I think the ankle leathers are there so you won't scuff your riding shoes/boots, which may be a good functional thing but the whole package is just so-different in appearance, I don't think too-many people will be attracted to them. You can do something similar to a ZX-14 or a Hyabusa, in terms of the hp achieved. Still, I suppose there are those people who want something few others can afford, because it is expensive and different.
I do like individual components, as was mentioned, the instruments are a good-looking, functional piece, I like the needles, and the info contained, I'm more of an analog guy than a digital readout guy.
As to the unique suspension, there is a bike built in Grand Rapids MI called a 'Slingshot,' it is an offroad bicycle without any tubing from the steering stem to the pedal crankset bearing housing. It has a wire attached to some (I think) 3M material to provide controlled tension of the frame for a suspension effect. They looked like they should collapse upon any significant hard use, but they work, and are an alternative frame design for all-terrain bicycle competitors.
http://slingshot.myshopify.com/
This motorcycle has so-many ideas going-on, it really requires a thick wallet to stand-out, and that's enough for some buyers. Enough to keep it in the market? Wait & see.
One of my favorite of the orphan bikes is the Hesketh (1000 cc DOHC V-twin from the early 1980's, built in the UK), financed by an English Lord (Hesketh, of-course) whose story was recently immortalized in the Formula 1 movie about James "Shunt" Hunt,
Driven. If you haven't seen it, it's worth a viewing. The story of Hunt and Niki Lauda of Ferrari is a real tale of competitive rivalry and friendship. I think the bike is still available on a subscription basis, if you want one , they will build you one.
http://www.realclassic.co.uk/hesketh.html
http://www.realclassic.co.uk/heskethride.html
Here is another orphan bike, who recalls these? An interesting story behind their decision to not-continue to build motorcycles. The company made tires for Honda, and it was suggested that if they wanted to
keep selling tires to Honda, they would withdraw from the motorcycle manufacturing business! I lusted-after one of these in the 1960's. Cycle magazine did a hop-up on them complete w/porting and expansion chamber specs, I believe, and I think theirs ran at Daytona, courtesy of Cook Nielson and/or (the late) Gordon Jennings, not really sure on which one or both.
http://www.motorcyclemuseum.org/asp/museum/exhibits/heroesofharley/biopage1.asp?id=379
http://www.superbikeplanet.com/001114b.htm
