On this day in 2000, Titan Partners with the Indianapolis 500

On this day, January, 28, 2000, Titan Motorcycles of Phoenix, Arizona and Indianapolis Motor Speedway officials announced as part of the agreement, that Titan would produce 100 limited edition "Indy 500" Y2K Gecko Rubbermount motorcycles. The bikes would be "available to motorcycle enthusiasts and Indianapolis 500 fans alike as the ultimate collector's piece". 

Image Source: Indiana Motorcycle Historical Society 

They announced that the winner of the 2000 Indianapolis 500 would receive a free one and Titan Motorcycles stated they were very proud to be affiliated with such a great American tradition as the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. But, the love didn't last as Titan went bankrupt a year later. 

The special edition motorcycle dubbed "The Indy 500 Gecko Rubbermount" featured custom graphics, including the 2000 Indy 500 logo and an orange-and-checkered flag paint scheme. The motorcycles had a 70-inch wheelbase, 34 degree rake and polished billet aluminum wheels. The engine is an 1833cc, four-stroke, 45-degree V-twin. 

Titan had strategic marketing partnerships with several motorsports and entertainment companies such as Indy Racing League team Kelley Racing, Fender Guitars, Playboy, Shelby American, NAPA and NASCAR Winston Cup Series team owner Michael Kranefuss. 

2000 TITAN INDY 500 GECKO RUBBERMOUNT SPECIFICATIONS: 

• Engine: Four stroke, 45 Degree, V-twin, 1833cc. Air-cooled with push rod-actuated overhead valves; two valves per cylinder with roller rocker arms and valve lifters. S&S Series "G" carburetor and K&N supercharger air cleaner. 
• Horsepower: 112 brake horsepower at 5,500 rpm. 
• Torque: 121 foot pounds at 4,000 rpm. Mileage: 28 miles per gallon city/35 miles per gallon highway. Bore/Stroke/ Compression: 4.0 inches/4.45 inches/9.8:1. 
• Drive Train: 5 speed constant mesh with diamond chain to Titan racing-spec clutch. 
• Wheelbase: 70 inches. 
• Wheels: Polished billet aluminum. 
• Front: 2.15 x 21 inches. 
• Rear: 5.5 x 18 inches. 
• Rake: 34 degrees. 
• Front Suspension: 54 mm inverted forks with Titan billet triple trees. 
• Rear Suspension: Dual 13.5-inch shocks. 
• Seat height: 24.75 inches. 
• Dry weight: 635 pounds.

NOTE: The original Titan Motorcycle Company began production in 1995 and was the first custom motorcycle company to produce in volume. At the time, many motorcycle folks like myself will remember that there was a shortage of brand new Harley-Davidsons, and those who were lucky enough to get a new one would quite often disassemble them, customize to our taste..

Theme motorcycles, specifically heavily customized, brand-specific, or overtly themed chopper builds have largely fallen out of favor in the mainstream market. While a niche interest still remains, the industry has shifted away from the "theme" look towards more functional, modern, or retro-styled motorcycles.