In the concrete cocoon of Ecosse Moto Works’ Denver warehouse, Donald
Atchison forges his industrial art, spurred by his deal with the demons that
drive him and stoked by the inspiration of his heroes and icons. One is met at
the entrance by neat rows of classic bikes, from Nortons to Velocettes. Upon a
diamond-plate dais, the Heretic Ti holds court. The result of four years of
research and prototyping, and more than a million dollars invested, this nearly
two-liter titanium, chrome molybdenum, billet aluminium, Kevlar and carbon-fiber
roadster is designed to shatter the concept of the exotic motorcycle.
 “I
call the Heretic the anti-chopper,” he says. He believes the styling-for-styling
sake trend of customs is waning, as clients look for practicality and
performance over posing. The Heretic is, in his words, “the heart of a hot rod
in a Grand Prix-level chassis with the style of a ’60s Italian muscle car.” The
development agenda has included best-in-class components, three-dimensional
computer modeling, finite element analysis, and thousands of miles of real-world
road and track testing. The Ecosse Heretic is cued to the idea of individualism
and nonconformity. Only 100 instances will be constructed. (Click image to enlarge)
In his quest to
create the premier hand-built American V-twin street bike, Atchison has had his
share of epiphanies. Having probed his limits as a racer on a Bimota DB4, he
turned his talents to the sales of high-end motorcycles in the U.S., working
with his wife, Wendy. The couple learned quickly the travails of targeting the
narrow end of the niche. It became clear that if they wanted to provide the
ultimate motorcycle to their clients, they would have to build it themselves.
Armed with a degree in mechanical engineering, an MBA, and his Marine Corps
officer’s discipline, Atchison took his dreams and sketches on their journey to
reality. In 2001, Ecosse Moto Works was born.  Three iterations of the
prototype, X1 through X3, the latest being the basis of the limited-production
Heretic, have been blessed by an intimate collaboration between Atchison and his
technology partners. The powerplants from Patrick Racing and Engenuity have been
massaged to match the Heretic’s Italian-inspired trellis frame. The 6-speed
transmission is a proprietary design built with Baker. Swedish suspension
masters Öhlins consider their contribution to the Heretic as a benchmark
accomplishment: fully adjustable front forks with Ecosse-specific internals and
the rear shock with a unique triple-adjustable setting that allows the Heretic
to be at once cruiser, sportbike and dragster. The President and founder of ISR,
Acke Rising, personally crafted the six-piston radial caliper braking system.
Everything else, from the Momo grips to the BST carbon fiber wheels, is selected
for optimal efficiency and effect. (Click image to enlarge)
Baroque embellishments abound, such as a
spiral machined into the ignition cover; the etched turn signal indicators; the
carbon fiber woven leather gel seat; and the bezel-like notches in the headlamp
frame. Yet, these never become statements of self-indulgence. “Every esthetic
decision is based on something that is useful to the bike,” Atchison says. “For
example, when we machined grooves into the crankcase, this was intended to
increase and optimize the cooling surface area.” Attention to detail is
virtually microscopic. The seals are hand-poured urethane that is transferred to
vacuum jars to eliminate bubbles. The telescopic side-stand was inspired by the
lunar module, but its functionality is pure logic. “Because the Heretic is
designed with three adjustable ride height settings and ground clearances, the
stand can also be adjusted accordingly.”
The smallest pieces are crafted from
the finest materials with aerospace precision. I watched as one of his
staff finished banjo fittings machined from billet aluminum. Atchison explains:
“Castings would limit our ability to change and refine components. Machining
means we can build to tolerances that far exceed industry standards.” Watch-like
design and craftsmanship give the Heretic a personality not unlike grande
complication timepieces—and such is Atchison’s intent. It is, effectively, a
jewel on two wheels. “Our clients often tell us they would like two Heretics,
one to ride and one to look at. And that suits us just fine.”  To ride it is
to court Mephistopheles. The red starter button ignites an explosion of violent
harmony. The sound from the pipes is a battery of .50 caliber machine guns.
Lightweight, compliant and friendly at a walk or canter, the Heretic feels as
bulletproof as a P-47 Thunderbolt. But, it is a Doberman ready to slip its
leash, and compels respect. As power is fed in mid-curve, the rear wheel slide
brings Moto GP bikes to mind. Atchison’s smile tells you this is exactly
what he intends. The performance brings us into territory the skilled will be
thrilled to explore. At excursions topping the ton, the machine is only just
hitting its stride. (Click image to enlarge)
From his aerie in the crystal atmosphere of the Colorado
peaks, Donald Atchison may well have rewritten the definition of the exotic
motorcycle. The fortunate few who acquire this masterpiece will know its true
meaning.
www.ecossemoto.com
ENGINE
1966cc, air-cooled V-twin, Ecosse billet aluminium, polished finish, 45mm Mikuni carburetor
WEIGHT (DRY)
445 lbs.
MAX TORQUE
142 ft lbs
DRIVE SYSTEM
6-speed transmission Regina chain final drive
FRONT SUSPENSION
Öhlins; fully adjustable
REAR SUSPENSION
Öhlins shock for Ecosse; fully adjustable, including three
different riding modes
EXHAUST
2-into-1-into-2 crossover, stainless steel pipes, titanium
cans
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