Skoda has unveiled a concept bike dubbed as the Laurin and Klement Slavia B concept. This concept’s name draws lineage from the original Slavia B which was launched back in 1899.
- Laurin and Klement Slavia B is an EV concept
- Will not enter series production
- Conceptualised by Škoda’s in-house designer– Romain Bucaille
Laurin and Klement Slavia B Concept: a concept bike from Škoda?
Designed by Romain Bucaille, Skoda’s in-house exterior designer
At first glance, it might seem unexpected to see a concept bike from Skoda. However, for those of you who may not know this, the Czech carmaker actually began its journey with motorcycles and bicycles, originally produced under the Laurin and Klement badge. With the Slavia B Concept, the brand aims to revive that legacy, launching a new series under the Laurin and Klement moniker—one that reimagines its iconic vehicles with a modern twist. While these reinterpretations are going to remain concepts, they serve as a fascinating tribute to Škoda’s two-wheeler origins.
About the 1899 Slavia B
This modern interpretation draws its lineage from the original Slavia B, launched in 1899. The motorcycle was a slender machine and featured a 240cc air-cooled engine producing 1.75hp, capable of reaching a top speed of 40kph. Interestingly, it had no gearbox; instead, power was delivered via a flat belt connected directly to the engine. As was the norm at the time, pedals were included for starting and auxiliary propulsion. A total of 540 units of the Slavia B were produced.
About the Laurin and Klement Slavia B Concept
The Slavia B Concept was developed by Romain Bucaille, a French designer who typically works on exterior design for Škoda’s cars. Despite its electric vision, the concept retains the silhouette of early Laurin and Klement motorcycles, especially the distinctive frame that dips lower than the rest of the structure.
While the original Slavia B housed its engine within this frame, Bucaille’s concept leaves this space empty, instead featuring a floating modern reinterpretation of the Laurin and Klement logo. The front end of the concept pays homage to Václav Laurin, known for designing motorcycles with exceptional stability and handling.
While this concept will never enter series production, it’s interesting to see manufacturers going down unusual roads to come up with such one-off concepts that give their heritage models a modern interpretation.
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