Real Motors, the Greenville, SC-based “engineering initiative” developing “Future Machines,” has named Vance Strader, already an advisor since May, as its first Chief Technology Officer. He is charged with helping to bring the Project : ARES electric motorcycle to market and advance Manufacto, its approach to designing and building its next generation of machines.

Strader previously worked on Harley-Davidson’s electric motorcycle program from its early development through the launch of the first LiveWire motorcycle in 2019, later serving as LiveWire’s CTO, and before that, held engineering roles at Buell Motorcycle. At Real Motors, he will guide ARES from prototype toward repeatable production, including overseeing the supply chain, manufacturing processes, and quality systems needed to deliver its intended performance and craftsmanship.

“Our mission goes beyond crafting an exceptional motorbike; we are assembling a dedicated group united by engineering excellence and an intuitive grasp of rider desires,” said Trent Dingman, Co-founder and Head of Operations and Communications at Real Motors. “Vance adds deep motorcycle development expertise to our lineup. We are thrilled to welcome him as we transition ARES into production and continue our broader quest to construct machines imbued with spirit.”

Founded in 2022 by Dingman and Design Engineer Michael Feng, Real Motors was formed to explore humanity’s future through projects it calls Future Machines. Its first project, the retro-futuristic ARES electric neo café racer, is shaped by the company’s Electric Analog philosophy that uses advanced technology to make the connection between rider and machine more visceral and expressive.

The newly revealed Manufacto, Real Motors’ vision for the next chapter of advanced manufacturing, brings production, rapid prototyping, and R&D into one engineering-led environment. By combining it with AI, robotics, additive manufacturing, and new production methods, the company aims to reduce the labor and capital barriers to making complex products—and give engineers more freedom to create “what riders actually want.”

“Engineering begins with imagination,” said Feng. “Manufacto closes the distance between what we can imagine and what we can make real. ARES is our first expression of that freedom.”

While ARES is the first product from the Manufacto approach, the company’s ambition extends beyond one motorcycle. Its leaders envision each Future Machine, even beyond motorcycles, as both a product and an opportunity to explore materials, construction, performance, human interaction, and emotion.

“A future machine isn’t defined by a spec sheet,” said Strader. “It’s the total experience: how it’s engineered, how it’s designed, how it feels, and how you connect with it. Technology matters, but the real breakthrough is when all of those elements come together to create something people genuinely desire to ride.”

Development of the ARES was led by Real Motors’ Strader-led Advanced Engineering department with help from Circle Engineering, formed by former Energica staff, and the Michelin Innovation Lab. The Real Motors Design is built using a range of materials such as 4130 steel, A356 aluminum, CFRP (carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer), and ABS.

It was most recently showcased during NYC Design Week in May at a series of private events, customer sessions, and design-focused environments.

The first variant, the 2027 model year Founder’s Edition, is sold out. It features a PMSM (permanent-magnet synchronous motor) drive producing 75 kW and 1000 N·m (738 lb·ft) at the rear wheel with a 12/45 sprocket setup, and a 15-kW·h NCM (nickel-cobalt-manganese) battery pack.

The $19,000 neo café racer has a mass of about 220 kg (485 lb) and a 192-km/h (120-mph) top speed. Special Founder’s Edition features include lightweight composite exterior components; exclusive colorways; premium components such as suspension, brake, tires, and seat; and free extended warranty and engineering support.

The current ARES release, the 2027 MY Lot 01, features a 65-kW PMSM drive and a 13.4-kW·h NCM battery, powering the estimated 215-kg (474-lb) e-motorcycle to 175 km/h (110 mph). Limited to 250 units and priced at $20,000, it has been available to reserve since August with a fully refundable $500 deposit.

For North American territories, the Founder’s Edition comes in early 2027 after the Alpha Build. The LOT 01 variant will follow, built to the pre-order sequence. EU and GCC availability is estimated in Q1 2027, after homologation is completed.

LOT 01 buyers will have the option to choose between various liveries offered by the company’s design team. The final configuration will be disclosed before production begins.

Real Motors will showcase the latest variant at the Barber Vintage Festival at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, AL, later this month, and at EICMA in Milan, Italy, in November.