We live in a time where name-brand motorcycles, which were once the cheap alternative to cars for personal transportation, are becoming more and more unfeasible due to inflated costs. Naturally, folks are becoming more interested in bikes from China that seemingly offer similar levels of performance and reliability for a much lower cost. But, every once in a while, it's good to indulge in the obscenely expensive, if for nothing but to let our minds wander.
The Midual Type 1 Series 3 is a playground for the mind of a gearhead, unless you have $216,815, in which case it can be yours.
Earlier this year, the French luxury manufacturer unveiled the Quintessence and limited production to just three. Each unit was priced at more than 300,000 euros. Well, sales must have been good because now Midual is producing the Type 1 Series 3 at a much more affordable 186,200 euros; well, that's the base price. The Type 1 Series 3 is an evolution of the Type 1, but with more contemporary elements.
The latest model from the brand keeps its machined rear subframe and comes with a solo seat as standard, but a two-seater version is available as an option. But you'll notice the changes at the front, as the headlight has been completely redesigned, along with the turn signals. Midual has gone out of its way to highlight the contrasting finishes, and the bike features hand-painted pinstripes on the tank.
Just like the Type 1, the Type 1 Series 3 uses the same 1,036 cc flat twin-cylinder engine, which is rotated forward by 25 degrees, giving the unit one of the most visually impactful engine layouts you'll ever see. Of course, Midual is known for the near-endless customization options, so with just 20 Type 1 Series 3 models going into production, you can be sure no two will be the same.
Who wants to spend more than $200,000 on a bike and live in a reality where you might pull up next to someone who has exactly the same thing? Nobody. But what's the most you'd ever spend on a motorcycle, and would a Midual ever make it into your dream garage?
