By Alan Cathcart

Photos by Phil Hawkins

In the world of premium performance cruisers powered by engines inspired from Harley- Davidsons , it ’ s impossible not to think of Confederate Motors . The company burst onto the American V- Twin scene in the 1990s with the introduction of its high- end Hellcat performance cruiser . Founder Matt Chambers described his vision as “ enlightened design through true American inspiration .”

About 500 Hellcats powered by Harley clone engines were built from 1996 to 2001 before the company entered bankruptcy proceedings . Upon a 2003 relaunch , Confederate brought on board high- profile designer JT Nesbitt and debuted the sensational Wraith with a distinctive aluminum chassis and unique girder front end .

Nesbitt and Chambers collaborated on other Confederate models , but they eventually parted ways and later reunited to launch Curtiss Motorcycles , the company that ’ s now selling the incredible electrically powered Curtiss One tested in our April issue . Meanwhile , Confederate Motors was sold to Ernest Lee , an enthusiastic Confederate customer , who has relaunched the brand as Combat Motors . – Ed .

28 | OCTOBER 2023 | AMERICANRIDER . COM