ENGINEERING

In a sea of TV assemblers, ECOSSE takes a decidedly different approach. Quite simply: “If it’s easy, they don’t do it.” To begin, ECOSSE handcrafts and machines every possible part in the Denver factory. This includes tooling and pouring their own urethane seals, vibration-damping supports and chain guides. Bolts are custom designed and machined by ECOSSE and used throughout The Heretic, notably the oil banjo bolts & fittings and rear shock mounts. Motor and output sprockets are machined in-house. The intricate, tubular chassis (mainframe, swingarm and subframe) is meticulously cut, bent and TIG welded on site. What isn’t created in-house involves a strong collaboration between ECOSSE and its vendors to make the component unique.

Since much of Atchison's inspiration was old Aston Martins and jet fighters with their acute attention to detail and precision craftsmanship, the real coup is the actual engineering behind The Heretic. Before any metal was cut or welded, the bike was designed and thoroughly tested using three-dimensional modeling software and Finite Element Analysis. The ergonomics were determined after a lengthy design process that entailed several different body types and load differentials to ensure maximum comfort for leg position, shifting, seat height and reach.

The materials chosen for construction are worthy in their own right: Aerospace-grade aluminum, carbon fiber for its unrivaled strength-to-weight ratio and 4130 chrome-moly for its high fatigue limit. In fact, The Heretic is the first motorcycle to have an entire chassis manufactured from titanium (Titanium Series) which boasts an even higher fatigue limit than chrome-moly and has a very beautiful, distinctive finish. A motorcycle of this caliber is constructed using only CNC machining & tube bending, hand-polished solid aluminum molds and absolutely no MIG welding. The result is a unique combination of old-world craftsmanship and computer-controlled accuracy.

Years of computer-based and real-world testing culminated with the glowing approval of an ornery, outspoken multi-time AMA Superbike Champ who took the bike through its paces on the windy streets of North Carolina. The Heretic was ready for delivery to a fortunate few. 100 to be exact.