The Killer: The Custom Motorcycle That Brought History Back to Life
Heritage Reforged - Custom motorcycles often push the limits of creativity, but few creations have attracted as much attention as The Killer, one of the most remarkable custom motorcycles in 2019. Built by Australian-born motorcycle builder Craig Rodsmith of Rodsmith Motorcycles in the United States, this machine stood out thanks to its unusual shape and highly unconventional engineering.
Rodsmith Motorcycle 'The Killer' by Craig Rodsmith for Haas Moto Museum and Sculpture Gallery at The Handbuilt Motorcycle Show 2019. (Picture from: UltimateMotorcycling)
The project began when Bobby Haas, founder of the Dallas-based Haas Moto Museum, discovered old photographs of a rare Art Deco motorcycle developed by German engineers in Munich during the 1930s. Fascinated by the design, he contacted Rodsmith to explore the possibility of bringing a modern version of the concept to life.
The Killer features the integrated amber headlight, bars, and the thin seat are all similarly crafted from aluminum. (Picture from: BikeExif)
The main inspiration was the 1935 Killinger und Freund Motorrad, a motorcycle remembered for its futuristic styling and front-wheel-drive layout. Rather than copying the original exactly, Rodsmith created a functional tribute that preserved its distinctive character while showcasing modern craftsmanship.
Front view of Rodsmith Motorcycle 'The Killer.' (Picture from: BikeExif)
Its most striking feature was the engine arrangement. Instead of sending power to the rear wheel, The Killerused three hand-built 60cc two-stroke engines mounted in a radial configuration inside the 19-inch front wheel, making it one of the most unusual motorcycles ever constructed.
The Killer completed without a central motor, chain, or driveshaft keeps it minimalist and utterly stunning to behold. (Picture from: BikeExif)
The motorcycle’s chassis was also built entirely by hand without the aid of CNC machines or 3D design software. Every detail was carefully crafted to reflect the flowing Art Deco style of the original inspiration, including an integrated amber headlight and a slim aluminum seat.
Rodsmith Motorcycle 'The Killer' was heavily inspired by this German's art-deco styled front-wheeled drive motorcycle called 'Friedenstaube' (Peace Dove) or Killinger und Freund Motorrad. (Picture from: Wind-Water.nl)
To make the front-wheel-drive system work, Rodsmith engineered a centrifugal clutch connected to a sprocket and axle assembly. The setup delivered power smoothly and created a riding experience unlike that of conventional motorcycles..
The Killer has three 60 cc 2-stroke identical engines, in a radial configuration, on its 19-inch front wheel. (Picture from: BikeExif)
Starting the bike required special engineering as well. Since three engines had to run together, Rodsmith developed a custom Bendix drive system that allowed the electric starter to disengage automatically once the engines were operating.
The Killer is a fully functional bike but the project was commissioned mostly as an artwork to be shown off at the museum. (Picture from: Enrg.io)
According to its creators, The Killer is surprisingly easy to ride despite its unusual design. Rodsmith described the sensation as feeling pulled forward by the engine rather than pushed from behind, giving the motorcycle a unique character on the road.
Although fully functional, The Killer was commissioned mainly as a work of art for display at the Haas Moto Museum. Years later, it remains a fascinating blend of history, engineering, and craftsmanship, proving that even a forgotten idea from the 1930s can inspire one of the most extraordinary custom motorcycles of the modern era.
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......
