Raw power for carbon special: Horex unveil exclusive Raw99 edition of striking VR6 naked

Horex will be celebrating their centenary next year and are marking the occasion with a new carbon-clad version of their brutish VR6 musclebike.

The VR6 Raw99 builds on the technology already found in the three existing VR6 models: the Raw, the Classic and the Café Racer.

In keeping with the German brand’s USP, the 99 will be powered by an unusual V6, which produces 162bhp and features a counter-rotating crank (helping the bike to turn by reducing the gyroscopic effect of the engine). Arranged in a 15-degree V, the 1218cc unit is just 43cm wide.

With three camshafts and a total of 18 valves – three per cylinder – the VR6 Raw produces 94.5lb.ft of torque driven though a six-speed gearbox to a forged, five-spoke aluminium rear wheel. Both rims are booted with a set of Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tyres.

Despite hitting the scales at 216kg dry, the Raw99 is actually 5kg lighter than the standard Raw, thanks to an array of carbon fibre components.

This includes the rear subframe, front and rear fenders, chainguard, instrument cover, headlight housing and footpeg mounts. The steering head is also finished in a carbon fibre-reinforced polymer.

Although far from a lightweight, it still measures favourably against rivals such as the 223kg (dry) 1262cc Ducati Diavel 1260 muscle cruiser but loses out to sportier big capacity nakeds like KTM’s 177bhp 1290 Super Duke R, which is 20kg lighter.

Away from the motor, the Raw99 makes use of a single-sided swingarm with a fully adjustable Öhlins TTX36 shock. Front-end duties are taken care of by 43mm upside-down Öhlins forks.

With the bike limited to 99 units, Horex aim to deliver the first examples next March at a price of €49,500.

Horex VR6 Raw99 details

H is for Horex: This is proudly displayed in the uniquely shaped LED headlight set-up which includes cornering functionality. The rear light is integrated into the tailpiece.

Brembos all-round: Top-spec Italian stoppers ensure the 216kg Raw99 comes to a swift halt. The braking system features ABS and has been taken straight from the German racetracks.

Like the Model T: The Raw99 is available in any colour you like as long as it is black – gloss or matt – and is accented with red trim and recognition of the limited production run.