Renard GT, the first motorcycle designed and built in Estonia, was presented to the buyer.

Motorcycle manufacturer Renard Motorcycles handed the first bespoke motorcycle, designed and produced in Estonia, to its new owner. In 1938, Estonian entrepreneur J. Lään founded a motorized bicycle manufacturer Renard Cycles in Tallinn. Seven decades later a group of entrepreneurs, designers and racing engineers decided to revive the Renard brand.

"We're trying to make use of Estonia's continuity – to bring fore the things we once had and show them off to people again," said Andres Uibomäe, who designed the Renard GT. The first Renard GT was presented to the buyer on Monday, September 7.

"The motorcycle has a carbon fiber monocoque and to my knowledge is one of a kind," Uinomäe said. Carbon fiber bodies, which are much lighter than those of other materials, are used on supercars. A Renard GT only weighs 200 kilos with a full tank.

"It's not just a motorcycle, it's an engineering masterpiece," said Anton Soldunov, who bought the first GT to roll off the production line.

Uibomäe came up with the retro-futuristic design at his kitchen table, he told ERR Menu.

In terms of price, Renard is no match to larger brands. All maschines are hand-made and one motorcycle takes three months to produce.

"Carbon fiber is an expensive material. However, if you use it well, it's totally worth the price," Uibomäe said.

A Renard GT is also displayed at the Estonian EXPO pavilion in Milan.

ERR News