The DRK-01 – Defining The New Standard For Mutt Motorcycles
April 19, 2024
In a new chapter in Mutt’s rich history, the globally established small cc innovators and industry disruptors, Mutt Motorcycles introduces the DRK-01.
The DRK-01 is the next major building block for Mutt, bringing new technologies and style to their motorcycles, denoting a departure from their more classic style models and bringing that unmistakable Mutt vibe to a new breed of machine.
Central to the DRK-01’s evolution is its new 6-speed DOHC liquid-cooled engine.
This upgrade is a leap forward in performance and reliability, allowing the DRK-01 to unleash its full potential without breaking a sweat.
A BRAND NEW APPROACH
Mutt may still be a relative newcomer when it comes to the motorcycle manufacturing industry, but with eight years of getting new riders on two wheels, a presence in over 22 countries globally and dealers up and down the UK, they have plenty of first-hand experience and grit to stand up to the big four.
In 2020, Mutt went through some significant changes, starting with an expanded development team of industry specialist designers and engineers based in their new facility in Birmingham, the start of a new era for Mutt began.
The team set themselves the task of creating a new bike from the ground up, and the DRK-01 was conceived. Work began in earnest, with the central point being the all-new 6-speed liquid-cooled engine in both 125cc and 250cc.
Every part of the DRK-01 has been designed, prototyped and tested by Mutt’s engineers. From the twin downtube cradle frame to those beautiful wheels and everything in between.
The silhouette of the DRK-01 has been carefully considered; from side on, there is a clear line that runs from tip to tail, making the bike look fast, even while standing still.
Mutt has ensured that the classic frame triangle, synonymous with their existing range, has made its way into the new design, but with attention to the proportions, slim side panels, and well-placed footrests to make the DRK-01 comfortable for all riders.
One of the key focal points of the DRK-01 is the wheels. Mutt has designed the hubs and heavy-duty saw-tooth rims specifically for the DRK-01 to enhance the overall chunky feel of the bike. Short stainless steel spokes lace up to the unique 18” saw-tooth Mutt branded rims. The monster 320mm front disc and 240mm rear disc give the wheels an almost solid look that seamlessly flows with the angular bodywork.
The sump guard encloses both the lower engine and exhaust downpipe, finished with a louvred brushed stainless steel plate that not only protects those important parts but also gives the bike that low-down, muscular look.
The DRK-O1’s angular mudguards keep debris from the wide tyres at bay. The front guard is supported by brushed stainless steel brackets, and the rear houses an integrated tail light.
Whilst those angular mudguards echo the lines of a stealth bomber, no one is sneaking up on anyone with that unmistakable Mutt thump rumbling from the stainless steel exhaust.
ALL THE UPGRADES, ALL THE DETAILS
The DRK-01 is loaded with features such as precision machined CNC adjustable levers alongside the full stainless steel exhaust system, CNC head stem nut, CNC shock nuts and bar ends and much, much more. These are the kind of extras you’d usually only see on hand-built custom bikes or as high-priced upgrades from other manufacturers. On the DRK-01, they come as standard.
Mutt may be known for their love of darkness, but fear not. The LED Halo headlight is there to light the way, keeping riders safe in the shadows. The illuminated mini speedometer is clearly visible in all riding conditions.
The DRK-01 is built to stop as well as it goes; the discs are gripped by a 4-piston front calliper and a 2-piston rear calliper fed via black-coated braided stainless-steel brake lines.
Upping the game in the usual Mutt fashion, unlike many of the DRK-01’s counterparts, this machine runs tubeless deep tread heavy-duty 18” front and rear tyres to give it rock crawler looks but with road-friendly handling. Continuing the heavy-duty vibe, the suspension is handled by large diameter 51mm black inverted forks up front and dual gas shocks on the rear.
With an impressive 16L capacity, the tank not only holds enough fuel to warrant very few gas stops but is also a work of art in itself, combining both aggressive angles and gentle curves which follow the lines of the bike seamlessly. The view of the tank from either the rider’s perspective or the guys sitting next to you at the lights cuts a mean look.
Industrial strength branded rubber Mutt emblems and an aircraft-style filler cap give the tank its purposeful, utilitarian vibe.
The DRK-01 looks good from any angle. Its super solid and powerful profile is paired with heavy metal brutalism and retro-future-inspired lines, all finished off in trademark dark-as-night matt black.
In the world of Mutt Motorcycles, every detail is meticulously designed, creating a ride that not only looks good but feels like a bespoke custom machine.
Technical Highlights:
Twin downtube cradle steel frame
Upside-down telescopic forks on the front, twin piggyback with reservoirs and adjustable preload on the back
Four-piston hydraulic brakes with a large 320mm diameter disc up front
Two-piston hydraulic brakes with 240mm diameter disc on the rear
18” spoked wheels with Mutt sawtooth rims and deep treat tubeless tyres
A premium black-as-night matt paint finish with embedded rubber branding
Accessible seat height of 795mm
Custom CNC LED halo headlamp
Optional 250cc compatible slipper clutch in development
Even with all the new detail, Mutt has maintained the stripped-back approach they have made their own. There are no gratuitous extras, unnecessary additions, or tacky add-ons – just effortless streamlined simplicity.
The DRK-01 125cc and 250cc will be available from March 2024 onwards at authorised Mutt Motorcycle Dealers. Availability may differ globally. For more information, please visit muttmotorcycles.com.
SPECIFICATIONS
DISPLACEMENT
125cc (124.2cm3)
250cc (249.2 cm3)
ENGINE TYPE
4-Stroke Single, Cylinder, DOHC
TRANSMISSION
6 Speed Manual
COOLING
Liquid Cooled
STARTER
Electric
BORE X STROKE
58×47 mm
72×61.2mm
COMPRESSION RATIO
12:1
11.3:1
MAX POWER
10kw @ 10,000 rpm (~13hp)
20kw @ 9,500 rpm (~26hp)
MAX TORQUE
11nm @ 7,500 rpm
22nm @ 7,000 rpm
LUBRICATION SYSTEM
Wet sump with pump-driven oil delivery
CLUTCH TYPE
Wet; Multiple Disc
FINAL DRIVE
O-Ring Chain
FUEL CONSUMPTION
1.9 L / 100 km
2.9 L / 100 km
FUEL DELIVERY
Electronic Fuel Injection
EMISSIONS (CO2)
43g/km
68g/km
ENVIRONMENTAL STEP
EU5
FRAME
Steel, Twin Downtube, Cradle
CASTER ANGLE
25°
TRAIL
155 mm
FRONT SUSPENSION
Upside-down telescopic fork, Ø51 mm / Ø37 mm
REAR SUSPENSION
Twin Piggyback Reservoir with adjustable preload
FRONT FORK TRAVEL
107mm
REAR SHOCK TRAVEL
65mm
BRAKE SYSTEM
Combined Braking System
Bosch Dual Channel Anti-Lock Braking System
FRONT BRAKE
Single hydraulic calliper, four pistons Ø25 mm, Floating single disc, Ø 320mm
REAR BRAKE
Single hydraulic calliper, twin-pistons Ø25 mm Floating single disc, Ø 240mm