One Gang Worldwide
Blood, Sweat & Gears!
About One Gang Worldwide:
One Gang Worldwide, where motorcycle enthusiasts unite! We’re more than a podcast; we’re a global movement bringing out positive information while celebrating the heroes, trailblazers, and entrepreneurs who shape the motorcycle community.
The Podcast:
Dive into authentic conversations with our guests, exploring their journeys, triumphs, and the moments that defined their love through motorcycles. We also highlight the rising stars ready to lead the next generation. Whether you’re a rider or just curious, our stories will inspire and connect you to some of the most amazing people of our industry.
Subscribe or Download an episode today and help us continue to bring out the hidden talents from all four corners!
Your Co-Hosts:
Ben & Serge
One Gang Worldwide
The Man Bringing the Two-Stroke Back From the Dead | Christofer Ratcliffe of Langen Motorcycles | Ep. 148
Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.
In this episode of One Gang Worldwide, we sit down with Christofer Ratcliffe, founder of Langen Motorcycles and one of the minds behind some of the most radical motorcycles being built today.
What started with rebuilding motorcycles as a kid eventually turned into a career that helped shape modern British motorcycle engineering.
Chris takes us through his journey from studying automotive engineering and working at TVR to helping modernize CCM Motorcycles using 3D CAD technology, leading development of the lightweight BMW-powered GP450 Adventure bike, and helping create the now-iconic CCM Spitfire.
But this episode goes far deeper than motorcycles.
Chris shares unbelievable behind-the-scenes stories involving military and United Nations motorcycle contracts, including rugged Honda-based machines designed for Afghan forces operating in some of the harshest environments on earth.
We also dive into the birth of Langen Motorcycles, including the terrifying decision to sell his own house to fund the company, navigating the chaos of COVID, leveraging EV innovation grants to survive, and taking on the nearly impossible challenge of building a modern fuel-injected 250cc two-stroke V-twin motorcycle in an era dominated by regulations and corporate conformity.
From lightweight engineering philosophy and bespoke manufacturing to the insane vision behind the 185 horsepower / 185 kilogram Langen Lightspeed, this conversation is a raw look into what it really takes to build motorcycles without compromise.
This is a must-listen episode for motorcycle enthusiasts, engineers, builders, entrepreneurs, and anyone obsessed with performance, innovation, and chasing impossible ideas.
Connect with Chris Ratcliffe:
Website: https://www.langenmotorcycles.co.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LangenMotorcycles/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/langenmotorcycles/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/langen-motorcycles/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXdvDfQtxKh5ncwrAJJo38A
Check Out Our Sponsors:
SAVE 20% on Milwaukee Leather motorcycle gear!
✅ Use promo code: CW20
🛒 Shop here: https://milwaukeemotorcycleclothing.com
Connect with Cycles Worldwide:
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more episodes:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CyclesWorldwide
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551644038136
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cyclesworldwidellc/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sergey-tokman-2a78a6284/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cycles.worldwide
Timestamps:
00:00 The Man Bringing the Two-Stroke Back From the Dead of Langen Motorcycles
00:27 Podcast Intro and Guest
02:09 Rapid Fire Questions
04:55 Motorcycle Roots at Home
06:41 First Bike Lessons
08:10 Engineering Career Detours
09:52 TVR Trial by Fire
13:08 Joining CCM and CAD
18:27 GP450 Lightweight Breakthrough
21:31 Spitfire Born in Eight Weeks
23:59 Defense and UN Projects
25:33 Leap to Start Langen
28:42 Naming the Brand
31:12 Early Sacrifices and EV Grants
34:59 Choosing the Two Stroke Vision
36:52 Pricing a Premium Machine
38:44 Why Two Strokes Matter
40:19 Designing the V Twin Layout
41:27 Packaging Without Bodywork
42:40 Fuel Range Reality Check
43:13 Prototype Launch During Covid
45:43 Boutique Builder Value
47:50 Local Supply Chain Approach
49:29 Lightspeed 185 Brief
50:11 Scaling Customization Options
51:45 Taking On The Giants
52:53 Growth Plans And Dealers
54:10 Future Of Bespoke Bikes
56:07 UK Market And Chinese Brands
59:52 Getting Young Riders Hooked
01:01:17 Advice For Future Builders
01:03:30 US Expansion Roadshow
01:06:15 Wrap Up And Contact Info
#LangenMotorcycles #ChrisRatcliffe #MotorcyclePodcast #TwoStroke #CustomMotorcycles #BritishMotorcycles #CafeRacer #Superbike #BikeLife #MotorcycleEngineering
