Daniel, aboard his home built, Chain drive CX.. Rockingham Speedway '95
The Story
Ludwigsen Motor Co. LLC was founded by former racer Daniel Ludwigsen. Daniel started road racing in 1993 on a Kawasaki EX500. Not to be outclassed by Yamaha's mighty FZR 400( The FZR was straight out of Yamaha's racing department, with a massive, yet lightweight aluminum chassis, and a 14,000 RPM engine), Daniel immediately started modifying his race bikes chassis and suspension to keep up with the faster 400's. He chopped the steering head, steepened the rake, shortened the wheelbase, and fitted better suspension for the front and rear. The "commuter" Kawi was much better after the modifications, but still not on par with the Yamaha. After pushing the bike beyond it's capabilities on a couple of occasions, Daniel realized he needed a completely different bike.
During the off season, Daniel started building a radical machine. He customized a Honda CX650 engine, turned sideways, in a homemade brazed together frame. The Powerful Honda engine, combined with a dry weight of 318 lbs, (about 150lbs less than an original CX) was fast indeed. However with too many experimental systems on board, (ignition, cooling, suspension) the bike was plagued with glitches. When it ran, it was exciting to watch, as Daniel beat a lot of Factory bikes. The unique motorcycle dubbed "quasi-moto" by the tech inspectors, caught the attention of Road Racing World editor/founder John Ulrich, while competing at Rockingham Speedway in '95. The bike was featured in the February '96issue of the magazine. The article "Teenager Builds His Own Race bike,"received attention from around the world.
Daniel went on to build 8 different race bikes, all powered by interesting and usually outdated engines. After a 10 year stint, Daniel hung up his leathers and started building bikes for the street. In 2011' Daniel officially formed Ludwigsen Motor Co. LLC . A small company dedicated to building exotic motorcycles of all kinds.
Press
“ So that’s the scoop on Daniel’s gorgeous take on a Confederate Wraith. It’s stunning in its complicated simplicity of design that still flows like the best of 1960’s Pininfarina’s exotic car designs.”
“Ludwigsen Motor Co (LMC) has certainly found his talent and it reaches far beyond us…he produces some of the most incredible one-off and bespoke motorcycles we’ve ever seen from the comfort of his own home.”
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Contact Us!
Ludwigsen Motor Co.
(910) 728-8984
mrdlud@gmail.com
Fayetteville, NC