The new WildKaT motorcycle from Roar Motorcycles in Daytona Beach, Florida, might be your fairy-tale ending come true, for this innovative ride comes customized to your measurements right from the factory. But you might wonder, what if I want to sell the bike to somebody who’s not my size? No sweat, because the company claims any mechanic with basic tools can alter the bike to fit any rider—meaning if 5-foot-3 you wants to sell the motorcycle to someone 5-foot-9, a turn here, a twist there, and voilà, the bike will fit her as well.
This magical, morphing motorcycle results from ingenious, out-of-the-box engineering from a crew helmed by Roar Motorcycles co-owner Kathleen Tolleson. A two-wheel aficionado since childhood who stands a whopping 5 feet tall, she gets it. Tolleson knows firsthand the challenge of riding an ill-fitting bike, and this energetic, buoyant entrepreneur wants to solve this dilemma so more riders can begin the sport of motorcycling feeling confident and comfortable.
The WildKaT has adjustments not traditionally found on motorcycles. For instance, the frame has four different hole-sets predrilled for foot control placement, allowing a rider to select the most comfortable distance from her pegs to her seat. Handlebars receive the same treatment, as they can be positioned in one of three locations to best suit individual arm length. The seat height dilemma is resolved by not adjusting the actual seat; instead, there are two settings on the swingarm that allow the seat height to be raised and lowered in conjunction with adjustable shocks. It’s a really trick setup allowing the bike’s modular frame to adjust up and down to the preferred height. So in addition to comfortably reaching the ground with her feet, the bike’s owner will never see an unsightly gap between the fender and rear tire due to ill-fitting suspension adjustments.
The range of adjustments on the aforementioned motorcycle parts is something that even Goldilocks would appreciate. The frame boasts an unladen seat height ranging from 23.5 to 29.5 inches. The billet aluminum foot controls can adjust from a petite to medium to tall position with no extra brackets needed, and the handlebars do the same. Just like buying a custom-tailored suit, this motorcycle purchase requires using a measuring tape when ordering, as you’ll need to know your arm length and inseam. This means you’ll receive a perfect-fitting motorcycle when you pick it up from the shop.
For all its engineering prowess and advancements, the WildKaT does not look like something out of a Transformers sci-fi flick. How does it look? Beautiful. It presents a classy, sassy, curvaceous custom silhouette—genuinely striking in your choice of three two-tone paint schemes. It models a unique single downtube frame; a sexy, curvy swingarm with hidden dual-shock suspension; custom-made body parts; a solo seat produced and designed by Roar’s in-house custom shop; and stylish paint and graphics, in addition to a host of billet chromed and polished parts.
All this beauty and trick engineering adds up to a lot of airy hoopla if the bike can’t fulfill its intended purpose of transporting a rider from point A to point B. In this regard, the WildKaT doesn’t disappoint. I rode a preproduction prototype around the streets of Daytona Beach, Florida, (where Roar’s shop is located) to get a feel for the two-wheeled feline and came away with an overall great impression. The WildKaT gets its ample get-up-and-go courtesy of Harley-Davidson’s 1200cc rubber-mounted Sportster motor. The bike also uses a five-speed transmission and belt drive like the Sportster. From there, the component list goes on: four-piston dual-action brake calipers with 11.5-inch rotors front and rear, chrome wheels with billet hubs and polished stainless steel spokes (with a lifetime warranty), a 100/90 X 19 Avon tire in front and a 150/80 X 15 in back, electronic fuel management, a two-into-one polished stainless steel exhaust, LED lights, self-canceling turn signals and more. The gas tank holds an ample 4.5 gallons of fuel.
I appreciated the bike’s quick torquey nature, the quality feel of the components and the ample stopping power. The WildKaT didn’t require a lot of pressure to initiate turns—in fact, it felt quite nimble, and its suspension handled normal street bumps quite ably. Adjustable clutch levers with a light clutch-pull kept my hands from getting sore. I did notice vibration emanating from the engine and shaking the chassis, but Tolleson said that buzzing is a prototype characteristic and will be minimized in the production motorcycles. Smaller riders should note, too, that ground clearance at the WildKaT’s lowest seat setting is a mere 4.24 inches off the ground, so don’t plan on a lot of leaning without a lot of scraping. Ground clearance increases as the seat height gets taller.
Roar began manufacturing the WildKaT in the spring of 2010. Turnaround time is about three months because each bike is hand-built. Price begins at $23,970 and goes up depending on accessories, which right now include a windshield, highway bars and saddlebags. For more information, visit RoarMotorcycles.com.
WRN Recommendation
I’m little and live in San Diego… where can I get one?!
Contact Roar for that information.
Finally someone gets it that women like riding too. I am petite standing a mere 4 foot 10 inches. I currently have a Honda Rebel 250 and can barely tip toe it so I understand.
Sharp bike! But not so sure about the $20,000+ price tag. Think I’ll stay with my V Star.
I first laid eyes on the WildKaT bike in Dayton, Ohio at the Dayton Cyclefest two years ago. I met with Kathy Tolleson and fell in love with this bike. It is a beauty! I am 5-foot-3 and this bike fit to a T. I am telling you this is the way to go. It is a sweet bike. Way to go, Kathy!
What a great looking bike. I live in Australia. Do they export or is there a distributor here?
Hi, Kelli – Please contact ROAR Motorcycles directly with your question. Contact information can be found on their Web site at RoarMotorcycles.com.
Roar Motorcycles is one of the best things to have happened to me. At 5 feet 1 inches, I thought I would never own a big, beautiful bike, but thanks to Roar, I do. Mine isn’t a WildKaT but I agree that it’s a sharp looking bike and it’s only a matter of time before it really takes off. I wish Kat and co. lots of luck with their venture.
Beautiful, just beautiful. Being built a little “low in the saddle” myself I can truly appreciate the consideration that went into the making of these rides. I always “shop” for a ride that sits lower as it meets my build. These are some sharp looking bikes and I can see them taking off like crazy. Nice article. Thanks!
Excellent article! You captured the essence and personality of the WildKaT by Roar Motorcycles. It’s a super classy bike made by a super classy company. They go above and beyond when it comes to making sure each rider is delighted with her purchase.