When Ferrari and Lamborghini Tried Building Motorcycles

Rare Experiments - Sometimes even the most established legends in the automotive world take a detour into unexpected territory. Lamborghini and Ferrari, names synonymous with supercars, are almost never associated with motorcycles. Yet, there was a time when both brands ventured onto two wheels. It turns out that they also had to make a motorcycle—an unusual experiment that still fascinates enthusiasts decades later.

The 1986 Lamborghini Design 90 was styled by French designer Thierry Henriette of Boxer Bike, with its frame concept influenced by Claude Fior. (Picture from: Merdeka)

Back in 2014, rumors spread that Ferrari was preparing to launch a motorcycle. A patent application describing a two-cylinder V-Twin engine was enough to set off speculation worldwide. But during that year’s Paris Motor Show, Ferrari’s then-president Luca di Montezemolo, joined by Fiat-Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne, denied the idea outright. Despite the denial, the buzz reminded many of the rare occasions when both Ferrari and Lamborghini had indeed flirted with motorcycles.

 

1. 1986 Lamborghini Design 90

For Lamborghini, this happened during the 1980s. After financial struggles left the company bankrupt in 1978, the brand was revived under the ownership of Swiss businessmen Patrick and Jean-Claude Mimran. Their leadership stabilized the company with updates to the Countach, the Jalpa, and the rugged LM002 SUV. But Patrick Mimran wanted more—he was eager to see Lamborghini expand into new arenas, from boats powered by Lamborghini V12 engines to, eventually, a motorcycle.

The 1986 Lamborghini Design 90 was powered by a Kawasaki-sourced 1000 cc, 16-valve straight-four engine producing 130 horsepower. (Picture from: GTSpirit)

The Lamborghini Design 90 was the result. Unveiled in 1986, the bike was a true international project: initiated in Switzerland, designed in Italy, engineered in France, and assembled with Japanese components. Its aerodynamic fiberglass bodywork was styled by French designer Thierry Henriette of Boxer Bike (now known as Boxer Design), while the frame concept was influenced by Claude Fior, the creator of the Fior 500 racing motorcycle that had competed in the Japanese Grand Prix.

The machine was powered by a Kawasaki-sourced 1000 cc, 16-valve straight-four engine producing 130 horsepower. With a lightweight build of just 170 kilograms, the Design 90 could reach an impressive top speed of 258 km/h. It also featured advanced elements for its era, including an aluminum frame and cadmium-coated brake calipers. On paper, it was as bold and aggressive as Lamborghini’s four-wheeled icons. 

The 1986 Lamborghini Design 90, weighing only 170 kilograms, could reach 258 km/h and featured advanced elements such as an aluminum frame and cadmium-coated brake calipers. (Picture from: GTSpirit)

But reality soon caught up with ambition. With a price tag of around $13,500—roughly double the cost of the most expensive superbikes of its time—the Design 90 proved too expensive for the market. Lamborghini had initially aimed to produce 25 units, but the project ended after only six bikes were built. Today, it is believed that just five remain, making it one of the rarest pieces of Lamborghini’s history.

2. 1995 Ferrari 900

Ferrari’s turn came in 1995, though the story was different. The company itself never set out to create a motorcycle. Instead, British engineer David Kay received official permission from Ferrari to build one in tribute to Enzo Ferrari. The result was the Ferrari 900, a one-off creation that became the only motorcycle in the world to carry official Ferrari licensing.

The 1995 Ferrari 900, built by David Kay Engineering, was officially authorized by Ferrari as a tribute to Enzo Ferrari. (Picture from: Autoevolution)

The Ferrari 900 was equipped with a 900 cc DOHC engine producing 105 horsepower at 8,800 rpm. Styled with Ferrari-inspired details—most notably a Testarossa-like grille fin on the fairing—it blended motorcycle engineering with subtle automotive cues. As a collector’s item, it was expected to attract jaw-dropping bids. 

The 1995 Ferrari 900 by David Kay Engineering featured Ferrari-inspired details—most notably a Testarossa-like grille fin on the fairing—blending motorcycle engineering with subtle automotive cues. (Picture from: Autoevolution)

In 2008, the Ferrari 900 was offered at auction for an asking price of £180,000, but buyers hesitated, considering the price excessive. Four years later, in 2012, the motorcycle finally sold—though at a much lower figure of £85,000, roughly $138,000 at the time (around Rp 1.26 billion). Still rare and historically significant, it remains a unique piece of Ferrari’s legacy, even if it never achieved the same desirability as the brand’s cars.

The 1995 Ferrari 900 by David Kay Engineering was powered by a 900 cc DOHC engine that delivered 105 horsepower at 8,800 rpm. (Picture from: Autoevolution)

Today, these motorcycles are remembered less for their commercial impact and more for their boldness. They represent a time when two of Italy’s most famous supercar brands decided to stretch their creativity onto two wheels. Lamborghini’s Design 90 and Ferrari’s 900 remind us that even legends sometimes experiment beyond their comfort zone, creating rare machines that continue to intrigue collectors and enthusiasts around the world.  

The 1995 Ferrari 900 by David Kay Engineering, a one-off creation that became the only motorcycle in the world to carry official Ferrari licensing. (Picture from: Autoevolution)

Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of two-wheeled monster and stay alive with the true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and so does the cops...... *** [EKA [09102014] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | GTSPIRIT | AUTOEVOLUTION ]

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