EICMA 2012: Introducing the Brutus, the Two-Wheeled SUV

You’d be forgiven if you thought the motorcycle pictured here was a Husqvarna on steroids. No, despite the red and white colors and Husky’s recent reputation for showcasing surprising concept models at EICMA (such as the Mille 3 in 2010 and the Baja at this year’s show), the bike shown here is an all new model called the Brutus from a company called Over.

Designed by Alessandro Tartarini, formerly Lambretta designer and son of the founder of Italian motorcycle company Italjet, the Brutus is a pre-production concept that has been described as being a two-wheeled SUV. Over presented the Brutus at the 2012 EICMA Show, announcing plans for production in 2013.

With its thick Maxxis Bighorn tires, the Brutus is designed to tackle rough terrain including thick sand. And when the temperature drops, Over says the Brutus can be used in the snow. Yes, snow. In fact, the Brutus will be available with a snowmobile conversion kit including skis for the front end and track for the rear. Other accessories include a generator, winch set, tow bar and, if the Brutus doesn’t look oddball enough, a sidecar.

Powering the Brutus is a 750cc thumper claiming about 49hp. The Brutus uses a continuously variable transmission, thoug there is a reverse gear when equipped with a sidecar or the snowmobile kit.

Follow Motorcycle.com for more coverage of the 2012 EICMA Show.

[Source: Alessandro Tartarini (Facebook)]

By Dennis Chung