the purpose? The guy who financed this must have no clue about motorcycles. JT Nesbitt paid himself a couple of years at his expense. Well done.
Doug-
The concept sketch that you continue to reference uses a Hossack front suspension with the composite leaf beneath the bike. That is not how this system works. Perhaps it is a bit too nuanced for you to appreciate, but there is a radical difference between that sketch and the 3 actual, very real, motorcycles that I have made.
To frame the discussion another way – I could easily make the statement that a BMW Telelever and a traditional telescopic are basically the same thing because they both use coil springs, and sliding tubes…..and that statement would show an ignorance of the functioning of the two very different systems.
I am getting the feeling that you think that people should not experiment and try new things without your permission (perhaps more accurately, you are singling me out for some reason) – touching on the core problem at the dark center of a degenerative and insecure motorcycling community – a poverty of both the imagination and the wallet causing the current death spiral of motorcycling as a whole.
Call me crazy, but I actually like it when I see new and interesting solutions to old problems, especially when it is attempted by small groups of extremely passionate people. I also think that the world is made a better place when people take personal risk, rather than critiquing from a position of comfort. —JT
This bike has some very nice design elements, but a builder needs to know when to stop!
this will be included in Ugly and Funny bike threads everywhere….
JT,
The radical differences between those systems are readily apparent. Your analogy to the tele lever misses the mark. I’ve seen quotes about your design being the first to use a bow suspension & i stated that is not the first concept.
I’m not against people trying new things at all. Wrong ‘me boyo. There’s legit remarks to refute the hype
Always one in the crowd that can’t, so to try and be something they could never be, that person has to criticize or make some irrelevant point about someone who can.
Case in point….well not hard to figure out who in this case.
The bike is simply amazing and far beyond contemporary builds world wide.
Steve Carr
“touching on the core problem at the dark center of a degenerative and insecure motorcycling community … ”
insecure is not being able to accept criticism. I didn’t see where he criticized the bike, other than to wonder why it was so “innovative” in some people’s opinion . Other comments were much more critical of the actual bike.
The bike must be seen in person. Three of them were on display at a recent event at Motus and everybody there was floored. I’m not a motorcycle designer or engineer or self-considered expert, but those bikes are freakin cool. To me, there’s real beauty in doing things for love and passion. I saw 10000 other motorcycles that weekend at Barber’s Vintage Festival, but this was one of the few that stuck with me in terms of being interesting and beautiful. 99% of the others we’re just rehashing and mimickimg each other. Stay strong, JT.
To be clear – I’ve not been critical of trying new things or the passion of small groups of people doing things. That’s very much a part of my outlook too. I called b.s. on statements like this from TJ Martin:
“The only original , authentic and creative iconoclast individual in the entire world of motorcycle design and engineering …”
There is a parallel b/n calling bs on that kind of hype & JT’s comment about publications not listing the entire team that helped on the above bike.
I also stated that the idea of a bow suspension has been introduced previously in order to counter TJ Martin’s neglect of many other m/c engineers, designers, & builders’ ideas & accomplishments…
more on the bow-
the only thing I have to say about the bike is that relatively minor things (e.g. the saddle seat, saddle horn) keep the bow from taking center stage. Look at how the masses have reacted. They’ve missed arguably the major component that could nudge m/c design in other directions.
obviously everyone is entitled to their own opinion here, and i will refrain from voicing mine.
to me, the big question here is whether a bike like this can be sold. if there is a market for something like this, then why not build it?
Patents and innovation do not equal good design.
Meh. Just looks like a Confederate.